B2B with a Twist Publication - Work • Stay • Play October Edition Work • Stay • Play November 2016 Edition | Page 20

B2B - Keeping you in the know Waterways Inland waterways contain many environments where drowning deaths occur – rivers, lakes, dams, irrigation channels, water tanks and creeks have all been sites of drowning deaths. The flat, still surface of an inland waterway can give a false sense of security. Currents, undertows or submerged objects – even in seemingly tranquil waterways – can prove to be very dangerous. Inland waterways are not patrolled by lifeguards, and should someone get into trouble, there may be no one there to assist. Remember that water conditions can change very quickly. What may have appeared safe earlier could become very different a few hours later. Submerged objects, like branches or rocks, are often invisible from above the surface and present a real risk of neck and spinal injuries, especially to divers. Always enter the water slowly, feet first and never dive in. Be aware that cold water can cause hypothermia. Water can also be deeper than first thought due to steep drop-offs in dams or riverbeds. People of all ages and ability drown in inland waterways. In 2011/12 there were 104 drowning deaths in inland waterways. Of these 75 occurred in rivers, creeks and streams and 29 in lakes, dams and lagoons. Did you know that most drowning deaths occur in natural water environments - rivers, lakes, and dams? Don’t be fooled by calm water on a clear day, many seemingly tranquil waterways can present dangerous hazards. www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs/respecttheriver/about Beach Safety Swim between the flags • Only swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach The red and yellow flags indicate the safest place to swim when lifeguards and lifesavers patrol beaches • Always swim at patrolled beaches • Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safer area for swimming • Never swim, surf or fish alone • Read and obey the signs • Be aware of rip currents (know how to spot one and how to escape from one) • Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Never run or dive in the water, even if you have checked before as water conditions can change • If in doubt stay out • Seek advice from the lifesavers and lifeguards Rips A rip is an intermittent strong surface current flowing seaward from the shore. Water safety experts provide advice on exactly what a rip is, how a rip behaves, how to recognise a rip and what to do if you are caught in a rip. Different experts have different opinions about the best way to get out of a rip. www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/beach-safety View this Publication online - b2bwithatwist.com.au 20 Domestic & Commercial Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery Cleaning Locally Owned & operated Have 4 rooms cleaned for 119 $ Call us on 0406 467 772 or Email [email protected] & we will deodorise Professional | Reliable | Competitive FREE* *Conditions apply. www.pinnaclecarpetcleaning.com.au