New report reveals significant drowning risk for Western Australia’s migrant community

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is highlighting the importance of learning swimming and water safety skills for everyone across Western Australia, but especially those from multi-cultural communities.

Newly released data reveals that among 762 drowning deaths across the country over the past 10 years involved people who were born overseas, including 137 drowning deaths in Western Australia. Of the drowning deaths that occurred in Western Australia over the past 10 years, 40% involved people who were born overseas, the largest proportion of any state or territory, with males accounting for 83% of drowning deaths and 29% of these deaths being among people aged between 18 and 34 years.

Lauren Nimmo from Royal Life Saving Society WA explains “Australia is a diverse nation and Western Australia is one of the most diverse states and territories with almost one third of our population born overseas and more than half having at least one parent born overseas.

“The fact that WA has the highest proportion of drowning deaths involving people born overseas nationally is extremely concerning.”

Overall, the report highlighted that 43% of drowning deaths involved people who had been living in Australia for 10 years or more. However, 15% had recently migrated to Western Australia, with India, Ireland, Malaysia and the UK the most common places of birth.

Jasjit Mann is a prominent member of the Indian Society in WA and knows too well the impact that drowning has had on his community.

He explains “all too often I hear the tragic story of someone who has lost their life to drowning from my community due to a lack of water safety awareness and swimming skills.

“Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn vital swimming and water safety skills is so important, particularly for those having newly arrived in WA to prevent these deaths.”

Beaches were the leading location for drowning (27%), followed by an ocean/harbour (20%). Drowning most frequently occurred when swimming & recreating (27%), followed by rock fishing (14%).

Risk factors identified included having a lack of appropriate swimming skills, being under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and having a pre-existing medical condition.

As Nimmo adds “the reality is that in many countries swimming and water safety education is not seen as a priority and is simply not accessible.

“Many migrants come to Australia unaware of drowning risks and don’t have the same level of experience when it come to water safety that we as Western Australians often take for granted.

“Migrants also record lower participation in swimming and water safety programs after arriving in Australia due to a number of cultural, personal and financial reasons.

“Royal Life Saving WA has developed a range of initiatives to breakdown these barriers and ensure that everyone can enjoy these programs and gain valuable swimming and water safety skills. However, this report highlights that more needs to be done to address the issue of drowning in our migrant communities.”

For more information about the Royal Life Saving 10 year National Study of Overseas Born Drowning go to www.royallifesaving.com.au

Image: Jasjit Mann from Indian Society WA with Lauren Nimmo and swim instructor Najma Ahmed by the pool at Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre. Courtesy of Royal Life Saving WA.