The Active Adults campaign encourages participation, with the low impact nature of aquatic exercise an ideal form of activity and recreation, but also urges older residents to take extra care.
Research from Royal Life Saving NSW shows that in the past 12 months, there were 281 drowning deaths, with 57 per cent adults 45 years and older. Those aged over 65 represented 27 per cent of fatal drownings and there’s been a 43 per cent increase in the past 20 years.
People over 65 are encouraged to follow these five tips to enjoying aquatic recreation:
• Share the fun with someone.
• Wear a lifejacket when on the water.
• Check any medications don’t interfere with your ability to swim.
• Watch your step around water.
• Know your limits and avoid taking risks.
Toolkits and guides are available at drowningprevention.org.au, while Granville and Guildford Swim Centres as well as the Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in Lidcombe, offers swim classes for all ages and experience.
Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison, said with a hot summer ahead, there was a need for older people to keep water safety top of mind when planning a day in, on or near the water.
Seniors drowning increase warning
THE NSW Government is partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW to highlight the importance of water safety for seniors this summer.
