Lifejackets vital as watercraft activities claim lives

A 10 year analysis of drowning deaths in Australia shows that 473 people drowned in the nation's waterways while participating in boating and watercraft activity between 2005-06 and 2014-15. Of these 63 (13%) drowning deaths occurred in Western Australia.

The report reveals that males accounted for 92% of all boating and watercraft related drowning deaths. This is even higher than the annual percentage of all male drowning deaths (83%) in the 2015/16 National Drowning Report, highlighting the importance of boating and watercraft safety for males in particular. With the summer holiday period fast approaching, it is vital that this safety message reaches men around the country.

Almost one fifth of boating and watercraft drowning deaths (19%) occurred in people over the age of 65 years, with 90 deaths recorded, followed by 88 deaths in the 35 – 44 years age group (18%). Most drownings occurred whilst fishing (28%) and when the watercraft was moving (27%), and most often in small powered boats under 5 meters or paddle craft.

High risk behaviour such as not wearing a lifejacket and consuming drugs and alcohol are key issues when participating in boating and watercraft activity across Australia. The study found that only 8% of people were wearing a lifejacket at the time of death, 31% had consumed drugs, of which 31% were illegal drugs; 26% of people had alcohol in their system, with 59% above the legal driving limit.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia CEO, Justin Scarr says “With boating and watercraft activity a popular pastime for Australians, we urge people to take the appropriate measures to have an enjoyable and safe time on the water. It’s important to wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and drugs, be prepared, check conditions, and never go alone”.

Boating remains the second leading activity prior to drowning behind swimming and recreating. The highest number of watercraft drowning deaths occurred when using paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, surf skis) (33%). It is important to always be prepared and carry essential safety equipment, and advise someone of where you are going and when you expect to be back.

One third (33%) of people involved in boating and watercraft drowning deaths were known to have a pre-existing medical condition, most commonly cardiac-related diseases. Being aware of medical conditions is important, as this can impact on fitness and ability in the water. Royal Life Saving recommends that people aged 55 years and over undergo regular medical check-ups, allowing early detection of chronic disease, as well as appropriate monitoring and treatment.

This report follows the release of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2016-2020 in April this year. The Strategy identifies boating and watercraft related drowning deaths as a key challenge. “By targeting areas of high concern, leading water safety organisations are able to focus resources where they are most needed and work together to create effective drowning prevention strategies”, says Justin Scarr, “We would like to acknowledge the vital work and commitment of Federal, State and Territory Marine Transport Authorities, the Boating Industry as a whole, water safety and rescue agencies, and national sporting organisations, via the work of the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZBEG), towards boating and watercraft safety across Australia”.

For more information on the lifejacket safety click the link below.

To find out more about our Respect the River program click below.