Royal Life Saving reveals rise in drownings

Drowning deaths are now at their highest level since 2003, with 315 people having drowned in the past 12 months. Numbers have jumped by 11% when compared to the five year average according to the 2011 National Drowning Report .

This year's Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) has been impacted by the significant flash flooding events in the Lockyer Valley Queensland, and widespread flooding across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, reminding Australians of the need to plan to prevent future flooding events and avoid unnecessary risks around floodwaters.

Significantly, the report shows that men are now three and a half times more likely to drown than women, with men aged between 18 and 34 years of particular concern.

Launched at Parliament House, Canberra by Minister for Sport, Senator Mark Arbib, the presentation was supported by Olympic Champion Grant Hackett and PoolWerx Chief Marketing Director Lee Moore, Chief Marketing Director of PoolWerx who provided insights into Queensland backyard pool drowning prevention.

RLSSA Chief Executive Rob Bradley says the figures are a sobering reminder of the challenges in reducing drowning across Australia, stating "these figures show there is a huge amount of work to be done – especially to reduce the number of people aged 55 years plus drowning (which continues to increase), the number of men 18 to 34 drowning and the number of drowning deaths occurring in inland waterways such as rivers, creeks and streams, which has almost doubled in just three years from 58 people in 2008 to 114 in 2011."

The Report shows that 36% of all drowning deaths nationwide occur in a river, creek or stream – a figure that includes the 38 people who tragically drowned in the Queensland floods in December and January.

Bradley believes that the new report highlights the challenges of reducing drowning in line with the Australian Water Safety Council's goal of a 50% reduction by the year 2020, adding that while progress has been made in areas including backyard pool drowning, an urgent focus on prevention strategies to counter drowning in rivers, in people aged over 55 and in men aged 18- 34 years is needed to have any real impact on the total figure.

Bradley also highlighted a significant increase in the number of people in the 55 plus category, where drownings jumped to 117 in 2011, representing 37% of all drowning deaths nationwide.

People in this age group most commonly drown in rivers, creeks and streams, while participating in recreational activities such as boating, fishing or swimming.

Bradley says it is clear that with Australia's population ageing and baby boomers approaching retirement, this figure will get worse unless urgent action is taken, adding "older Australians drown in a range of aquatic settings. Improving fitness and swimming skills, and increasing awareness of the impact of medication and pre-existing illnesses on their ability to stay safe, are key strategies to prevent drowning in this age group. We urge people to have a buddy system when they are swimming, fishing and boating so there is someone to help should something go wrong."

RLSSA highlights increased work has to be done in the community to reduce the number of drowning deaths occurring in rivers, creeks and streams where there has been the most dramatic increase.

The number of people drowning in rivers, creeks and streams has almost doubled from 58 deaths in 2008 to 114 deaths in 2011. If drowning in lakes, dams and lagoons are added, drowning in inland waterways accounts for almost 45% of all drowning deaths.

"When it comes to rivers, creeks and streams, more work has to be done to identify and rectify drowning black spots. There needs to be clear risk reduction programs that include better signage and identification of safe swimming locations. Royal Life Saving is committed to working with local communities to identify drowning black spots and improve education on inland water safety," said Bradley.

Nationwide there were 52 flood related drowning deaths last year. 38 deaths in 2010/11 were as a result of the flooding in Queensland, 17 occurring within a tragic 12 hour period in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley.

The large number of male drownings, with 241 males drowning in the past year, showed that men in the 18 to 34 year age group are of ongoing concern. Alcohol was known to be a factor in over 10% of the deaths and in the majority of those deaths the alcohol readings were extremely high.

Here Bradley explained "it is clear men aged 18 to 34 continue to take unnecessary risks around water. They are more likely to drown in high risk activities and some consume alcohol or drugs prior to undertaking these activities. They are notoriously difficult to reach with prevention messages and Royal Life Saving believes strongly that all secondary school students should complete a lifesaving program like the Bronze Medallion, which is vital to develop strong swimming, water safety and basic rescue skills, which are invaluable through adulthood."

After many years of focus, child drowning has reduced slightly in the past year, although RLSSA cautions it is an area that has fluctuated in previous reports and child drowning prevention efforts must be maintained.

Bradley again, "drowning deaths of children under 5 are reducing, which is extremely pleasing. There has been a 15% reduction in drowning in children aged under 5, compared to the 5 year average, with 5 fewer deaths than in the previous year. Royal Life Saving cautions that child drowning remains at unacceptably high levels.

"Royal Life Saving calls on all state and territory governments to review their policies and programs focused on encouraging people with backyard swimming pools to comply with legislation or best practice. There has been a significant reduction in drowning deaths in home swimming pools in Queensland this past year, where the Government announced significant reform to the legislation in 2010. It is clear that the message is starting to get through with mandatory inspections, increased public awareness and a register of pools."

RLSSA highlights that contrary to common belief, drowning deaths happen all year round with 41% of drowning deaths occurring in Summer, 22% in Spring and 16% in Autumn. Surprisingly, 20% of all drowning deaths occur in the Winter months.

Bradley concluded "this report clearly shows that the community and all levels of government need to focus on reducing these terrible tragedies which then impact on so many people's lives. There's a lot of work ahead but Royal Life Saving remains committed to achieving a 50% reduction in drowning deaths by the year 2020."

KEY FACTS 2010/11

• 315 people drowned in Australia between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011.

• 241 (77%) were male and 71 (23%) female. Sex was unknown in three cases.

• 107 (34%) drowning deaths occurred in NSW, 93 (30%) in Queensland.

• 38 (12%) people drowned in the Queensland floods throughout December and January.

• 114 (36%) drowning deaths occurred in river / creek / stream locations.

• 16% (50) of drowning deaths occurred while Swimming and Recreating in water.

• 15% (47) of drowning deaths occurred as a result of falling or wandering into water.

• Drowning deaths occurred all year round with 129 (41%) occurring in Summer.

The full state by state breakdown of drowning deaths is as follows:

• New South Wales – 107 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

• Queensland – 93 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

• Victoria – 38 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

• Western Australia – 37 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

• Tasmania – 15 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

• South Australia – 13 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

• Northern Territory – 8 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

• ACT – 4 drowning deaths in 2010/2011

Young Children 0-4 Years

• 28 young children 0-4 years drowned (9% of all drowning deaths)

• 22 (79%) were male

• 12 (43%) drowned in Swimming Pool locations

• 16 (57%) Fell or Wandered into water

Children 5-14 Years

• 14 children 5-14 years drowned (4% of all drowning deaths)

• 8 (57%) were male

• 8 (57%) were at River / Creek / Stream locations

• 4 (29%) drowned in Swimming Pool locations

• 4 (29%) Fell or Wandered into water

• 4 (29%) were Swept Away by floodwaters

People 15-34 Years

• 85 people aged 15-34 years drowned (27% of all drowning deaths)

• 68 (80%) were male

• 30 (35%) drowning deaths were at River / Creek / Stream locations

• 14 (16%) drowning deaths occurred at Ocean / Harbour locations

• 14 (16%) occurred at Beach locations

• 24 (28%) occurred while Swimming

People 35-54 Years

• 66 people aged 35-54 years drowned (21% of all drowning deaths)

• 53 (80%) were male

• 27 (41%) drowned in River / Creek / Stream locations

• 13 (20%) drowned in Ocean / Harbour locations

• 8 (12%) occurred while Swimming

• 8 (12%) occurred while Driving

People 55+ Years

• 117 people aged 55+ years drowned (37% of all drowning deaths)

• 46 (39%) drowning deaths in 55-64 years, 32 (27%) drowning deaths in 65-74 years and 39 (33%) in 75+ years

• 89 (76%) were male

• 39 (33%) occurred in River / Creek / Stream locations

• 20 (17%) occurred in Ocean / Harbour locations

• 16 (14%) occurred using Watercraft

• 16 (14%) Fell or Wandered into water

View the full National Drowning Report 2011 at www.royallifesaving.com.au//resources/documents/DrowningReport_2011_LR.pdf

23rd September 2010 - ROYAL LIFE SAVING REPORTS DROWNINGS ON THE RISE

28th August 2009 - ROYAL LIFE URGES BACKYARD POOL SAFETY