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Even though people often assume that the waters in and around Australia are warm, there are many places where the water is cold for a large portion of the year. The extreme effects of cold water on the body and its ability to function means there is an increased risk of drowning. Whilst swimming in winter is uncommon, other aquatic activities like boating and fishing are popular year round. Drowning is still a risk, even when victims had no intention to go in the water. Lifejackets increase the chance of survival when immersed in cold water. Lifejackets keep people afloat and help them retain heat until rescued. Accidental falls into water are, surprisingly, one of the leading causes for drowning deaths. Slippery banks, poor weather conditions and alcohol are all factors which can contribute to falls into water. Alcohol increases your chance of getting hypothermia. In cold situations, the body will attempt to draw blood away from the limbs and to the vital organs to prevent heat loss. Alcohol, however, prevents this and therefore increases the chance of hypothermia There are three phases of the body’s response to cold water immersion Phase 1 Initial immersion and cold shock response Occurs within the first 1 to 4 minutes Increase in metabolism Rapid skin cooling initiates immediate gasp response, inability to hold breath and hyperventilation Phase 2 Short term immersion and loss of performance Significant cooling of peripheral tissues, especially in the extremities, continues with most of the effects occurring over the first 30 minutes Phase 3 Long term immersion and the onset of hypothermia Continuous heat loss from the body eventually decreases core temperature Hypothermia usually only becomes a contributor to death if immersion lasts for more than 30 minutes SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES The key to cold water survival is to conserve body heat. If you find yourself unexpectedly immersed in cold water, discard only heavy garments. Clothing, particularly protective clothing, will help prevent the loss of body heat. Ordinary clothing can reduce the cooling rate by 50%. It is important to retain head covering because a large proportion of heat is lost via the head. Stay calm, rapid movement causes faster heat loss. Stay afloat on your back and hold any buoyant object if available. Adopt the ‘Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) technique’ by drawing your knees to your chin, keeping your legs together, pressing both arms against your side and keeping your head out of the water. Signal for help by raising one arm above the head with an open hand, shout for help and stay calm. ASSISTING SOMEONE IN TROUBLE The key factor in a rescue is self-preservation. Always ensure safety to yourself and don’t put yourself in danger. Shout for assistance and phone emergency services on 000 Talk to them, reassure and signal to assist Try and reach them from the land by lying chest down on the ground, reach out with a solid object such as a branch, post or umbrella Throw a buoyant aid such as a lifejacket or a rescue ring DROWNING PREVENTION TIPS Be prepared – Check the weather report and monitor the conditions of the water before going out Always wear a lifejacket when boating or in a watercraft – Ensure that lifejackets are worn by all people on board, are properly fitted and regularly serviced Never go alone – Always go with someone else and inform others of your destination and when you intend to return, particularly in remote locations Avoid alcohol around water – Alcohol impairs judgement and increases risk-taking behaviour, affects coordination and reaction time, making it difficult to get out of trouble 23 Dec 2020 Surviving in Cold Water Swimming & Lifesaving < Back to News Even though people often assume that the waters in and around Australia are warm, there are many places where the water is cold for a large portion of the year. The extreme effects of cold water on the body and its ability to function means there is an increased risk of drowning. Whilst swimming in winter is uncommon, other aquatic activities like boating and fishing are popular year round. Drowning is still a risk, even when victims had no intention to go in the water. Lifejackets increase the chance of survival when immersed in cold water. Lifejackets keep people afloat and help them retain heat until rescued. Accidental falls into water are, surprisingly, one of the leading causes for drowning deaths. Slippery banks, poor weather conditions and alcohol are all factors which can contribute to falls into water. Alcohol increases your chance of getting hypothermia. In cold situations, the body will attempt to draw blood away from the limbs and to the vital organs to prevent heat loss. Alcohol, however, prevents this and therefore increases the chance of hypothermia There are three phases of the body’s response to cold water immersion Phase 1 Initial immersion and cold shock response Occurs within the first 1 to 4 minutes Increase in metabolism Rapid skin cooling initiates immediate gasp response, inability to hold breath and hyperventilation Phase 2 Short term immersion and loss of performance Significant cooling of peripheral tissues, especially in the extremities, continues with most of the effects occurring over the first 30 minutes Phase 3 Long term immersion and the onset of hypothermia Continuous heat loss from the body eventually decreases core temperature Hypothermia usually only becomes a contributor to death if immersion lasts for more than 30 minutes SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES The key to cold water survival is to conserve body heat. If you find yourself unexpectedly immersed in cold water, discard only heavy garments. Clothing, particularly protective clothing, will help prevent the loss of body heat. Ordinary clothing can reduce the cooling rate by 50%. It is important to retain head covering because a large proportion of heat is lost via the head. Stay calm, rapid movement causes faster heat loss. Stay afloat on your back and hold any buoyant object if available. Adopt the ‘Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) technique’ by drawing your knees to your chin, keeping your legs together, pressing both arms against your side and keeping your head out of the water. Signal for help by raising one arm above the head with an open hand, shout for help and stay calm . ASSISTING SOMEONE IN TROUBLE The key factor in a rescue is self-preservation. Always ensure safety to yourself and don’t put yourself in danger. Shout for assistance and phone emergency services on 000 Talk to them, reassure and signal to assist Try and reach them from the land by lying chest down on the ground, reach out with a solid object such as a branch, post or umbrella Throw a buoyant aid such as a lifejacket or a rescue ring DROWNING PREVENTION TIPS Be prepared – Check the weather report and monitor the conditions of the water before going out Always wear a lifejacket when boating or in a watercraft – Ensure that lifejackets are worn by all people on board, are properly fitted and regularly serviced Never go alone – Always go with someone else and inform others of your destination and when you intend to return, particularly in remote locations Avoid alcohol around water – Alcohol impairs judgement and increases risk-taking behaviour, affects coordination and reaction time, making it difficult to get out of trouble Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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28183e0a-130c-4832-b6a1-0bdf9cc5e076 < Back Waterabilities Swim Intructor Shortlisted Refresh All Applicants Your content has been updated < Back to Job Manager

A Royal Life Saving NSW day of action on water safety, sparked by a tragic summer of drownings for NSW, has called on candidates in the NSW election to support drowning prevention strategies. Reported drownings by the end of summer reached 36 in NSW, more than Victoria and Queensland combined. Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky said this summer’s fatalities add to a darker trend for NSW, highlighted in recent national 10-year data. “NSW is disproportionately represented in this summer’s national drowning fatalities, with 45 per cent of the nation’s drowning toll occurring in NSW pools, coastal and inland waterways this season. “This summer is part of a trajectory we want to avoid – over the past 10 years eight of Australia’s 12 inland river blackspots are in NSW and at the local government level, the communities with the highest risk of drowning are in Western Sydney. “The drowning prevention day of action responds to rising challenges of the last three years including fires, floods, drought and the pandemic, which have resulted in pool closures and reduced access to swimming and water safety programs. “Around the country we saw 10 million swimming lessons lost over COVID -19, compounded by long delay getting back into lessons, we’re now worried for a generation of young people. “In NSW 40 per cent of children are unable to swim 50 metres or float for two minutes in deep water – a basic swimming benchmark for survival skills. “The fact that almost half of the kids in our state finish primary school without a basic swimming and adequate survival skills should be very concerning to communities, we hope this pledge for drowning prevention sparks conversations with local candidates throughout the state this weekend. “We want all people to have the opportunity to enjoy the water safety and be able to look out for one another. “The pledge being sent to NSW candidates today asks for their commitment to supporting drowning prevention measures throughout life – from early childhood and school swimming programs, adult learn-to swim, CPR and first aid, through to swimming instructor and lifeguard training. Mr Ilinsky said “This summer’s tragic toll has been a lesson on the growing urgency for a renewed commitment to early prevention strategies. As candidates across NSW step up their campaign efforts, the RLSNSW election platform offers four key initiatives for a NSW Government committed to drowning prevention: Ensure funding to address key water safety priorities identified in the 2022 National Drowning Report As 56 per cent of fatal drownings occur in inland waterways, support RLSNSW regional infrastructure to provide priority regions with inland water safety offices – to reach 100,000 children annually Provide support to reach disadvantaged communities with basic water safety and swimming lessons providing 30,000 children and adults from disadvantaged communities with a 10 lesson program. Continue the First Lap program To ensure Water Safety is a priority across NSW, please click here here to take the pledge 13 Mar 2023 Royal Life Saving NSW releases Election Pledge Media Releases < Back to News A Royal Life Saving NSW day of action on water safety, sparked by a tragic summer of drownings for NSW, has called on candidates in the NSW election to support drowning prevention strategies. Reported drownings by the end of summer reached 36 in NSW, more than Victoria and Queensland combined. Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky said this summer’s fatalities add to a darker trend for NSW, highlighted in recent national 10-year data. “NSW is disproportionately represented in this summer’s national drowning fatalities, with 45 per cent of the nation’s drowning toll occurring in NSW pools, coastal and inland waterways this season. “This summer is part of a trajectory we want to avoid – over the past 10 years eight of Australia’s 12 inland river blackspots are in NSW and at the local government level, the communities with the highest risk of drowning are in Western Sydney. “The drowning prevention day of action responds to rising challenges of the last three years including fires, floods, drought and the pandemic, which have resulted in pool closures and reduced access to swimming and water safety programs. “Around the country we saw 10 million swimming lessons lost over COVID -19, compounded by long delay getting back into lessons, we’re now worried for a generation of young people. “In NSW 40 per cent of children are unable to swim 50 metres or float for two minutes in deep water – a basic swimming benchmark for survival skills. “The fact that almost half of the kids in our state finish primary school without a basic swimming and adequate survival skills should be very concerning to communities, we hope this pledge for drowning prevention sparks conversations with local candidates throughout the state this weekend. “We want all people to have the opportunity to enjoy the water safety and be able to look out for one another. “The pledge being sent to NSW candidates today asks for their commitment to supporting drowning prevention measures throughout life – from early childhood and school swimming programs, adult learn-to swim, CPR and first aid, through to swimming instructor and lifeguard training. Mr Ilinsky said “This summer’s tragic toll has been a lesson on the growing urgency for a renewed commitment to early prevention strategies. As candidates across NSW step up their campaign efforts, the RLSNSW election platform offers four key initiatives for a NSW Government committed to drowning prevention: Ensure funding to address key water safety priorities identified in the 2022 National Drowning Report As 56 per cent of fatal drownings occur in inland waterways, support RLSNSW regional infrastructure to provide priority regions with inland water safety offices – to reach 100,000 children annually Provide support to reach disadvantaged communities with basic water safety and swimming lessons providing 30,000 children and adults from disadvantaged communities with a 10 lesson program. Continue the First Lap program To ensure Water Safety is a priority across NSW, please click here here to take the pledge RLS NSW Water Safety Pledge .pdf Download PDF • 2.76MB Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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The 2025 NSW State Pool Lifesaving Championships, held on June 21–22 at Cranbrook School Swimming Pool, delivered two dynamic days of racing, sportsmanship and camaraderie. The event showcased the incredible depth of pool lifesaving talent emerging across New South Wales, with impressive performances across all ages and abilities. The tight competition in the individual events was unmatched, and the club relays were a real highlight! Every team gave it their all, throwing themselves into the action while crowds cheered on from the grandstand, setting a new benchmark for the State Champuionship event. From first-time competitors learning the ropes, to a number of Australian athletes using the event as a warm-up for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships in Wales, the competition was a powerful display of how far the sport has come—and the exciting direction it's heading! We also had the unique honour of welcoming a competitor from the Canadian National Team, adding an exciting international touch to the competition. A Huge Thank You To... This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort and support of so many people and organisations. Special thanks go to: The 28 teams and 232 athletes who gave it everything in the pool Cranbrook School for hosting us at their state-of-the-art facility All of the officials and volunteers who made sure everything ran smoothly Volunteer divers from the Sydney Sub Aqua Club helping with the equipment maneuvering Club team managers, parents, and families who supported their athletes all weekend And a very special thanks to Parramatta City Club, who ran the barbecue tirelessly from 7am to 5pm both days—keeping everyone well fed and energised! Looking Ahead The 2025 Championships were more than just a competition—they were a celebration of the sport's rich history, how is has now come and the exciting direction that it is heading. With more people getting involved each year, rising standards, and increased community engagement, pool lifesaving in NSW is going from strength to strength. Excitement is already building for 2026, as the sport continues to evolve, attract new athletes, and build lasting momentum. Check out the full list of results here. 📸 Special thanks to the event photographers who captured some great images of the action! 1 July 2025 2025 State Championships Raise the Bar for Pool Lifesaving in NSW Swimming & Lifesaving < Back to News The 2025 NSW State Pool Lifesaving Championships, held on June 21–22 at Cranbrook School Swimming Pool, delivered two dynamic days of racing, sportsmanship and camaraderie. The event showcased the incredible depth of pool lifesaving talent emerging across New South Wales, with impressive performances across all ages and abilities. The tight competition in the individual events was unmatched, and the club relays were a real highlight! Every team gave it their all, throwing themselves into the action while crowds cheered on from the grandstand, setting a new benchmark for the State Champuionship event. From first-time competitors learning the ropes, to a number of Australian athletes using the event as a warm-up for the upcoming Commonwealth Championships in Wales, the competition was a powerful display of how far the sport has come—and the exciting direction it's heading! We also had the unique honour of welcoming a competitor from the Canadian National Team, adding an exciting international touch to the competition. A Huge Thank You To... This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort and support of so many people and organisations. Special thanks go to: The 28 teams and 232 athletes who gave it everything in the pool Cranbrook School for hosting us at their state-of-the-art facility All of the officials and volunteers who made sure everything ran smoothly Volunteer divers from the Sydney Sub Aqua Club helping with the equipment maneuvering Club team managers, parents, and families who supported their athletes all weekend And a very special thanks to Parramatta City Club, who ran the barbecue tirelessly from 7am to 5pm both days—keeping everyone well fed and energised! Looking Ahead The 2025 Championships were more than just a competition—they were a celebration of the sport's rich history, how is has now come and the exciting direction that it is heading. With more people getting involved each year, rising standards, and increased community engagement, pool lifesaving in NSW is going from strength to strength. Excitement is already building for 2026, as the sport continues to evolve, attract new athletes, and build lasting momentum. Check out the full list of results here . 📸 Special thanks to the event photographers who captured some great images of the action! Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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