Australia's 'worst year for drownings'

The large number of drowning deaths through the recent holiday period means Australia is on target to have one of its worst years for drowning, according to Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (RLSSA).

Citing a "horrific" number of drowning deaths over Christmas and the early part of 2010, RLSSA has highlighted a rise of 71% in holiday drownings compared to the same period 12 months ago and reverses a previous decline.

Preliminary data shows 62 people drowned throughout Australia from Christmas Eve to Australia Day, up from 48 for the same period the previous year.

RLSSA's Chief Executive Rob Bradley says thousands of people have been affected by these drowning deaths which he describes as "deeply troubling."

Bradley explains "we are absolutely staggered by the number of drowning incidents in the lead up to Christmas and in the early part of the New Year.

"We are horrified and we remind people to make sure you are swimming at a recognised swimming location. Do not over-estimate your ability. Ensure children are constantly supervised when they are near water because they often donât realise the very real dangers.

"Up to 40% of adult drowning incidents are related to alcohol. This is a huge concern (and) we remind people never to mix alcohol with any kind of swimming, boating of fishing. If you are out boating, make sure everybody is wearing a lifejacket and the boat has appropriate safety equipment."

According to RLSSA, more than 300 people drowned in 2008/2009 financial year, the highest figure for six years and Dr Richard Franklin, the Society's Manager of Research and Health Promotion told the Sydney Morning Herald that "it is looking likely ⦠that (drownings) this year could well be higher."

Dr Franklin, co-author of a drowning study published in the Medical Journal of Australia yesterday, said Australia was unlikely to meet a target to halve drowning deaths by 2020 if trends continue, stating "I don't think we will achieve it."

Despite the study showing a drop from 318 to 257 in the five years to mid-2007, the past year appeared to have reversed trends, Franklin explained, stating "suddenly last year we had a big jump (and) we are hoping that it's a statistical blip."

Dr Franklin said climate conditions and travel patterns may have caused the increase, referring to increased flooding and hot weather, as well as an increase in domestic beach holidays over international travel.

"It appears when you've got a combination of hot days and hot evenings that you're more likely to get people in the water later into the day and earlier in the morning, and also for longer periods ⦠increasing exposure," Dr Franklin told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The study highlighted a "really concerning" over-representation of male drownings, at 76%.

The age group with the biggest proportion of deaths was 55 and over. Dr Franklin said sea change lifestyle factors such as more leisure time in retirement, buying boats, and moving near the sea played a part.

The number of children under five drowning had nearly halved compared with 1990s levels.

He said more research was needed on drowning in rivers, which accounted for 20% of drownings during the study period, compared with 18% at beaches and 13% in pools

Drownings through the Christmas holidays and early January:

24/12/09 - a 18 year old drowned at Bateau Bay in NSW (Beach - swimming)
24/12/09 - a 11 year old drowned in Perth in WA (Lake - swimming)
24/12/09 - a 45 year old male drowned in the Murray River in NSW (River - swimming)
25/12/09 - a 34 year old drowned at Lake Hume in NSW (Lake - boating)
25/12/09 - a 34 year old drowned at Cape Shank in Victoria (Rock fishing)
26/12/09 - a 54 year old drowned at Ballina in NSW (Beach - swimming)
26/12/09 - a 45 year old drowned at Bruny Island in Tasmania (Ocean - boat fishing)
26/12/09 - a 73 year old man at Yamba, NSW (Beach - Swimming)
27/12/09 - a 53 year old drowned

Image courtesy of Surf Life Saving Queensland. Image used for illustraitve purposes only.

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