t h e n at i o n a l d r o w n i n g r e p o r t 2 How Many People Drowned in 2/? 29 Last year 29 people drowned in Australian waters. The number of people who drowned this year is down on last year s figure by 18 and down on the five-year average by 1. The drowning rate per 1, people decreased from the five-year average of 1.1 to 1.29, a decrease of 8% (Figure 1). 1 9 27 1 22 1 1 1 76 2 6 1 6 1 Male Female 7 9 2 This is the 11th drowning report compiled by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, detailing drowning deaths that have occurred in the period 1 July 2 to June 2. This and previous reports are available from the Royal Life Saving website www.royallifesaving.com.au. The information for the report has been compiled from many sources, primarily from the National Coroner Information System and media reports collected throughout the year. While all care is taken to ensure that the results are as accurate as possible, as of 9 September, 2 they are only provisional and may change due to ongoing coronial investigations. The figures in this report are for drowning deaths and do not include non-drowning aquatic-related deaths such as shark attacks or heart attacks.
The Zero Drowning Challenge Royal Life Saving believes that all unintentional drowning deaths are preventable through a nationally coordinated and locally driven campaign. By building a community that embraces a few simple water safety rules, possesses knowledge and skills that emphasise safe aquatic recreation, and is constantly alert when in, on or around water, all water-related deaths could be avoided. Remember: always swim with a friend, check the water before you enter, be aware of the people around you and your environment, and always take care when in, on or around water. 2. 2. 1. 1... AUSTRALIA DROWNING DEATHS CONTINUE THEIR DOWNWARD TREND 8 2. 27 1.9 Number of deaths/1, population 7 1.7 1.7 297 292 1.6 1.6 1.6 2 1.7 27 282 1. 1. Number of Deaths/year 277 277 1. 1. 1992 199 199 199 1996 1997 1998 1999 2 21 22 - - yr Av. 98-2 Figure 1. Unintentional Drowning Deaths & Death Rates, Australia 1992-22, 2/, 2/ 29 1. 287 1. 2 2 1 1 METHODS Information for the drowning report is collected by Royal Life Saving Society Branches and analysed by the National Office. Information is collected from State and Territory Coronial Offices, the National Coroner Information System (NCIS) and media reports. Those using the NCIS conduct four searches based on: 1. Mechanism Threats to Breathing Drowning and Immersion 2. Key Words drown and immersion are searched for in Findings. Key Words drown and immersion are searched for in Police Reports. Key Words drown and immersion are searched for in Autopsy Reports To find drowning deaths reported to the media, Royal Life Saving uses a media monitoring service. This service uses the key words; drown, drowning, water safety, water rescue, keep watch, and life saving. The print media service runs all year and the electronic service during this period commenced on Monday October 2 and finished on 29 April 2. Although all care is taken to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible, these figures are considered interim until the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures are released. These figures may change depending upon ongoing coronial investigations and findings. The report contains drowning deaths known as at 9 September, 2 and any cases identified after this date are not included. The drowning figures are checked against media-reported cases. The five-year average figures are based on information provided by the ABS for the financial 1999/ and 2/1 (which include Accidental Drowning, Water Transport Drowning and Drowning due to Cataclysmic Events ) and from Royal Life Saving drowning reports from the 22, 2 and 2. Royal Life Saving and ABS information does not include suicide, homicide, natural death (such as heart attack), shark attack, or hypothermia where known. Due to changes in coding from the ABS different sources have been used to calculate the year average, thus the averages do not all match. The five year average for location and activity is 27 and for toddler location is. Due to the way the information is coded by the NCIS we have changed the swimming category to swimming and leisure activity. How Many People Drowned in Each State / Territory in Australia? NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia were the states in which the majority of drowning deaths occurred. Despite increased education, public awareness campaigns and water safety programs, many Australians underestimate or remain unaware of the dangers associated with aquatic recreation. If you are a person who loves the water or would just like to know more about water safety, you should consider doing a Bronze Medallion. The Bronze Medallion award gives you the skills and knowledge to make the right survival decisions that can help you or those around you survive an aquatic emergency. For more information contact your local Royal Life Saving office or visit www.bronzerescue.com.au. 2 DROWNING REPORT
Where are People Drowning? 12 1 1 Ocean 29 Harbour/Bay/Estuary 7 River 28 Year Average / Drowning deaths at lakes / dams / lagoons and beaches are up on the five-year average (Figure 2). The most common activities people were undertaking before drowning in lakes / dams / lagoons were swimming / leisure activities, walking or playing near the water, or using a water craft. Common activities that people were undertaking at a beach prior to drowning were swimming / leisure activities. There were also eight people who drowned while undertaking rescues of other people at lakes / dams / lagoons and beaches. Drowning deaths in the category lake / dam / lagoon are up by 61% on the five-year average. The flat, calm appearance of lakes and rivers often gives the false appearance of tranquillity and safety. When swimming in rural locations always take a friend, and check for hidden hazards and the water s depth before entering. Be aware don t drink and drown. If you should not be driving a car you should not be entering the water. Drowning deaths at beaches are up by % on the five-year average. When swimming at a beach always swim between the red and yellow flags. Always swim with a friend. Wear the appropriate safety gear when fishing, like lightweight clothing and personal floatation devices (PFD); the majority of people who drown while fishing were not expecting to end up in the water. Drowning deaths in swimming pools and bathtubs are down on the five-year average. However, these locations continue to be common places where children under the age of five drown. Children aged five and under, even if only left briefly unsupervised, can quickly and quietly find their way into the pool and drown. Remember to directly supervise (be within arms reach) your child at all times. 8 6 2 6 6 River Crossing 9 Drowning after driving through a flooded water course such as a creek or river is a frequent occurrence in Australia. Below is an example of a drowning death following driving into a flooded creek (please note, all identifying information has been changed). Susan was driving home after having dinner with friends and drove into a flooded creek, where she became stranded. Her car was swept off the causeway and she was found dead 2.km from the crossing. Royal Life Saving recommends that people try and avoid roads prone to flooding during heavy periods of rain, and if they do come across a flooded crossing to check the depth and speed of the water before attempting to cross and ensure that the road has not been washed away. Crossing flooded bridges and causeways is dangerous and should not be attempted. Attempting a Rescue River/Ocean/Harbour Lake/Dam/Lagoon Beach Swimming Pool Bathtub Other / Unknown Figure 2. Drowning Deaths by Location, Australia, Year Average, 2/ Every year in Australia people drown while attempting a rescue, in 2 there were 8. Below is an example of what commonly happens (please note, all identifying information has been changed). Bill drowned after going to the aid of Simon. Waves caught Bill and swept him out to sea while he was trying to help Simon. Simon had been caught in a rip and was quickly taken out to sea. When Bill saw that Simon was in trouble he went in after him and quickly got into trouble and disappeared from view. Simon was rescued by a nearby board rider. Royal Life Saving recommends that in a rescue situation you should remember to do the following: attempt non-swimming rescues of talking, reach, throw, wade and row, and then only if skilled, undertake a swimming rescue using a rescue aid. 8 2 17 11 7 DROWNING REPORT
Who Drowns in Australia? 6 1 year average - 8 Last year 192 (7%) males, 6 (2%) females and 7 (%) cases of unknown gender drowned, making males three times more likely to drown than females. On the whole, drowning numbers are down compared to the five-year average and this is reflected in the comparison of age groups against the five-year average. The exceptions to this are the 6-1 age group and the 6+ age group, which are both up, and the 1-2 age group, which is equal to the five-year average (Figure ). The increase in the 6-1 age group is a concern, going against a 2-year decline in drowning deaths in this age group. These deaths are preventable and Royal Life Saving has developed a program called Swim and Survive to help children in this age group learn water safety and swimming skills. Swim and Survive provides a broad, balanced program of swimming, water safety and survival skills, which develops: swimming technique, water safety, water confidence, survival and rescue skills, and endurance. To find out more about Swim and Survive visit www.swimandsurvive.com.au 2 1 28 12 18 1 1-6-1 1-2 1 7 7 2- - 29 26 26 - -6 9 6 2 17 6+ Unknown Figure. Drowning Deaths by Age Group, Australia, Year Average, 2/ The largest decrease from the five-year average was the - age group, which is down to 28 from 1, a decrease of %. Improvement against the five-year average was also made in the 2-, -, -, and -6 age groups, which were down by 2%, 8%, 7%, and 1% respectively. What did Drowning Cost Australia Last Year? There have been three major studies in Australia examining the lifetime cost of a drowning death. The studies show the cost per person for drowning ranges between $7, and $61,67. With 29 drowning deaths in 2/ the cost to the Australian economy is between $9.8 and $18.1 million. What Activities Were People Undertaking Prior to Drowning? 12 1 8 6 2 7 97 Swimming / Leisure Activity 68 2 16 2 12 11 11 11 Fall Watercraft Bathing Fishing Diving Attempting a rescue Figure. Drowning Deaths by Activity, Australia, Year Average, 2/ 7 8 Year Average / Other / Unknown Of the seven activities identified, drowning deaths resulting from falling into water, watercraft, bathing, and fishing were down compared to the five-year average. Drowning while undertaking swimming / leisure activities and attempting a rescue were up by % and 1% respectively compared to the five-year average. Drowning deaths while diving were consistent with the five-year average (Figure ). The increase in the swimming / leisure activity group is related to the use of the National Coroner Information System and the lack of detail available. This is reflected in the large number of other / unknown cases. DROWNING REPORT
THE - YEARS AGE GROUP HOW MANY TODDLERS DROWNED? 28 children aged - drowned in 2/ (Figure ), this is a % reduction (1 to 28) on the five year average (Figure ). While 28 deaths are far too many, the good news is this result represents a reduction of 8% (67 to 28) in drowning deaths from 1 ago. Toddler drowning deaths continue to be a major issue for drowning prevention in Australia. The message from Royal Life Saving is KEEP WATCH, children need to be constantly supervised (within arms reach) at all times when in, or near water. Restricting a childs access to water either by putting a barrier around the water or around the child is also effective in preventing drowning deaths. Undertaking water familiarisation with your child and by learning resuscitation can help if trouble does occur. For more information please visit www.keepwatch.com.au A DECADE OF DECREASING TODDLER DEATHS 8 Number of deaths by falling or wandering into water Other 7 6 12 9 7 1 62 1 9 9 2 7 2 2 2 1 19 9/96 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/ /1 1/2 2/* /* /* Figure. Drowning Deaths of Children -, Australia 199/96-2/ Backyard Pools Children are the most vulnerable group when it comes to drowning and the most common location is the home, in particular the home swimming pool. In 2 1 children drowned in home swimming pools in Australia. Below is an example of a drowning death in the home (please note all identifying information has been changed). John was at home watching DVD s in the lounge and his mother was on the phone in another room. When his mother went to check on him (1 minutes later), she couldn t see him. The lounge opened onto the back yard which had a fenced pool. John s mother found him at the bottom of the pool. On inspection the gate to the pool was found to be faulty and did not close or latch properly. Royal Life Saving recommends that pool fences should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they close and latch. WHERE AND HOW DID TODDLERS DROWN? The majority of toddler drowning deaths resulted from the child falling or wandering into the water (Figure ). The swimming pool was the most common location, with the majority of children falling or wandering into the pool. However there were three children who were in the water prior to drowning. Regular maintenance of the home swimming pool (i.e. ensuring the gate self-closes and self-latches, that there are no gaps through or under the fence and there are no climbable objects near the fence) is an important component of protecting children from drowning. There were also two children who drowned in baths while bathing. All children should be supervised (i.e. be within arms reach) at all times when in, on or around water. Baby bath aids are not a substitute for supervision and in 2 the Australian Government introduced a mandatory standard requiring all baby bath aids to carry a warning about drowning and a reminder that children should be supervised at all times. 2 1 1 Year Average / 1 6 1 17 1 6 7 2 2 River/Ocean/Harbour Lake/Dam/Lagoon Beach Swimming Pool Bathtub Other / Unknown Figure 6. Location of drowning death, - year s age group, Australia, year average, 2/ DROWNING REPORT
FAST Facts FACT SHEETS Children - Years 28 children - drowned last year (11% of all drowning deaths) 17 (61%) were males 1 (%) drowned in swimming pools 19 (68%) fell or wandered into water prior to drowning Children 6-1 18 children 6-1 drowned last year (7% of all drowning deaths) 1 (6%) were males 7 (9%) drowned in lakes / rivers / lagoons (28%) drowned at beaches 8 (%) were swimming or undertaking leisure activities prior to drowning People 1- Years 68 people 1- drowned last year (26% of all drowning deaths) 8 (8%) were males 1 (22%) drowned in lakes / dams / lagoons 17 (2%) drowned at beaches (9%) were swimming or undertaking leisure activities (), or fell (7) into the water prior to drowning People - Years 6 people - drowned last year (2% of all drowning deaths) 2 (8%) were males 17 (27%) drowned at beaches 1 (22%) drowned in lakes / rivers / lagoons (8%) were swimming or undertaking leisure activities (2), or fell (7) into the water prior to drowning People + Years 6 people aged over drowned last year (2% of all drowning deaths) 6 (71%) were males 21 (2%) drowned in river / ocean / harbour locations 16 (2%) drowned in lakes / rivers / lagoons 6 (71%) were swimming or undertaking leisure activities (2), or fell (1) into the water, or were involved with water craft (11) prior to drowning Royal Life Saving has produced a number of fact sheets to help you be water safe. These following fact sheets are available from www.royallifesaving.com.au 1 Supervision 2 Fencing Water Familiarisation Resuscitation Home Water Safety 6 Bath Time Safety 7 Home Pool Safety 8 Farm Water Safety 9 Inland Waterways Safety 11 Boating Safety 12 Alcohol & Water Safety 1 Personal Floatation Device 1 Rescue Safety 1 Rock Fishing Safety 16 Swim & Survive Acknowledgements Royal Life Saving acknowledges the following organisations for their assistance: The Australian Bureau of Statistics Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit The National Coroners Information System State Coroners Media Monitors and Rehame Surf Life Saving Australia The Royal Life Saving Society Australia is a national volunteer-based organisation that is dedicated to saving lives and continually strives to prevent aquaticrelated injury and death through its training programs, public education, research, aquatic risk management services and international liaisons. 6 For more information contact: Royal Life Saving Society Australia National Branch on 2 8217 111 or go to www.royallifesaving.com.au ACT: 2 626 8 NSW: 2 9879 699 NT: 8 8981 6 QLD: 7 82 282 SA: 8 82 92 TAS: 62 78 VIC: 967 WA: 8 98 82 Other Royal Life Saving websites of interest are: www.keepwatch.com.au www.juniorlifeguard.com.au www.swimandsurvive.com.au www.bronzerescue.com.au www.poolsafety.royallifesaving.com.au DROWNING REPORT