DROWNING DEATHS HIGHEST IN MORE THAN 25 YEARS, WATER SAFETY EXPERTS CALL FOR INCREASED FOCUS ON SAFETY AHEAD OF SUMMER

In the last 12 months 339 drowning deaths occurred across Australia, the highest in 25 years, prompting water safety experts to issue an urgent plea to make safety a focus this summer.

The Surf Life Saving National Coastal Safety Report 2022 found that 141 of those drowning deaths occurred along the coast, the highest number recorded by SLSA since 2004, and sadly a 16 % increase on the 10-year average.

Several key trends have emerged.

• More than 28% of all drowning 94 drowning deaths were in people over the age of 65, an increase of 34% increase on last year.
• 15 drowning deaths occurred in children aged 5-14 years, a 7% increase on last year, and perhaps a reflection of children missing out on swimming lesson during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• SLSA reports that 49% of the coastal drowning deaths occurred more than 5km from a surf lifesaving service, a factor that may have resulted from people seeking out more secluded swimming spots.
• Men account for 83% of all drowning. Alcohol and drugs, risk taking behaviour and men over-estimating their swimming ability are all considered key factors.

Find out more:

Tasmanian Coastal Safety Report >

National Coastal Safety Report >

Contact:

Media enquires, please contact:

Ned Reardon, Lifesaving & Member Training Coordinator (M: 0488 400 996 | E: nreardon@slst.asn.au)