Good Vibes Only: The Top Tips You and Your Mates Need to Stay Safe Around the Water this Summer

It doesn’t take much to be a ‘Mermate’ 🧜🧜‍♂️

This article is presented in partnership with Royal Life Saving WA. 

It’s certainly heating up outside and, with all that extra spicy sunshine, comes both the want (and need) to be relaxing by a body of water. 

There is quite literally nothing better than a day in the water with your mates, but swimming in Australia can be risky business. 

This is especially true for young people, with those in WA aged 15-24 having the second-highest drowning rate of any other age group in the state.  

While there are of course many dangers associated with aquatic activities, there are also plenty of ways to have fun in the sun and keep the good vibes going all summer long - all you need? These five tips to keep you and your mates safe.  

Spot before you swim. 

We get it - the second you get to the beach, you just want to jump right in. But it’s super important to spot the hazards before you swim.  

Take 30 seconds to scan the water to ensure it’s safe for you and your mates.  

Things to look out for include rip currents (or ‘rips’), which are strong currents around the shore that run away from the beach - and they’re the number one hazard on Aussie beaches. 

But even if you're going for a swim in the pool or a lake, it's still worth stopping and scanning the water before you jump in. 

Don’t know? Don’t dive. 

Only you know your swimming strength, so it’s important to only get in the water in conditions you feel comfortable in.  

It’s also important not to dive in if you can’t see the bottom. No matter where you are, if the water looks dodgy, rough or even if it looks too deep. If you don’t know, don’t dive. 

Don’t swig and swim. 

Alcohol and swimming don’t mix, but you already know that. 

Swimming can be risky as it is, but drinking impacts your reaction time and coordination. That’s why it’s best to avoid drinking or taking any substances on a day when you might be swimming.  

Don’t be scared to say no to swimming if there is any drinking going on - there are plenty of other fun alternative activities to suggest that don’t involve getting in the water! 

Float with friends. 

Make sure you’ve got a big ol’ group of friends to swim with. Let’s face it, no one wants to go swimming alone anyway! 

But also, there’s safety in numbers and you don’t want to be in any situation where you can’t get help if things go pear-shaped, or don’t have anyone looking out for you.

OMG’s = 000 and CPR. 

Of course it’s important to know what to do if you get in trouble, but how can you be a good ‘mermate’ if you don’t know what to do when your friends get in trouble too? 

Whether you’re in or out of the water, if something goes wrong or you’re with someone who’s too drunk or looks like they’re going to pass out, call 000 and stay with them. 

Don’t have any first aid skills yet? Now is as good a time as any to learn! Knowing how to lay a person on their side so they don’t choke, or do CPR in the case of an emergency, could save a life. 

If you follow these tips from Royal Life Saving WA, there’s less chance you’ll face any kind of sticky situation and more chance you’ll have a fun, safe time swimming in the sunshine this summer! 

Student Edge recommends and promotes responsible drinking.