SLSQ shines a spotlight on snorkeller safety
As the state’s peak authority on aquatic safety, SLSQ remains more committed than ever to improving and increasing protection for all swimmers, beachgoers and coastal users across Queensland. Now, following a spate of fatalities amongst recreational snorkellers off the coast of North Queensland late last year, SLSQ is calling for a more collective approach and collaborative effort when it comes to relevant safety strategies moving forward. SLSQ coastal safety officer Chantel Fife said ten snorkellers had tragically lost their lives in North Queensland last year, and something has to change. “Tragically, we’ve seen a significant spike in the number of snorkellers who lost their lives off the coast of Queensland last year, and it’s become quite a concern for us,” Mrs Fife said. “Investigations into the exact causes of these incidents will no doubt continue well into the future and, in addition to that, we’ll certainly be reviewing all possible avenues and strategies moving forward in a bid to increase protection for snorkellers and prevent any further incidents from occurring,” she said. Mrs Fife suggested a number of possible strategies for increasing protection, but stressed it would require a concerted and collaborative approach from all stakeholder groups within the tourism industry. “Historically, there’s been a scattered and inconsistent approach to snorkeller safety by operators within the tourism industry. There are little to no standard guidelines in place, which is a very real and clear concern for us,” she said. “It’s important to recognise that many tourists who visit our shores and participate in adventurous water activities such as snorkelling have very limited experience in and around the ocean, and it’s vital that we have appropriate safety measures in place to help protect them.
Popular snorkel destination, Green Island
“Currently there’s no requirement for any health checks prior to snorkellers getting in the water and, ideally, we’d like this changed in order to mandate health checks for all participants aged 60 years and over,” she said. Mrs Fife also encouraged the increased use of lifejackets within the industry, along with increased safety briefings on how to correctly use equipment.
Ultimately, our vision is ‘Zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters’ and we’ll continue to investigate all strategies in pursuit of that goal. – Chantel Fife Coastal Safety Officer
“Currently there’s no requirement for anyone to wear a lifejacket while snorkelling and we believe that needs to change,” she said. “Unfortunately, accidents can and do occur, and that’s particularly true when the swimming ability of each individual varies so greatly. “Ideally we’d like to see the standard issue of appropriate life jackets to all snorkellers, regardless of their experience in the water,” she said. Mrs Fife said SLSQ would welcome the opportunity to work directly with tourism operators and all other stakeholder groups to ensure maximum protection for snorkellers and all coastal users. “Ultimately, our vision is ‘Zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters’ and we’ll continue to investigate all strategies in pursuit of that goal.”
Beyond Patrol Issue 12
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