Sea safety campaign aimed at older men

SURF lifesavers are urging people in the Far North to take care in the water this summer after a spate of drownings in the past financial year.

The move is part of a new campaign launched yesterday with a commercial airing on television.

Data from Surf Life Saving Queensland revealed four of the 21 drownings in the past year were in the Cairns region.

In addition, volunteer lifesavers across the region performed nine rescues, 270 first aid treatments and 3933 preventive actions to protect beachgoers.

Chief executive officer Dave Whimpey has pleaded with beachgoers across the state to put safety first.

“The sad reality is most drownings can be prevented, and our new summer safety campaign highlights how simple and easy choices are,” Mr Whimpey said.

“Measures like swimming between the flags can avert a potential tragedy and spare your loved ones from a lifetime of heartbreak.”

The focus of the campaign is the use of an older male as the central character, which was a deliberate choice by producers following 12 drownings last year involving men over 50 years of age.

“In years gone by it’s been younger males who were most at risk of drowning, but more recently we’ve seen a clear shift towards older beachgoers,” Mr Whimpey said.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are or how much experience you have in the ocean, if you’re not putting safety first, then you’re putting your life on the line.”

Mr Whimpey said that those drownings were a result of people over 50 suffering a medical episode in the water.

“We’re also encouraging any beachgoers approaching, or aged over 50, to visit their doctor for regular check-ups.”

There are five surf life saving clubs in the Far North.