Data reveals 276 people drowned across Australia over the past year, a 10 per cent jump on the previous year. A significant number of these deaths happened in summer.

It is of great concern 101 people drowned in inland waterways and there were 122 coastal drowning deaths, including 71 on beaches.

In the past 12 months, 584 people have been hospitalised as a result of non-fatal drowning incidents. Some of them will end up with irreversible brain damage.

It is vital readers supervise children at all times around water. We urge everybody to learn swimming and essential lifesaving skills including first aid and CPR.

We urge people to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, and adopt a STOP, LOOK, PLAN approach to water safety.

We know that risk taking behaviour - often involving alcohol and drugs - is having a clear impact on drowning rates. Poor swimming skills are also a factor. It is vital to wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing and using watercraft.

One practical step all readers can take is to visit our websites to obtain more hands on tips and information. Simply visit www.royallifesaving.com.au and www.sls.com.au .

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I would like to congratulate Dr Warwick Williams, a well-known and respected psychiatrist in the Southern Highlands, for his total and life-long dedication to people with a mental health issue and other diagnosis.

He should be honoured with the highest regard and always be known for his works, not in envy but in respect.

On behalf of all the people he has touched and who know him, from all who have had the pleasure to know him, thank you for your continued love and service.

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If students wish to continue to protest for "climate change" then please show your genuine support and commitment by protesting on a weekend.

Also, we need to hear from all the world leading scientists, both those for and those against.

The sacking of Peter Ridd In May 2018 is an example of a one-sided debate and undemocratic society.

Peter has an academic career of more than 30 years and had his employment terminated as a professor of physics at James Cook University in Townsville.

Peter had spoken against the accepted orthodoxy that climate change was 'killing' the Great Barrier Reef.

We must maintain Freedom of Speech and open debate on "Climate Change" and schools and parents need to encourage good open discussion and research.

Wingecarribee Councillors should not publicly engage in political debate nor encourage our kids to strike.