Desperate plea for Aussies to be careful on summer swims after SIX people drown in just the first three days of 2022

  • Beachgoers have been asked to be cautious after six drowning days in 3 days
  • So far in 2022, half a dozen people have lost their lives in hazardous conditions
  • Wild swells have been seen at beaches up and down Australia’s east coast  

By Maeve Bannister For Australian Associated Press

Published: 10:49 GMT, 3 January 2022 | Updated: 11:19 GMT, 3 January 2022


Lifesavers are pleading with beachgoers to stay vigilant after six drowning deaths in the first three days of the new year.

Since the start of summer on December 1 there have been 20 drowning deaths at coastal waterways, four more than the same time last year and already higher than the 10-year average of 16.

The toll does not include the death of a two-year-old girl who drowned in a park pond in Melbourne in the lead-up to Christmas and a three-year-old at Lake Macquarie on Christmas Day.

Amy Staunton, 17, (pictured) fell into South Australia's Murray River a few hours before midnight on New Year's Eve, prompting an extensive aerial, land and water search

Amy Staunton, 17, (pictured) fell into South Australia’s Murray River a few hours before midnight on New Year’s Eve, prompting an extensive aerial, land and water search

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir said people should take simple precautions like swimming at patrolled beaches, wearing a life jacket when rock fishing or boating and always supervising children on, in and around water.

Sport Minister Richard Colbeck issued an urgent reminder to Australians not to become complacent after the recent string of drowning tragedies.

He said the incidents were an important reminder to look out for loved ones, read safety signs, swim between the flags and follow advice from lifesavers.

‘A tragedy can unfold in seconds,’ he said.

‘Can I urge Australians everywhere – families on holiday or mates catching up after a challenging period – don’t be ignorant to the dangers.’

Amy's body was discovered south of Swan Reach in South Australia 17 hours after she fell after police rescuers aided by helicopters and the State Emergency service were unable to locate the teenager on Friday (pictured, the area Amy went missing)

Amy's body was discovered south of Swan Reach in South Australia 17 hours after she fell after police rescuers aided by helicopters and the State Emergency service were unable to locate the teenager on Friday (pictured, the area Amy went missing)

Amy’s body was discovered south of Swan Reach in South Australia 17 hours after she fell after police rescuers aided by helicopters and the State Emergency service were unable to locate the teenager on Friday (pictured, the area Amy went missing)

It comes as tributes for the 17-year-old girl who drowned after falling from a barge into a river have described a ‘vivacious’ teenager with a contagious smile.

Amy Staunton fell into the Murray River a few hours before midnight on New Year’s Eve, prompting an aerial, land and water search.

Her body was discovered south of Swan Reach in South Australia 17 hours after she fell after police rescuers aided by helicopters and the State Emergency service were unable to locate the teenager on Friday.

Amy was remembered by those closest to her as a ‘gorgeous young lady’ who always wore a bright smile on her face, especially around her beloved horses.

A father died on New Year's Day saving his son after a fall at Wappa Falls (pictured, lifesavers at the scene)

A father died on New Year's Day saving his son after a fall at Wappa Falls (pictured, lifesavers at the scene)

A father died on New Year’s Day saving his son after a fall at Wappa Falls (pictured, lifesavers at the scene)

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