Researchers from the Royal Lifesaving Society began breath testing swimmers on Friday, to explore the link between intoxication and drowning. 

According to lead researcher, Amy Peden, “the culture of drinking while swimming, boating and fishing at local rivers is a big part of the drowning problem.” 

There are no council restrictions regarding alcohol consumption on Wagga Beach. But, drinking on the water is murkier territory.

For drivers of boats, canoes or kayaks, the legal alcohol limit is 0.00 for operators under 18, less than 0.02 for commercial operators over 18 and less than 0.05 for recreational operators over 18 according to NSW marine legislation. 

“A vessel includes water craft of any description used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water,” an RMS spokesperson said. 

“Operators of vessels may be subject to random breath testing and subject to heavy penalties if found to be over the limit.” 

NSW police enforce the legislation around drinking and boats. 

Shane McLachlan, SES Murrumbidgee learning and development officer, believes people should avoid alcohol completely around water. 

“There are a lot of hazards you can’t see, submerged logs, things which could entrap people,” he said. 

“People should just use common sense, avoid alcohol around water, don’t swim alone, don’t panic if you get into trouble and learn how learn how a save a life by enrolling in a first aid or CPR course,” he said. 

President of the Wagga Bidgee Canoe Club, Bruce Graham, said while alcohol may be a factor in some deaths, education is key. 

“There have been a few people drown along the river at Wagga, some of them were obviously not used to being in a river environment, they’re not really aware of their ability and the vagaries of the river.”

The club require new paddlers to pass a safety course before allowing them out alone.