Alarming new research is showing that men are four times more likely to drown than women, accounting for 80 per cent of all drowning deaths.

In the past decade, 1,932 men have died in preventable tragedies. Drowning. One in four of these tragedies involved alcohol.

Royal Life Saving with support by the State and Federal Government have launched a campaign called “Don’t Let Your Mates Drink And Drown”.

We are urging men to look out for their mates by avoiding alcohol around water, and to stand up to the sorts of risk taking behaviour that can and do lead to tragic accidents and drownings.

A culture of drinking while swimming, boating or fishing means men are at greater risk of drowning.

For many Australian men an esky of stubbies is just as important on a fishing trip as the bait.

We have to change this risk taking behaviour that is causing drowning.

The fact is that alcohol and water don’t mix. Alcohol impairs your judgement, reduces your coordination and delays your reaction time.

We want everyone to enjoy our renowned rivers to swim, boat or fish this summer season, but our message is simple: to stay safe, you must respect the water.

Wear a lifejacket, avoid consumption of alcohol and drugs around waterways, never swim alone, and learn how to save a life.

More information on Royal Life Saving and river safety can be found at https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/

Its Fair Trading week this week and the theme for 2017 is KNOWvember.

Encouraging consumers and businesses to know their rights, know their responsibilities and to get to know Fair Trading and its role in the NSW marketplace.

There are a range of events and activities going on, from raising awareness around identity crime with Shred and Protect to the Fair Trading BBQs.

For a schedule of events and more information, please visit the Fair Trading Week page on our website http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/News_and_events/Fair_Trading_week.page