Inland Waterways Safety Assessments
Australia is home to a diverse range of inland waterways, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes, dams, lagoons, and irrigation channels. While these natural and man-made water features are beautiful and often used for recreation, they can also present significant drowning risks and other water safety hazards.
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Overlooking Swan River from the South Perth foreshore towards the Perth CBD

Protecting Public Safety Around Inland Waterways in Australia

Australia is home to a diverse range of inland waterways, including rivers, creeks, streams, lakes, dams, lagoons, and irrigation channels. While these natural and man-made water features are beautiful and often used for recreation, they can also present significant drowning risks and other water safety hazards.

According to Royal Life Saving research, between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2019, 1,145 people drowned in Australian rivers, creeks, and streams. During the same period, an estimated 550 individuals were hospitalised following non-fatal drowning incidents—many suffering long-term or permanent disabilities.

Despite often appearing calm and harmless, inland waterways can be deceptively dangerous. Hidden currents, undertows, sudden drop-offs, and submerged objects pose serious threats—even in flat, still water.

About Our Inland Waterway Safety Assessment Service

To help mitigate these risks, Royal Life Saving WA offers a comprehensive Urban Waterways Risk & Signage Assessment service. This program supports land managers, local governments, urban planners, developers, and landscape architects in identifying and managing water-related public safety risks in both natural and engineered water environments.

Our assessments are aligned with nationally recognised water safety guidelines and are tailored to the unique needs of each location.

What the Assessment Involves

Each inland waterway risk assessment typically includes:

  • Initial Briefing (Discussing risk tolerance, timelines, and key project contacts)
  • Onsite Water Safety Evaluation (Examining waterway design, hazards, and surrounding environments)
  • Usage and Behaviour Analysis (Assessing how the site is used, public access, and likely behaviours)
  • Risk Scenario Identification (Highlighting potential drowning hazards and recommending treatment options)
  • Draft Report Preparation
  • Review & Consultation Meeting (Opportunity to clarify findings, refine recommendations, and finalise the report)

Recent Assessment Sites

Examples of locations where we have conducted urban water safety risk assessments include:

  • Champion Lakes
  • Perth Stadium
  • Eden Foreshore

Request a Quote

The cost of this service is dependent on the size, complexity, and scope of the project. To receive a detailed quote or discuss your specific needs, please contact our Safety Services team using the enquiry form below.