CQU researcher seeks input with study into drowning prevention strategies

Patricia English, a Research Higher Degree (RHD) student at CQUniversity, is eager to attract input from aquatic facility staff and users into the links between pre-existing medical conditions and the risk of drowning in Australian public aquatic facilities.

Investigating the risk management of pre-existing medical conditions to minimise the incidence of fatal and non-fatal drownings within facilities, English sees that her study has the potential to help Australian public aquatic facilities reduce the risk of drowning.

English explains “drowning is a continued risk, particularly in Australia with our water-based culture.

“Those with pre-existing medical conditions have an even greater risk of drowning.”

Coupled with 17-years of experience as a swimming instructor, English feels there is a need for further research into risk mitigation given the wide array of aquatic patrons in Australia, commenting “there will hopefully be numerous groups that benefit from this research. Most people, at some point in their life, visit a public aquatic facility - even just to cool down on a hot day.

“I have been swimming training since I was five years old and like most Australians love the water which inspired me to become involved in aquatic risk management research.

“The fewer risks on-site mean will result in a safer environment for staff and patrons.”

Advising of two components to her research - to provide a comprehensive overview of both aquatic facility staff and users - English added “we have developed two surveys to distribute to staff and patrons of public aquatic facilities.

“These may give different viewpoints of what is considered risky in an aquatic facility and what we can implement to decrease this.”

It will be these differences in findings that English (pictured above) feels will assist her in identifying areas for improvement and risk management strategies, going on to say “we expect to find several risks which may differ between staff and user.

“One outcome could look at the implementation of pre-screening and find methods to decrease the risk for people/staff with pre-existing conditions.”

Risk management expert and principal supervisor on the research study Dr Betul Sekendiz said the current pandemic has made the need for this research even greater.

Dr Sekendiz concludes “the findings of this study will be crucial to manage risks to participants with pre-existing medical conditions at aquatic facilities who may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19.”

If you have further questions or any concerns regarding the study, please contact Patricia English email: patricia.english@cqumail.com

Click here to complete the survey for public aquatic facility patrons. 

Click here to complete the survey for public aquatic facility staff.