Royal Life Saving Society’s National Drowning Report states that 277 people drowned in Australian waterways in the financial year ending 30 June 2007, a disturbing 5% increase on the previous yearâ„¢s

Royal Life Saving Society’s National Drowning Report states that 277 people drowned in Australian waterways in the financial year ending 30 June 2007, a disturbing 5% increase on the previous year’s figure.

The 2007 National Drowning Report shows increases in the number of drowning deaths against the 5 year average in all age groups except for the 0-4, 25-34 and the 55-64 years. The greatest increases in drowning deaths were reported in the age groups 5-14 and 35-44 years.

The 5-14 age group experienced a sharp increase in the past year to 21 drowning deaths, up by 54% on the 5 year average.

There was also an increase of 50% in the 35-44 age group to 51 drowning deaths. Despite these increases there was some cause for optimism with a decrease of 5.5% reported in the 0-4 age group when compared to the previous year.

The backyard swimming pool remains the number one location of drowning deaths in the 0-4 age group. The report clearly indicates a need for a greater emphasis on education. The acquisition of personal aquatic survival, basic lifesaving and first aid skills are essential for every Australian child. Royal Life Saving believes that only 70% of Australian children currently receive an adequate water safety education.

In the past year 202 (73%) males and 75 (27%) females drowned in waterways across Australia, making men almost three times more likely to drown. Men are also more likely to participate in aquatic recreational activities such as rock fishing and boating. There was a 52% decrease in the number of fishing related drowning deaths on the 5 year average but a 69% increase in watercraft (boat, jet ski, etc) related drowning deaths on the 5 year average.

Royal Life Saving continues to stress the importance of always checking the conditions and hazards before entering the water and following basic actions such as always wearing a life jacket. Extreme weather conditions such as storms and flooding were responsible for a number of drowning deaths.

Royal Life Saving is asking people to adhere to warning signs and extreme weather reports after 14 people drowned last year while attempting to cross flooded roadways. This figure includes 8 people in one event in NSW alone. It is important to know local conditions, avoid roads prone to flooding during wet weather and check the local radio for updates when it has been raining or there is a threat of flooding. Put simply do not drive through flooded roadways as road conditions will vary.

There was a small decrease in drowning deaths in Australians aged over 55 years with 62 fatalities in the past year, which is a decrease of 5% on the 5 year average. Royal Life Saving encourages older Australians to reacquaint themselves with water safety and to participate in gentle aquatic based exercise for fun and as a way to stay or get fit.

Facts at a glance:

• 277 people drowned in Australia in the 2006-07 financial year.
• 202 of the people were male (73%), 75 were female (27%).
• 21 children 5-14 years drowned 2007.
• The main activities people were undertaking immediately prior to drowning were swimming/leisure activity (80 deaths), followed by falling into the water (56 deaths).
• 16 young children under 5 years (46%) drowned in swimming pools of which 15 were home pools.
• 54 people in the 35-54 years age group drowned in a river/ocean/harbour of which 25 drowned in rivers and 25 drowned in oceans.
• Extreme weather conditions resulted in 14 drowning deaths, 8 of which occurred during one event in NSW.
• Indigenous Australians are up to four times more likely to drown than the rest of the Australian community.

Australian State/Territory drowning figures:

• ACT 2 drowning deaths (0 male, 2 female)
• NSW 111 drowning deaths (82 male, 29 female)
• NT 13 drowning deaths (11 male, 2 female)
• QLD 60 drowning deaths (42 male, 18 female)
• SA 14 drowning deaths (10 male, 4 female)
• TAS 9 drowning deaths (6 male, 3 female)
• VIC 37 drowning deaths (25 male, 12 female)
• WA 31 drowning deaths (26 male, 5 female)

The full 2007 National Drowning Report can be found at www.royallifesaving.com.au