Page 4
Sample book
Our water culture
Between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015, there were 271
drowning deaths inAustralian waterways. In 2016, the number
of people drowning inAustralia has increased year, but remains
the second lowest on average since 2002/03.
Over half these drownings were related to swimming, surfing
or falling into the ocean.
We use the sea for
commerce
and
recreation
; sports such as
sailing, surfing, swimming or boating irresistibly attract many
of us to the water.
Water safety
is an important part of marine studies because
we all need to be aware of the dangers associated with water
and its environment. We need to learn how to avoid drowning.
Simple skills such as how to tow someone out of danger using
an everyday object, how to operate a powerboat at a safe speed
while wearing clothes to suit the situation (Figure 4.2), or
more advanced skills how to avoid falling off a yacht at night
(Figure 4.3) are essential.
Tourism
Television commercials constantly remind motorists to obey
road safety laws and more recently we are starting to see
commercials that talk about water safety.
Our rivers, lakes, dams, oceans and seashore have become
part of our way of life; the focus of multi-million dollar
industries for commercial harvest or tourism and enjoyment.
An overwhelming proportion of our population live within 2
hours drive of the coast.
Our internationally renowned fishermen, rowers, water-skiers,
sailors, powerboat drivers, surfers, swimmers, sailboarders
and scuba divers highlight the widespread use we make of our
beautiful water environment.
Jan Taylor
Wet Paper
Figure 4.2 Specialized safety equipment
is required to drive a power boat.
Figure 4.1 The sea has become part
of our culture.
Murray Waite
Figure 4.3 Special safety equipment is required for sailing
Murray Waite
