The RLS Society has launched a campaign titled Don’t Let Your Mates Drink and Drown, in light of alarming new research and figures around water deaths in Australia.

“Men are four times more likely to drown than women,” a spokesperson said.

In the last decade 1932 men have drowned, and one in four of the drowning deaths involve alcohol.

“The campaign is urging men to look out for each other, and to avoid alcohol consumption before and during swimming, boating and fishing in order to prevent further lives being lost to drowning.” 

The campaign is backed by the Federal Government and will be published across all facets of media including tv and community service announcements, print and radio, as well as local activities and events.

While a quarter of the 1932 men that drowned between 2006 and 2016, one quarter were drunk and swimming, while a further 22% were drunk whilst on a boat or operating water craft.

The research also confirmed that men over the age of 34 are most at risk of drowning from the dangerous activities.

RLS NSW CEO David Macallister said he was deeply concerned at the high levels of intoxication of men when in and around waterways.

“There has been great success in reducing drink driving on our roads, but rates of drinking while swimming or boating remain frighteningly high,” Mr Macallister said.

“On weekends and public holidays, men often get together for a day of boating, fishing or camping. We’re urging men to look out for their mates by avoiding alcohol around water, and keeping them safe if they are drunk near the water.”

Alcohol increases the risk of drowning by impairing judgement, reducing coordination, delaying reaction time, and heightening the chance of hypothermia.