Tomorrow is the first day of summer, which means more time being spent around water, but sadly it's when rates of drowning tend to increase.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia CEO Justin Scarr is urging everyone to make water safety awareness a key priority this summer after drownings increased by 15 on the previous year to 333, including 145 over summer.

"Last year was an absolute shocker, obviosuly on the east coast we had significant flooding... and in the wake of COVID, we were out and about more, enjoying our wonderful waterways," he told 6PR Afternoons host Jo McManus.

"But it's absolutely tragic that with that increase activity, came some really disturbing drowning events.

"West Australians have done really well in forcing down drowning incidents, but last year was not a good one."

Tomorrow is the first day of summer, which means more time being spent around water, but sadly it's when rates of drowning tend to increase.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia CEO Justin Scarr is urging everyone to make water safety awareness a key priority this summer after drownings increased by 15 on the previous year to 333, including 145 over summer.
"Last year was an absolute shocker, obviosuly on the east coast we had significant flooding... and in the wake of COVID, we were out and about more, enjoying our wonderful waterways," he told 6PR Afternoons host Jo McManus.
"But it's absolutely tragic that with that increase activity, came some really disturbing drowning events.
"West Australians have done really well in forcing down drowning incidents, but last year was not a good one."

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Afternoons with Julie-anne Sprague will break down the issues that matter to you.
It’s a conversation with the people of Perth where you’ll get to know more than just the headline. It connects you with some of the country’s leading experts in health, property and technology.
As well as the latest news, you’ll get informative tips and advice on everything from keeping your garden in bloom to the best travel spots, as well as behind-the-scenes takes on your favourite sports teams.
You’ll have a laugh and you’re guaranteed to learn something new when you tune in with Julie-anne from 12pm-3pm.

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