Drowning Prevention & CPR Guide for WA Beaches

Western Australia has some of the world’s most beautiful coastline — but also some of the highest drowning risks.
Each year, people drown in beaches, pools, rivers, dams, and even backyard settings.

The good news?
Most drowning incidents are preventable, and knowing how to respond can save a life.

Here’s a clear, WA-focused guide for drowning prevention and CPR.

⭐ 1. Why Drowning Happens So Quickly

Drowning is fast and silent — often happening in under 20–30 seconds.

Children especially can drown without splashing or crying out.

Common causes in WA include:

• Waves and rips

• Fatigue

• Alcohol

• Lack of supervision

• Overconfidence in swimmers

• Medical events

Understanding this helps you act faster.

⭐ 2. How to Spot a Rip Current (WA Beaches)

Rips are responsible for most coastal rescues.

Signs of a rip:

• Darker, deeper water

• No breaking waves

• Water flowing outwards

• Foamy or discoloured channels

• Smooth areas between waves

At beaches like Rockingham, Secret Harbour, Warnbro, and Mandurah, rips can be deceptive.

⭐ 3. Drowning Prevention Tips for Families

These simple steps can prevent tragedies:

✔ Always supervise children

Within arm’s reach, not just watching from a distance.

✔ Avoid alcohol around water

Most adult drownings involve alcohol.

✔ Swim between the red and yellow flags

Lifesavers know where rips and hazards are.

✔ Use lifejackets on boats & jetskis

Many boating drownings are preventable.

✔ Don’t swim alone

Especially at unpatrolled beaches.

✔ Learn CPR

The first few minutes are critical.

⭐ 4. What To Do If Someone Is Drowning

✔ Step 1: Call 000

Get help on the way immediately.

✔ Step 2: Do NOT enter dangerous water

If the rip is strong, you risk becoming a second victim.

Use a:

• Rope

• Stick

• Board

• Rescue tube

• Anything that extends reach

✔ Step 3: Bring them to shore safely

Once they are out of the water, lay them flat and assess.

⭐ 5. First Aid for a Drowning Casualty

✔ Check Response

Talk, tap, and shout: “Can you hear me?”

✔ Open Airway

Tilt the head back, lift chin.

✔ Check Breathing

Not breathing normally? Begin CPR.

⭐ 6. CPR for a Drowning Victim (Important Difference)

Drowning victims need breaths FIRST, because the issue is oxygen.

CPR sequence for drowning victims:

1. 30 compressions

2. 2 rescue breaths

3. Repeat

If you are not trained, hands-only CPR is still far better than doing nothing.

⭐ 7. When to Call 000 Immediately

• If they were unconscious at any time

• If breathing is abnormal

• If water was inhaled

• If it was a child

• If you suspect spinal injury

• If you needed to perform CPR

Near-drowning can worsen hours later, so medical assessment is vital.

⭐ 8. Stay Safe at WA Beaches

Western Australia has powerful surf conditions.
Always:

• Read beach safety signs

• Swim between flags

• Check Surf Life Saving WA updates

• Avoid swimming in unfamiliar conditions

• Never turn your back on the ocean

⭐ Learn CPR — It Saves Lives

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Australia, especially in kids.

The most powerful tool you can have is CPR training.

At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach hands-on skills for real emergencies:

• CPR

• Drowning response

• AED use

• Rescue techniques

• Infant & child emergencies

⭐ Ready to Learn These Life-Saving Skills?

Courses run every second Saturday — small group, practical training.

👉 Click here to book your First Aid or CPR course

1. First Aid for Safety Bay families

2. Secret Harbour First Aid Training

3. First Aid Training in Rockingham