Dear Editor,
Recent statistics from the Royal Life Saving Society have shown that NSW recorded the highest number of drowning deaths from 2002 to 2012, with 246 people sadly drowning in a creek, river or stream over the ten year period.
As a personal injury lawyer and president of Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club, I am a strong advocate for water safety and have seen people end up with injuries, sometimes permanent, that were caused by poor judgement when engaging in water-related activities.
We all need to be cautious when entering a river, stream or creek and be mindful that there can be strong currents and deep channels which can quickly take even the strongest of swimmers by surprise.
The water safety message needs to be spread far and wide so that we can continue to enjoy our waterways safely.
Stuart Barnett
General Manager, Personal Injury
Slater & Gordon