St John Victoria general manager John Kazanas said summer was always known as a “danger period” with people spending more time in and around water whether it be the ocean, rivers or swimming pools. 

He emphasised the importance of practising safety and being prepared to respond to all types of situations. 

“Potentially everyone is at risk of drowning and any type of water environment has an element of danger associated with it irrespective of age and swimming experience,” Mr Kazanas said. 

“It’s about remaining vigilant and being aware and ready to respond if something does go wrong – you just never know when life saving skills will come into play.” 

While St John Ambulance encourages people to undertake formal training courses in first aid and CPR, it’s helping people become more confident and competent with water first aid through a free online safety program. 

WaterFirst offers education on how first aid can save a life around water and why the first minutes matter most when responding to an emergency.

Mr Kazanas said it also dispelled some of the myths associated with water and first aid, for example that only medical professionals should perform CPR.

“You’re never too young or too old to be able to provide first aid,” he said. “If someone appears to have drowned, there is actually better than a 50 per cent chance of them surviving if someone performs CPR on them so it’s extremely important.” 

Inland waterways - which include rivers, creeks, streams, lakes, dams and lagoons - are the leading location for drownings in Australia, according to the Royal Life Saving national drowning report for 2016, with 75 deaths recorded in a 12 month period compared to 63 at beaches.

Mr Kazanas said it was also important to recognise drownings could happen at home in the pool or bathtub. 

“Try and stay up to date (with first aid training), we find there is a correlation between saving a life and being current,” he said.

For more information or to complete the program visit waterfirstaid.com.au.