Royal Lifesaving Society Australia is reminding the community of the possible dangers of inland waterways after the tragic death of a child who was pulled from the water at Port Stephens unresponsive on Tuesday afternoon.
The organisation said yesterday that an average of 75 people died from drowning in rivers and creeks across Australia each year.
A spokesperson said the flat, still surfaces of inland waterways often gave people a "false sense of security" but currents, undertows or submerged objects in seemingly calm waters could prove dangerous.
The organisation says general safety tips include checking conditions before getting into the water, entering slowly and feet-first, wearing a life jacket on boats and watercraft, always swimming with a friend and taking care on crumbling and unstable river beds.
Royal Lifesaving Society Australia declined to comment specifically about this week's tragedy in the Karuah River.
Emergency crews were called to the waterway at Mallabula Point, near Lemon Tree Passage, about 2.30pm on Tuesday after reports a child was in the water after falling from a kayak. Police pulled the four-year-old girl from the river, near Tanilba Drive, but she was unresponsive.
NSW Ambulance sent four crews as well as the Toll Ambulance Helicopter - carrying a Critical Care Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic. Bystanders administered CPR until paramedics arrived, however the young girl could not be revived.
She was taken to John Hunter Hospital with a police escort, where it was confirmed she had died. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
"This was an incredibly distressing scene for bystanders, family members and first responders," NSW Ambulance Inspector Mark Gardiner said on Tuesday evening.
"We need to be alert to the extreme dangers of the [water], it only takes a split second for anyone to get into serious trouble in the water."
