Researchers are urging community members to be 'pool-safe and 'swim-safe' on Australia Day.

This follows research by the University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney which shows that drownings spike during the public holidays. 

“Researchers and the media often report the number of people who die as a result of drowning each year, but until now little was known about how many people experience non-fatal drowning incidents that see them treated in hospital or transported from the scene in an ambulance," UNSW senior author Amy Peden said. 

Australia Day was one of the public holidays with the most drownings with 86 drowning incidents between 2010 and 2022. Only on New Year's Day were more drownings recorded. 

“Australians love the outdoors and enjoy spending their days off work and school at water locations, but we need to do more to keep everyone safe, particularly on weekends, public holidays, and during school holidays," Dr Peden said. 

Several pools across the Western Plains area have free entry on Australia Day, including the Bourke Memorial Pool. 

Pool manager Scott Parnaby said they will play it by ear to see how busy the day gets. 

"Boxing Day or when the Bourke Nines footy is here, it can get busier," Mr Parnaby said.

Depending on how many children are there on the day, the pool staff hope to host some games with the kids.

Nevertheless, he cautioned for parents to keep an eye on their children. 

"Parents need to be vigilant with their children and less on their phones," Mr Parnaby said. 

"Keep in mind your capabilities and know the water you're swimming in. Don't dive in if you can't see the bottom." 

Condobolin Pool manager Ashley Clegg said they are also waiting to see what the day will bring. 

"It's hard to predict because a lot of families here travel, so it's very hit and miss but we do have quite a few people visiting their families. 

 The Condobolin pool is hosting an inflatable day on 30 January where they are expecting a large turn-out. Photo: Condobolin Swimming Pool Facebook

"We obviously check to make sure that they're good swimmers. Lifeguards are aware that they're new to the facility and town," Ms Clegg said. 

Another important piece of advice Ms Clegg gave was to listen to the lifeguards' instructions. 

"A lot of teenagers here won't listen sometimes, so you have to remind them of the pool rules, especially during school holidays." 

Don't drink and swim 

Dr Perden also reminded poolgoers to never swim alone, only swim along patrolled beaches, and don't drink and swim. 

“Part of the problem on days like Australia Day is water leisure mixing with alcohol, which increases the risk of drowning. Alcohol consumption continues to be one of our biggest public health challenges," Adjunct Professor and CEO of Public Health Association Australia Terry Slevin said. 

"For communities and governments, more needs to be done to discourage excess drinking near waterways, plan Australia Day celebrations carefully and minimise alcohol-related harms," Professor Slevin said.