Men, ‘Make the right call’ around water this long weekend
Royal Life Saving Australia said men continue to be over-represented in drowning statistics, particularly during holiday periods, with alcohol a significant factor in drowning for men.
Heading into the long weekend, Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) is urging men to "Make the Right Call" around water and look after themselves, their mates and their families.
RSLA said men continue to be over-represented in drowning statistics, particularly during holiday periods when people are travelling, socialising and spending time around rivers, lakes, dams and coastal waterways.
Over the last decade, 2285 males have fatally drowned. On average, 228 fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, friends drown each year. Males continue to be over-represented, making up 80 per cent of all drowning deaths.
Inland waterways pose higher risks for younger men aged 25 – 34 years, with 42 per cent of all drowning in this age group occurring at rivers/creeks, and lakes/dams. In comparison, men 35 – 44 years drown in range of locations, including at beaches (26 per cent) and rivers/creek (26 per cent).
Alcohol is a significant factor for drowning in men. Research shows that 25 – 34 years age group report the highest proportion (31 per cent) of alcohol-related drowning compared to all other age groups.
In response, Royal Life Saving has launched its Make the Right Call campaign, targeting men aged 25–45 years and promoting a commonsense approach to safety around water - encouraging men to look after their mates and make safer decisions when swimming, boating and fishing.
Public holiday long weekends are known to be higher-risk periods for drowning, people travelling to unfamiliar locations, social gatherings and alcohol often combining to increase danger around water. As at 20 January 2026, 42 people have drowned, 88 per cent were male, 21 per cent were aged between 18 – 34 years with majority being male.
“We’re asking men to make the right call around water this long weekend and to look out for their mates,” said Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Dr Justin Scarr.
“We know that young men often overestimate their skills and ability around water, and underestimate the dangers of hazards like currents, water depth and changes in conditions, which can be heightened with alcohol and influence from peers,” said Dr Justin Scarr.
The Make the Right Call campaign advocates a simple, commonsense approach to water safety by encouraging men to protect themselves and their mates through practical actions:
• Avoid alcohol around water. Alcohol affects judgement, balance and reaction time, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Wear a lifejacket when on the water. Whether boating, fishing or paddling, wearing a properly fitted lifejacket significantly reduces drowning risk if something goes wrong.
• Avoid going alone around water. Always go with others and keep an eye on each other. Looking after mates can save lives.
Royal Life Saving’s Make the Right Call campaign is supported by the Australian Government.
For more information, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/maketherightcall
