Be safe while enjoying the Gannawarra's waterways

Published on 05 February 2020

With the high temperatures this summer continuing, Gannawarra Shire Council residents and visitors are urged to be safe when enjoying the aquatic opportunities on offer throughout the municipality.
 
Fifty-six people lost their lives by drowning in Victorian waterways in 2018/19 – a 20-year high – with two-thirds of these deaths occurring summer and autumn.
 
“The Gannawarra is renowned for its lakes and waterways, but it is important to remember to think about your safety when enjoying your time by the water,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.
 
“Whether you are relaxing by the Murray River, Gunbower Creek, the Kerang Lakes or at any of the swimming pools located throughout the Gannawarra, some simple steps can be taken to ensure you are safe.”
 
Residents and visitors can act safely around the Gannawarra’s waterways in the following ways:

• Keeping constant supervision of any children who are in the water;
• Checking the depth of the water and the presence of snags, especially when entering a creek, river or lake; and
• Not drinking alcohol before entering the water. 

“The key tip is to constantly supervise children around water.  Turning away for a few moments – whether to check on food cooking or to look at a mobile phone – can be the difference in saving a child’s life if they happen to fall into the water,” Mayor Learmonth said.
 
“Children under five years of age should be within arm's reach of an adult at all times, whilst children under 10 years of age should always be within sight.”
 
For more information about being safe around water, please visit www.watersafety.vic.gov.au