Water safety campaign targets men
A new State Government advertising campaign will target adult men in a push to reduce drowning deaths across the state.
The campaign asks men to not consider themselves an ‘Unsinkable Guy’ after reported government statistics showed 80 percent of drowning deaths in Victoria during the past 10 years involved men aged 25 to 64.
The campaign accompanies the launch of a new State Government Water Safety Strategy for 2021-2025 that includes $8.5-million for Life Saving Victoria and $71.5-million to support swimming lessons for primary school children.
Horsham paramedic Phil Jaboor, who swims one and a half kilometres in the Wimmera River daily, said water-safety education continued to be underestimated.
“Being both a medical professional and a keen water user means water safety is a major concern,” he said.
“Know your limits, especially if you can’t see the bottom in a river or lake. Don’t be a hero.”
The new campaign, which started on Sunday, is built on research showing men often underestimate the risk of themselves drowning, despite a tendency to look out for others in similar danger.
Research also showed a third of all drowning deaths in Victoria in the past decade involved alcohol.
State Minister for Emergency Services
Jaclyn Symes said she hoped the new campaign would ‘drive drownings to zero’ and encourage people to enjoy activities around the water safely.
“We’re urging all Victorians to be alert to potential risks around water so that we can all have a safe and fun summer – but particularly men who tend to underestimate and misjudge the risks to themselves,” she said.
“We want all Victorians to enjoy our beautiful waterways, but we also want them all to come home.
“The Unsinkable Guy reminds us all that there are still risks around water.”