Don’t drink and swim, lifesavers warn

Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club warns this summer’s beach-goers not to not drink and swim, predicting alcohol will most likely be responsible for more deaths at the beach than any other cause.

‘‘Alcohol at the beach leads to more incidents than any other factor, as it generates over-confidence but at the same time reduces endurance,’’ club director of lifesaving Chris Dunbar Smith said.

‘‘You become exhausted and disorientated quicker when you have alcohol before going swimming.’’

People could also avoid danger by swimming between the flags when they are available. The club will conduct patrols on Sundays in October, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from November to February, and Sundays in March.

Some beach-goers may be nervous about swimming after spate of shark attacks in WA waters — but Mr DunbarSmith said there were many actions people could take to stay safe, such as not swimming at dawn or dusk, when sharks were most active.

‘‘We all acknowledge there is a risk every time we enter the ocean, but we are more at risk from the wind and waves than anything,’’ Mr DunbarSmith said.

‘‘Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted or if advised by the lifesavers or lifeguards that a shark has been sighted.

‘‘Historically, the incidence of persons between the flags being attacked by sharks is close to zero.’’

People should also avoid swimming alone, in or near murky or silt-laden waters, near river mouths, creeks, deep channels and canals.

‘‘Surfers and swimmers should also avoid going in the water while bleeding or going near schools of fish,’’ he said.