Chief Executive Officer of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), David Templeman, said that at this time of year surf life saving clubs around the coastline were are under extreme pressure with the sheer number of people taking to the beach to relax and cool down.

"Add alcohol into that equation and the jobs of surf life savers becomes extremely difficult," Mr Templeman said. "The recently released 2008 National Coastal Safety Report reveals that during 2007-08, there were 88 coastal drownings with the highest percentage being in the 20/29-year-old bracket. Evidence shows that alcohol slows down people's reflexes and abilities, and to combine that with swimming in any water environment increases the chances of things going wrong very quickly."

An independent study has found if not for the presence of surf life savers and lifeguards on our beaches, an estimated 485 people would die, while 311 would be seriously incapacitated each year.

"Our dedicated surf live savers are often the unsung heroes of the holidays and over the past year the 1.1 million hours of volunteer patrols saved 13 600 lives, Mr Templeman said. "So please, by all means enjoy the festive season, but be responsible - drinking and swimming is no different to drinking and driving - it is not acceptable."

22 December 2008