Latest National Drowning report reveals rise of deaths among older men

The 2023 National Drowning Report has revealed that men made up 77% of drowning deaths in the past year, with adults over 45 making up 57% of the total.

Released by this week by Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, the National Drowning Report 2023 (covering the period 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2023) reported that drownings fell 17% from the previous year returning the annual drowning toll closer to pre-pandemic levels - falling from 339 deaths in 2021/22 to 281 the latest 12 month period.

Explaining that while the figures were encouraging but that people should not be complacent, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Justin Scarr explained “with summer approaching, pool owners should check that their pool fence is in good working order. Remember to constantly keep watch when young children are around water, and avoid distractions like mobile phones.

“We urge men to make the right call, and avoid alcohol and drugs around water, check the conditions and avoid over-estimation of swimming ability. Older adults should understand the potential impacts of other medical conditions and medications on water activities including swimming and boating.”

“Royal Life Saving continues to be concerned about declining swimming and water safety skills among children, and adults more generally. The impacts of missed lessons throughout the COVID-19 pandemic will have generational impacts on safety if left unaddressed.”

Noting that 66% of coastal drowning deaths occurred more than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service, as people continue to seek out more secluded swimming spots instead of swimming between the red and yellow flags, Surf Life Saving Australia, Chief Executive, Adam Weir noted “drowning deaths in coastal environments including beaches, ocean/harbour locations, and off rocks decreased by nine per cent compared to the previous year, although sadly there were 125 coastal drowning deaths recorded, 3% above the 10-year average

“Rip currents are the number one coastal hazard and are a contributing factor in almost a quarter of coastal drowning deaths. Tragically, there was a significant increase in bystander rescuer drowning deaths, and drowning deaths at beaches were 29% above the 10-year average.

“Surf Life Saving is appealing for the public to understand their limitations and swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags, with these locations available on the Surf Life Saving BeachSafe App.”

Released by Federal Minister for Sport, insights from the 2023 National Drowning Report include:

• 6% were children under 5 year of age (16 deaths), down by 33% on the 10-year average

• 57% were adults 45 years or older (160 deaths)

• 44% occurred in coastal environments (125 deaths), 75 deaths were at beaches, 33 deaths in the ocean or harbours, and 17 deaths were off rocks

• 37% occurred in inland waterways (103 deaths), 76 deaths in rivers, 27 deaths in lakes

• 10% occurred in swimming pools (29 deaths), 13 deaths were in backyard pools

Minister Wells added "enjoying a swim has so many benefits for people of all ages, especially older adults. Some simple precautions, like having a medical check-up to ensure you are swim fit, or going to the local swimming pool to refresh your skills is a great idea ahead of the expected hot summer.”

Click here to view the report.

With thanks to Grant Connors of Belgravia Leisure.