Decreases in drowning according to National Drowning Report 2023
It's that time of year again, when the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia in partnership Surf Life Saving Australia release the National Drowning Report.
Yesterday, Minister for Sport the Hon Anika Wells MP, detailed that there were 281 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, with WA accounting for 31 deaths, a 17 per cent reduction compared to the previous year.
Ms. Wells highlighted the need for continued efforts to raise water safety awareness especially as we reach busy periods regarding aquatic activities.
With warmer weather approaching and predictions of a long, hot summer, water safety experts are urging the community against complacency and highlighting the importance of keeping water safety top of mind when planning a day in, on or around the water.
CEO for Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, Justin Scarr, and Adam Weir, CEO at Surf Life Saving Australia provided insights into the findings, with recommendations to further reduce drowning across Australian waterways.
Mr Scarr urged all Australians to make sure that they are prepared before summer including checking that pool fences are in good working order.
"Remember to constantly keep watch when young children are around the water, check the conditions and avoid over-estimation of swimming ability," Mr Scarr said.
The report showed a decrease in drowning deaths amongst toddlers aged 0-4 years, however the growth in drowning deaths amongst adults over 45 years of age has experts worried, with 57% of deaths involving adults in this age group.
In response, Royal Life Saving will place a continued emphasis on programs such as
Make the Right Call,
Old4New and
Aqua Skills 55+ to ensure adults have the required knowledge and skills to participate safely in and around the water.
People in regional and remote areas are twice as likely to drown than those living in major cities.
Whilst this report can enact fear in its readers, Hon Anika Wells still wants to encourage swimming due to its “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," she said.
Overall, drowning rates are returning to pre-pandemic levels, however fears are growing regarding missed swimming lessons due to COVID-19 and the generational safety impacts this may have if left unaddressed.
Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia advise people to:
• Always supervise children in, on and around water
• Learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills
• Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
• Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
• Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
• Check the conditions, including weather forecasts
View the full report at the link below.
