Make The Right Call is a Royal Life Saving WA initiative supported by the Western Australian Department of Health.
Half of all drowning deaths recorded in WA are adults aged 45 years and over. We know that Aussies have grown up around water and have their own tips and tricks to stay safe, but anyone can drown, regardless of age, skills or experience.
Water can overpower you, sometimes when you least expect it. Being prepared, by knowing the risks and how to identify dangers for yourself and others can save lives.
Check the water and check yourself. Making the right call is always safer on solid ground.
Consider the following actions to stay safe and have fun!
Check the water
It is best to always check local weather and water conditions before heading into the water. We recommend chatting to locals to ensure you choose a safe spot to swim, fish or boat.You can also visit BOM for live weather updates. Remember, conditions can change quickly so if the waves, weather or swell threaten your spot then leave immediately.
Remember it is important to know the area! Read all the safety signage – it has been placed there for a reason.
Are you going rock fishing?
Observe first, fish later. Take the time to watch your chosen spot (we recommend 20 minutes) and get an idea of the conditions (e.g., full swell/wave cycle). If you’re in doubt, don’t fish.
We recommend reading these tips on staying safe while rock fishing.
Check yourself
Regardless of how much time you might have spent around the water, your physical abilities change day to day. Ageing can also bring about limitations that may affect your safety around the water. It's important to be conscious of changes in your physical fitness, medical conditions and the effect of medications before you jump in. We recommend you:
- Chat to your doctor - tell your doctor that you are exercising and ask for a health check to ensure you are ready to go.
- Consider the effects of medication - talk your pharmacist or doctor about whether any of your medications will affect your ability to be physically active.
- Talk to the lifeguards - if you have a medical condition or don’t feel as fit as you used to, let the lifeguard know before getting in.
- Swim in a supervised area - when it comes to safety, socialising and support there’s no better place to swim than your local aquatic centre.
The water's always better with a mate
Going by yourself is risky. The water can be overpowering and if things go sideways, having a pal there could save your life. Maybe we think ‘nothing will happen to me’ but no fishing trip or joy ride is worth is worth your life. Plus, taking a mate (or two) is lots more fun, safer and you can share the catch! Make The Right Call.
Get prepared with a lifejacket
Having a lifejacket on your boat is a great first step, but it can't save your life if you're not wearing it! Every year lives are lost in recreational boating incidents. Tragically, many could have survived had they been wearing a lifejacket, especially in smaller boats. With discounted, slimline lifejackets available through the Old4New program and free lifejackets available for loan from RecFishWest, there is really no excuse not to wear one! You wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt, so why would you go out on the water without a lifejacket?
Do you have one of our lifejackets and want to know how to maintain it? Find more information here.
Or book into a Department of Transport Make a Difference lifejacket clinics here.