COA S TAL SAFE T Y BRIE F LIFE JACKE T S S U R F L I FE S AV I N G AU S T R A L I A
LIFEJACKET SNAPSHOT 2004 - 20
23 57%
ANALYSIS Boating, personal watercraft (PWC), rock fishing and watercraft are popular coastal activities that recommend the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 980 deaths (663 due to drowning) have been recorded for these activities, 70% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.
DROWNING DEATHS
OTHER FATALITIES
AVERAGE DEATHS
AVERAGE DEATHS
41 69%
20 71%
PER YEAR
PER YEAR
37 86% 196 71%
64 58%
DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)
TORRES STRAIT
206 72%
105 66%
284 72% 65 63%
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-39 YEAR OLDS
216
76%
GENDER
DEATHS
895 DEATHS
60-74 YEAR OLDS
259
70%
85 DEATHS
69%
70%
DEATHS
TOP 3 CONTINENTS OF BIRTH
RESIDENT STATUS
EUROPE
99 DEATHS
79%
ASIA
168 DEATHS
SHORT TERM VISITOR
AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT
88 DEATHS
804 DEATHS
81%
82%
71%
AUSTRALIA
442 DEATHS
70%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
2
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
TOP 3 LOCATIONS
ROCK/CLIFF
BAY
OFFSHORE
213 DEATHS
136 DEATHS
425 DEATHS
80%
65%
66%
ACTIVITY
671
206
79
26 PWC DEATHS
WATERCRAFT DEATHS
ROCK FISHING DEATHS
71%
35%
61%
80%
No Lifejacket Worn
No Lifejacket Worn
No Lifejacket Worn
No Lifejacket Worn
BOATING DEATHS
100 88%
80 Percentage (%)
75% 75% 68%
60
40
60% 46%
53% 51%
52% 51%
49%
45%
40% 42%
42%
51%
48%
32% 26%
20
29%
24%
Boating
Watercraft
PWC
Rock Fishing
PROPORTION (%) OF PARTICIPANTS WHO ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
3
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2020
2019
2017
2018
2016
2015
2014
2020
2019
2018
2017
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
0
2014
13%13%
INTRODUCTION
Understanding lifejacket usage in Australia has become a priority for Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), which has monitored lifejacket use in coastal deaths since 1 July 2004, and has explored behaviours, perceptions and barriers to lifejacket use in coastal activities through various surveys (National Coastal Safety Surveys 2014-20) and social research focus groups (IPSOS Social Research Institute). It is widely accepted that correctly wearing a lifejacket (not just carrying one) can greatly reduce drowning risk by improving your chance of survival in the water. No one plans to end up in the water, but accidents (or adverse events) do happen and are often sudden and unexpected. The unexpected nature of these incidents means that often there is not enough time to locate and properly don a lifejacket. Many coastal incidents for these activities that result in death are due to mishaps including capsizing of a craft, falls overboard, swamping of a craft due to waves, all of which may be mitigated by wearing a lifejacket. Boating, personal watercraft (PWC), non-powered watercraft and rock fishing are all popular recreational activities that commonly occur on the Australian coast. For each of these activities, lifejacket use is recommended and, in some areas, legislated. Between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2020 there have been 980 deaths recorded for these popular coastal activities – 663 of which were due to drowning. Seventy per cent of these deaths (n=864) were known to not be wearing a lifejacket, although this could be much higher as a further twenty per cent (n=198) were unknown (see image below). Only ten per cent (n=98) were known to be wearing a lifejacket at the time of death. For the purposes of this brief and to focus on the proportions known not to have worn lifejackets, our analyses are conservative and have combined unknown cases with those wearing a lifejacket into a single category (herein referred to as Other). The 2021 Coastal Safety Brief – Lifejackets presents trends in Australian coastal deaths recorded in boating, PWC, non-powered watercraft and rock fishing activities, as well as exploring the number of participants and their behaviours and perceptions towards coastal safety. The death snapshots explore drowning
deaths and other fatalities (i.e. those due to other non-drowning factors such as medical issues, injury or marine fauna attacks) for each activity, while the participation pages highlight the trends of Australian adults (16 years and older) who participate in boating, PWC, non-powered watercraft and rock fishing activities, using data collected in SLSA’s annual National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) since its inception in 2014. In 2016, SLSA commissioned IPSOS Social Research Institute to conduct a qualitative research project into the behaviours of boaters, rock fishers and watercraft users regarding safety practices and perceptions, with a specific focus regarding lifejacket use. A feature summarising this research is presented in this brief (pages 26-27), which explores the differences and similarities across activities and identifies target audiences. Some specific future actions to increase awareness and advocate for are also proposed, including the benefits of lifejacket use, what to do in the event of ending up in the water, as well as the development of supported, effective and affordable lifejacket exchange programs. A significant highlight from this research was the confusion surrounding lifejacket usage and legislation, with differences at the state/territory level. This brief finishes with a summative table (and related glossary) which compares marine safety legislation for each state and territory. While it is not exhaustive, it provides an holistic alignment of the dominant lifejacket legislation under specific conditions and circumstances across Australia, and facilitates a national comparison.
70% NO LIFEJACKET WORN
10% LIFEJACKET
NOT WORN
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
20% UNKNOWN
WORN/UNKNOWN
4
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
C O A S TA L D E AT H L O C AT I O N S
DROWNING DEATHS Between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2020 there have been 663 drowning deaths on the Australian coast that have occurred while participating in boating, personal watercraft (PWC), non-powered watercraft (excluding surfing and bodyboarding), and rock fishing activities. New South Wales has recorded the highest number, followed by Western Australia and Queensland.
5 5 3
2
TORRES STRAIT
3
18 DEATHS Key to Drowning Activity 5
Ashmore Reef
DARWIN
44%
2
3
Boating PWC Watercraft Rock Fishing Capital City
2 2
17 DEATHS
2 3
4 3
94%
2
2 3
2 2
115 DEATHS
73%
2
4
4
6 2
120 DEATHS
2 2 4
2
70%
3 3
38 DEATHS 3
2 3
6 4
4 2
61%
BRISBANE
3 2 2 6 2
2
4
2 2
2
3 2 9 4 2
225 DEATHS
2
2
PERTH
2
8
2
3 3
4
72%
2
4
3 2 3
3
3 2 3
ADELAIDE
3
4 2
3
5 2 6
2 3
6
2 8 3
3 4 3 13 2 16 6 20 13 10 4
2
2
13
5
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
MELBOURNE
2 9 2
10
3
2
8 2
2 4 2 3
2
0
1,000km
SCALE
ted from “JF_Possibly removed cases” list
84 DEATHS
65%
2
2 2 2 5
6 2
2 2 2 2 2 4 2 3 2
2 2
2
2
2
HOBART 2
9 2 3 2
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
6
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
46 DEATHS
57%
Lord Howe Island
OTHER FATALITIES Between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2020 there have been 317 non-drowning related fatalities on the Australian coast that have occurred while participating in boating, personal watercraft (PWC), non-powered watercraft (excluding surfing and bodyboarding), and rock fishing activities. Queensland has recorded the highest number, followed by Western Australia and New South Wales.
2
2
TORRES STRAIT
5 DEATHS
Key to Fatality Activity
DARWIN
Boating
100%
6
PWC Watercraft Rock Fishing Capital City
2 2
20 DEATHS
2
80%
32
5 2
91 DEATHS
4
3
2
3 3 2
4 3
71%
2 2 2
76 DEATHS
3
72%
3 2 2
26 DEATHS
2 3
BRISBANE
54%
4 2 4
2
4
59 DEATHS
2
2
PERTH
2 2
3
4
2 2
4
3
Lord Howe Island
6 12
3
2
2 4
69%
2
ADELAIDE
SYDNEY 2
CANBERRA MELBOURNE
1,000km
2
7
2
0
21 DEATHS
SCALE
67%
2
2
HOBART 2
19 DEATHS
79%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
7
6 2 2 2 5 4 3 3
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
C O M P A R AT I V E C A U S A L F A C T O R S D R O W N I N G V S . F ATA L I T Y
DROWNING
WHY Drugs & Alcohol
62 DEATHS
4 DEATHS
10 DEATHS
19 DEATHS
WHY Medical & Injury
FATALITY
30
82%
DEATHS
3
50%
DEATHS
0
90%
DEATHS
1
89%
DEATHS
106 68% DEATHS 4 DEATHS
15 DEATHS
36 DEATHS
83% 67% 0% 100%
235 77% DEATHS 8
50%
DEATHS
15
80%
DEATHS
4
86%
DEATHS
38% 20% 50%
WHERE
278 63%
128 76%
Location
DEATHS
OFFSHORE
DEATHS
OFFSHORE
8
50%
3
67%
DEATHS
BEACH
DEATHS
BEACH
39
85%
19
26%
DEATHS
BEACH
DEATHS
BEACH
194 81% DEATHS
ROCK/CLIFF
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
8
6
83%
DEATHS
ROCK/CLIFF
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
DROWNING
WHEN Afternoon (12pm - 6pm)
98 DEATHS
10 DEATHS
29 DEATHS
67 DEATHS
77
62%
DEATHS
4
40%
DEATHS
15
76%
DEATHS
2
87%
WHEN
101 69%
Season
DEATHS
AUTUMN
DEATHS
71% 0% 20% 50%
79
70%
DEATHS
SUMMER
6
67%
4
75%
DEATHS
AUTUMN
DEATHS
SPRING
18
83%
9
44%
DEATHS
AUTUMN
DEATHS
AUTUMN
70
84%
3
67%
DEATHS
AUTUMN
DEATHS
SUMMER
WHO
125 70%
Visitor Status
DEATHS
7 DEATHS
13 DEATHS
76 DEATHS
FATALITY
68 DEATHS
RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)
5
14%
DEATHS
RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)
11
92%
DEATHS
LOCAL (< 10 KM)
3
0% INTRASTATE VISITOR (> 50 KM)
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
9
DEATHS
87% INTERNATIONAL
40% RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)
0% LOCAL (< 10 KM)
0% RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
B O AT I N G D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0
23 57%
ANALYSIS Boating is a popular coastal activity that recommends (and in some cases legislates) the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 671 deaths (390 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 71% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.
DROWNING DEATHS
OTHER FATALITIES
AVERAGE DEATHS
AVERAGE DEATHS
24 70%
17 71%
PER YEAR
PER YEAR
37 87% 138 70%
57 58%
DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)
65 65%
TORRES STRAIT
162 77% 133 66% 54 63%
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-39 YEAR OLDS
88
71%
GENDER
RESIDENT STATUS
DEATHS
607 DEATHS
60-74 YEAR OLDS
140 71%
64 DEATHS
69%
67%
DEATHS
BIRTH CONTINENT
SHORT TERM VISITOR
67 DEATHS
84% NORTH AMERICA
9 DEATHS
78% LATIN AMERICA
1 DEATH
100%
EUROPE
ASIA
78 DEATHS
60 DEATHS
80%
78%
AFRICA
7 DEATHS
57%
OCEANIA
23 DEATHS
74% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA
341 DEATHS
546 DEATHS
70%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
10
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
69%
LIFEJACKET USE IN BOATING DEATHS Worn/Unknown Not worn
60 50
51
Number (n)
49
40
49
43
43
48 44
43 38
45 42 38
36
30
38
37
25
20
Not worn
68%
32%
2017-18
2018-19
42%
2019-20
47%
123
Bay 68% Port/ 89% Marina
55
Beach 71%
52
River/ Creek
54% | 13
Jetty
82% | 11
Rock/ Cliff
71% | 7 0
76%
•2 9% BOATING DEATHS OCCUR IN THE AFTERNOON, 64% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
Worn/Unknown 406
Offshore 67%
79%
2016-17
2012-13
LOCATION
88%
2015-16
73%
2014-15
78%
2013-14
76%
2011-12
63%
2009-10
81%
2010-11
0%
2008-09
0%
2007-08
60%
2006-07
53%
2005-06
0
2004-05
10
100
•3 1% BOATING DEATHS OCCUR IN OCTOBER, DECEMBER AND APRIL, 72% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
200
300
400
•3 5% BOATING DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 67% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
500
Number (n)
MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 250
83%
79%
ALCOHOL
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
DRUGS
72%
53%
NONE
UNKNOWN
226
150
100
102
100
50
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
Worn/Unknown
200
A HIGHER PROPORTION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED BOATING DEATHS WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
Not worn 228
Number (n)
85%
13 77%
0
11
76% Medical Condition
Medical Condition & Injury
70% Injury
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
68% None
53% Unknown
B O AT I N G P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 014 - 2 0
FREQUENCY
150
STATE
10
HOURS
13%
HOURS
FREQUENT
GENDER
47% 14% 14%
14%
11% 22%
OCCASIONAL
59%
|
41%
TOTAL 2.5M FREQUENT 0.7M NCSS2020: BOATING PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER
2% 16%
45%
45%
20%
BAY/HARBOUR 50% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN BOATING
54% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN BOATING
Bay or harbour Estuary or mangrove Offshore <2 nautical miles Offshore >2 nautical miles Can't say
17%
NCSS2014-20: WHERE DO PARTICIPANTS USUALLY USE BOATS? 15
12%
Percentage (%)
12
11% 10%
9
9%
9%
9%
8%
7%
6
7%
6% 5%
4%
3 2% 0
16-17
18-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44 45-49 Age group
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
NCSS2014-20: AGE OF BOATING RESPONDENTS BETWEEN 2014-20. Sixty per cent of boaters are aged between 20-49 years old.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
12
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
1% 75 & over
80
93% OF OCCASIONAL BOATERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 52% ALWAYS WEAR IT
74%
Percentage (%)
70
69%
60 50
64%
63%
59%
56%
40 30
35%
35%
2015
2016
39%
39%
32%
32%
20 10 0
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Frequent
2017
2018
2019
2020
Occasional
NCSS2014-20: PROPORTION (%) OF BOATERS THAT HAVE A LIFEJACKET AT HOME NB: Frequent boaters go boating at least once per month
Boaters Passengers
Boaters Passengers
60
Experience
40 30 20
20% 19%
7% Always
55%
51% 54%
20% 19%
10 0
53%
Intermediate
52%
Advanced
Percentage (%)
Beginner
57% 50
Most of the time Sometimes
5%
62% 68% 0
Never
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
62% OF ADVANCED BOATERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 53% OF BEGINNERS
Percentage (%)
NCSS2014-20: HOW OFTEN DO BOATERS ENSURE THEY THEMSELVES OR THEIR PASSENGERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID?
NCSS2014-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE OF BOATERS AND THEIR PASSENGERS
Boaters Passengers
70
65%
Percentage (%)
60 50
58% 52%
40
56% 48%
50%
50%
51%
56%
57%
30 20 10 0 Unable to swim
Weak swimmer
Average swimmer
Competent swimmer Highly competent swimmer
Overall swimming ability
NCSS2014-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
13
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
ONLY 48% OF BOATERS WHO REPORT TO BE WEAK SWIMMERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
P E R S O N A L W AT E R C R A F T D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0
0 0%
ANALYSIS Personal watercraft (PWC), or jetskis, is a popular coastal activity that recommends (and in some cases legislates) the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 26 deaths (17 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 35% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.
DROWNING DEATHS
OTHER FATALITIES
AVERAGE DEATHS
AVERAGE DEATHS
1.1 35%
0.6 33%
PER YEAR
PER YEAR
TORRES STRAIT
0 0% 2 0%
3 0%
DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)
3 0%
15 47% 1 0% 2 100%
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 20-39 YEAR OLDS
13
46%
GENDER
DEATHS 45-54 YEAR OLDS
7
14%
17 DEATHS
9 DEATHS
29%
44%
RESIDENT STATUS
DEATHS
BIRTH CONTINENT
SHORT TERM VISITOR
2 DEATHS
50% NORTH AMERICA
0 DEATHS
0% LATIN AMERICA
0 DEATHS
0%
EUROPE
ASIA
3 DEATHS
1 DEATH
33%
0%
AFRICA
0 DEATHS
0%
OCEANIA
1 DEATH
0% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA
14 DEATHS
57%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
14
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
23 DEATHS
35%
LIFEJACKET USE IN PWC DEATHS 6
Worn/Unknown Not worn
6
4
4
3
3
3
2
2012-13
Not worn
1 100%
50%
33%
•1 9% PWC DEATHS OCCUR IN NOVEMBER, 40% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
7
Bay 33%
0
17%
11
Offshore 14%
Port/ Marina 0%
1 100%
•5 8% PWC DEATHS OCCUR IN THE AFTERNOON, 40% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
Worn/Unknown
Beach 55%
1 100%
2018-19
2011-12
LOCATION
50%
2017-18
0 0%
2016-17
0%
2015-16
1 0%
2014-15
1 0%
2013-14
0 0%
2010-11
0%
2009-10
1
0 0%
2007-08
2005-06
1 100%
2004-05
0
1 0%
2006-07
1
2008-09
2
2019-20
Number (n)
5
6
•5 8% PWC DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 40% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
2 2
4
6
8
10
12
Number (n)
MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 100%
100%
ALCOHOL
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
DRUGS
25%
33%
NONE
UNKNOWN
10
10
6
4 3
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
Worn/Unknown Not worn
3
2
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WERE DETECTED IN 27% OF PWC DEATHS, 57% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
10
8
Number (n)
40%
0
15
67% Medical Condition
30% Injury
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
30% None
33% Unknown
P W C P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 017 - 2 0
FREQUENCY
130
STATE
10
HOURS
4%
HOURS
FREQUENT
GENDER
19% 4% 6%
2%
5% 3%
OCCASIONAL
63%
|
37%
TOTAL 0.7M FREQUENT 0.2M
NCSS2020: PWC PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER
6%
4% 5%
31% 7%
31%
10%
Patrolled beach during patrolled hours only Bay or harbour Unpatrolled beach Patrolled beach, but not always during patrolled hours Offshore <2 nautical miles Offshore >2 nautical miles Estuary or mangrove Can't say
PATROLLED BEACHES
13%
66% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A PWC
24%
87% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A PWC
NCSS2017-20: WHERE DO PARTICIPANTS USUALLY USE A PWC?
48% OF PWC USERS ARE AGED BETWEEN 20-34 YEARS OLD
25 22% Percentage (%)
20
1% 15 9% 13%
13%
10 8% 5 0
6%
9%
12%
10% 8%
6%
78%
2% 0.5% 1% 1% 16-17 18-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 Age group
NCSS2017-20: AGE OF PWC USERS BETWEEN 2017-20 Almost half (48%) of PWC users are aged between 20-34 years old.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
16
0%
Always Most of the time Sometimes Never
75 & over
NCSS2017-20: HOW OFTEN DO PWC USERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET?
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
93% OF PWC USERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 78% ALWAYS WEAR IT
Percentage (%)
100 80
87%
83% 70%
60
90% 77%
75% 63%
62%
40 20 0 2018
2017
2020
2019
2017
2018
Frequent
2019
2020
Occasional
NCSS2017-20: PERCENTAGE OF PWC USERS THAT HAVE ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A PWC NB: Frequent PWC users go at least once per month
ONLY 43% OF PWC USERS THAT HAVE BEEN RESCUED ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
Not always
77%
Yes
57% 0
Can’t say 21%
2%
43% 20
40 60 Percentage (%)
80
Percentage (%)
31% 4%
87% 13% 20
40
60
80
NCSS2017-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE OF PWC USERS
Always wear a lifejacket 86%
ONLY 68% OF PWC USERS WHO REPORT TO BE AVERAGE SWIMMERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
84%
60
68%
75%
40 20 0 Unable to swim
100
Weak swimmer
Average swimmer Competent swimmer Highly competent swimmer
Overall swimming ability
NCSS2017-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE BY PWC USERS
62% OF ADVANCED PWC USERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 65% OF INTERMEDIATE USERS
Percentage (%)
100%
80
25%
65%
0
100
NCSS2017-20: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN RESCUED WHEN PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFEJACKET USE
100
Intermediate
No
Not always
Can’t say
75%
Advanced
Ever been rescued
Always
Experience
Beginner
Always
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
17
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
W AT E R C R A F T D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0
0 0%
ANALYSIS Non-powered watercraft (excluding surfing and bodyboarding) are popular coastal activities that recommend the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 79 deaths (57 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 63% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.
DROWNING DEATHS
OTHER FATALITIES
AVERAGE DEATHS
AVERAGE DEATHS
4
1
74%
PER YEAR
TORRES STRAIT
0 0% 14 64%
27%
3 100%
DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)
PER YEAR
16 69%
24 13% 19 58% 3 33%
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-39 YEAR OLDS
28
75%
GENDER
RESIDENT STATUS
DEATHS
76 DEATHS
55-69 YEAR OLDS
20
60%
3 DEATHS
59%
100%
DEATHS
BIRTH CONTINENT
SHORT TERM VISITOR
7 DEATHS NORTH AMERICA
1 DEATHS
100% LATIN AMERICA
1 DEATHS
100%
86%
EUROPE
ASIA
8 DEATHS
5 DEATHS
75%
80%
AFRICA
1 DEATHS
0%
OCEANIA
4 DEATHS
50% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
18
39 DEATHS
59 DEATHS
51%
59%
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
LIFEJACKET USE IN WATERCRAFT DEATHS
Worn/Unknown Not worn
10 9
9
9
6
7
7
6 5
5
4
100%
100%
80%
67%
67%
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
LOCATION Not worn
River/ Creek
0%
3
56%
33%
57%
57%
•6 2% WATERCRAFT DEATHS OCCUR IN THE AFTERNOON, 59% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
Worn/Unknown
Beach 66%
100%
67%
2019-20
33%
Port/ Marina
100%
2018-19
100%
29%
0%
2017-18
50%
Bay
3
2016-17
40%
58
Offshore 58%
3
2
1
0
3
2015-16
3
2
2014-15
4
2013-14
Number (n)
8
•1 9% WATERCRAFT DEATHS OCCUR IN MARCH, 67% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
12 7 1
•4 4% WATERCRAFT DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 54% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
1
0
10
20
30 Number (n)
40
50
60
MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 35
100
89
60
ALCOHOL
DRUGS
NONE
%
%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
Other No lifejacket
25
A HIGHER 47% PROPORTION UNKNOWN OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED WATERCRAFT DEATHS WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
34
30
Number (n)
%
20 19 15
15
10 9 2 100%
5 0
19
47% Medical Condition
Medical Condition & Injury
44% Injury
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
76% None
47% Unknown
W AT E R C R A F T P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 014 - 2 0
FREQUENCY
100
GENDER
4%
5
HOURS
FREQUENT
STATE
10
8%
%
HOURS
OCCASIONAL
4%
6%
6% 13%
51%
|
49%
TOTAL 1.3M FREQUENT 0.3M
NCSS2020: WATERCRAFT PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER
4%
5%
1%
27%
14%
27%
15%
46% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A WATERCRAFT
BAY/HARBOUR
43% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A WATERCRAFT
Bay or harbour Patrolled beach during patrolled hours only Estuary or mangrove Unpatrolled beach Patrolled beach, but not always during patrolled hours Offshore <2 nautical miles Offshore >2 nautical miles Can't say
19%
16%
NCSS2014-20: WHERE DO PARTICIPANTS USUALLY USE WATERCRAFT?
54% OF WATERCRAFT USERS ARE AGED BETWEEN 20-39 YEARS OLD
Always wear lifejacket Own a lifejacket 0.8
Percentage (%)
13% 19%
45%
23%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
0.5
57% 50%
52% 55% 41% 39%
0.4
44%
42% 31%
30%
0.3
60%
59%
0.2
Always Most of the time Sometimes Never
NCSS2014-20: HOW OFTEN DO WATERCRAFT USERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET?
0.6
71%
67%
0.7
0.1 0
Kayak
SUP
Surf Ski Surfboat
Canoe Kiteboard
Wind surfer
NCSS2014-20: PERCENTAGE OF DIFFERENT WATERCRAFT USERS THAT OWN A LIFEJACKET COMPARED TO THOSE THAT ALWAYS WEAR IT
20
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
76% OF ALL WATERCRAFT USERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 44% ALWAYS WEAR IT
60% 55%
52%
50% Percentage (%)
60%
58%
56%
53% 49%
45%
40%
40%
39% 34%
30%
34%
32%
29%
20% 10% 0%
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2014
2015
2016
Frequent
2017
2018
2019
2020
Occasional
NCSS2014-20: PERCENTAGE OF WATERCRAFT USERS THAT ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID NB: Frequent Watercraft users go at least once per month
62% OF WATERCRAFT USERS THAT HAVE BEEN RESCUED DO NOT ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
0
62% 20
40 60 Percentage (%)
80
53%
47%
50%
61%
100
0
Always wear a lifejacket
50 47%
40
49% 43%
43%
Average swimmer
Competent swimmer
30 20
27%
10 0 Unable to swim
Weak swimmer
Can’t say
3%
37%
20
40 60 80 Percentage (%)
3%
100
NCSS2014-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE OF WATERCRAFT USERS
NCSS2014-20: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN RESCUED WHEN PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFEJACKET USE
Percentage (%)
Beginner
2%
47%
Intermediate
Can’t say
52%
Yes 38%
Experience
No 46%
Not always
Not always
Advanced
Ever been rescued
Always
Always
Highly competent swimmer
ONLY 27% OF WATERCRAFT USERS WHO REPORT TO BE UNABLE TO SWIM ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
Overall swimming ability
NCSS2014-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE BY WATERCRAFT USERS
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
21
61% OF ADVANCED WATERCRAFT USERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 47% OF BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE USERS
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
R O C K F I S H I N G D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0
0 0%
ANALYSIS Rock fishing is a popular coastal activity that recommends (and in some areas legislates) the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 206 deaths (199 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 80% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.
DROWNING DEATHS
OTHER FATALITIES
AVERAGE DEATHS
AVERAGE DEATHS
12 80%
0.4 71%
PER YEAR
PER YEAR
TORRES STRAIT
0 0% 42 81%
1 100%
DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)
21 76%
5 100% 131 80% 6 67%
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-34 YEAR OLDS
44
89%
GENDER
DEATHS
195 DEATHS
40-49 YEAR OLDS
48
77%
RESIDENT STATUS
11 DEATHS
79%
91%
DEATHS
BIRTH CONTINENT
SHORT TERM VISITOR
12 DEATHS NORTH AMERICA
0 DEATHS
0% LATIN AMERICA
0 DEATHS
0%
75%
EUROPE
ASIA
10 DEATHS
102 DEATHS
90%
83%
AFRICA
5 DEATHS
80%
OCEANIA
7 DEATHS
71% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA
48 DEATHS
172 DEATHS
90%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
22
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
84%
LIFEJACKET USE IN ROCK FISHING DEATHS Worn/Unknown Not worn 20
20
19
19 17
17 15
13
12
12 11
11
10
10
9 8
8
5
75%
76%
100%
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
FISHING ALONE? Not worn
117
Yes 78%
Unknown 31% 0
22
40
89%
64%
60%
42%
•3 9% ROCK FISHING DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 79% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
16 20
92%
•2 6% ROCK FISHING DEATHS OCCUR IN APRIL AND MAY, 87% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
51
No, with 86% strangers
93%
•3 9% ROCK FISHING DEATHS OCCUR IN THE MORNING, 78% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
Worn/Unknown
No, with friends 86% /family
92%
2019-20
90%
2018-19
100%
2017-18
62%
2016-17
60%
2015-16
100%
2014-15
63%
2005-06
0
2004-05
5
2013-14
Number (n)
15
60 80 Number (n)
100
120
MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 100%
50%
91%
ALCOHOL
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
DRUGS
150
Not worn 127
87
NONE
Number (n)
120
%
56
%
UNKNOWN
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WERE DETECTED IN ONLY 10% OF ROCK FISHING DEATHS, BUT 90% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
23
Worn/Unknown
90
60
30
23
0
91% Medical Condition
38 4 75% Medical Condition & Injury
14 71% Injury
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
86% None
58% Unknown
R O C K F I S H I N G P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 017 - 2 0
FREQUENCY
120
STATE
8
HOURS
3%
HOURS
FREQUENT
GENDER
11% 4% 8%
4%
5% 9%
OCCASIONAL
69%
|
31%
TOTAL 0.9M FREQUENT 0.4M
NCSS2020: ROCK FISHING PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER
21%
21%
41%
ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET 20% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN ROCK FISHING
21% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN ROCK FISHING
15%
Always Most of the time Sometimes Never
24%
NCSS2014-20: HOW OFTEN ROCK FISHERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
6%
100 80%
60 56% 40 20
24%
Carry a lifejacket Always wear a lifejacket
80 Percentage (%)
39% OF ROCK FISHERS WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS NEVER WEAR A LIFEJACKET
24% 16%
39% 17% 14%
Always Most of the time Sometimes Never Can’t say
NCSS2017-20: EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
0 Frequent
Occasional
80% OF OCCASIONAL ROCK FISHERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 16% ALWAYS WEAR IT
NCSS2017-20: PERCENTAGE OF ROCK FISHERS THAT CARRY AND ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID NB: Frequent Rock fishers go fishing at least once per month
24
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
60
49% OF FREQUENT ROCK FISHERS HAVE A LIFEJACKET AT HOME BUT ONLY 24% ALWAYS WEAR IT
56%
Percentage (%)
50 49%
46%
40
45% 40%
30
30%
29%
2017
2018
32%
20 10 0 2017
2018
2019
2020
Frequent
2019
2020
Occasional
NCSS2014-20: PERCENTAGE OF ROCK FISHERS THAT HAVE A LIFEJACKET AT HOME NB: Frequent Rock fishers go fishing at least once per month
ONLY 18% OF ROCK FISHERS THAT HAVE BEEN RESCUED ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
No 20%
35%
Yes 18%
Never
Can’t say
42%
3%
68%
0
20
Experience
Not always
9% 40 60 Percentage (%)
80
Advanced Intermediate Beginner
Ever been rescued
Always
Always Most of the time Sometimes Never Can’t say
5% 100
18%
26%
19%
18% 20
38%
25%
40 60 Percentage (%)
2%
29% 80
3% 100
NCSS2017-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE BY ROCK FISHERS
30
Percentage (%)
22%
42%
Always wear a lifejacket
35
32%
25 22%
22%
15
16%
10
12%
5 0
13% 29%
0
NCSS2017-20: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN RESCUED WHEN PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFEJACKET USE
20
16%
Unable to swim
Weak swimmer
Average swimmer
Competent swimmer
Highly competent swimmer
ONLY 22% OF ROCK FISHERS THAT REPORT TO BE UNABLE TO SWIM ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
Overall swimming ability
NCSS2017-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE BY ROCK FISHERS
42% OF BEGINNER ROCK FISHERS NEVER WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 25% OF ADVANCED FISHERS
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
25
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
IPSOS SUMMARY I N V E S T I G AT I N G L I F E J A C K E T U S A G E W I T H S O C I A L R E S E A R C H
Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) main goal is to reduce coastal drowning deaths. Nationally, rock fishers, boaters, PWC and watercraft users comprise a significant proportion of coastal drowning deaths and other fatalities each year. Lifejacket usage is recommended for each of these activities and plays an important role in the outcome and survival of incidents. In 2016, SLSA commissioned IPSOS Social Research Institute to conduct a qualitative research project into the behaviours of boaters, rock fishers and watercraft users regarding safety practices and perceptions (NB: users and PWC as an activity were not included in the scope of this research). While the benefits of lifejacket use are generally understood, barriers to actually and correctly wearing a lifejacket while participating in these activities remain. Here we present a summary of these findings, focusing on lifejacket usage across these popular coastal activities. Lifejacket usage differs by activity, participant type, and demographics. For example, lifejacket usage was greater for passengers, especially children, when boating or using watercraft. Older boaters were also more likely to wear lifejackets, particularly in dangerous conditions. Participants who could not swim or were inexperienced were more likely to wear a lifejacket. Lifejackets were more likely to be worn within peer groups who accept lifejackets. This research also identified certain groups that do not wear lifejackets. Watercraft users who were older (50+ years old)
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
and those born in Australia were less likely to wear lifejackets, as were younger boaters (18-34 years old), rock fishers, and stand up paddleboard (SUP) users. Boaters born overseas were also unlikely to wear a lifejacket since 60% were less likely to own one. Understanding the barriers to lifejacket usage is a priority for SLSA. This research showed that there were multiple factors that influenced lifejacket usage in these activities. The main practical motivations to wear a lifejacket were to be safe, save lives, and to be prepared for unexpected situations. Practical reasons why respondents did not wear lifejackets were because they didn’t own one, the costs and effort involved to purchase and maintain, that they were uncomfortable or impractical, i.e. too bulky, hot, cumbersome, and hindered swimming ability. Social factors that influenced lifejacket usage included who they were participating in an activity with, how they wanted to be perceived by others, and previous experience or knowledge of adverse events. Specifically, lifejackets were worn more when others were wearing them, when participating with children or inexperienced individuals. The opposite was also true for not wearing a lifejacket, i.e. if lifejacket wearing was not common or that they looked bad or unfashionable. These respondents generally perceived lifejackets as being over the top, especially within rock fishers.
26
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
Risk perception and awareness was identified as a strong driver of lifejacket usage. Lifejackets were worn more when perceived risk of an adverse incident was higher due to trip duration, limited experience, risky times or location (i.e. at night, alone, unfamiliar location, when crossing a bar or going offshore),adverse weather conditions (i.e. rough conditions or presence of white caps), and participating in high risk activities (e.g. kite surfing or ‘Korean fishing’). Conversely, lifejacket usage was less likely when perceived risk of an adverse event was low (i.e. they only participate in an activity during calm conditions, and when they were confident that they could survive if they did end up in the water) – highlighting inaccurate perceptions regarding how long it can take to be rescued. Some respondents had simply not considered using lifejackets when participating in their activity, emphasising the importance in increasing awareness in the community. Finally, legislation and its enforcement had clear impacts on decisions behind wearing a lifejacket. Respondents were more likely to wear a lifejacket when it is law to do so and in fear of enforcement or infringement. Confusion or lack of knowledge around lifejacket legislation reduced lifejacket usage, especially when there was no experience of actual enforcement. Even so, boaters, rock fishers and watercraft users were generally supportive of mandatory lifejacket legislation (except for SUP users who considered lifejackets to impact on their ability to swim in the water). This research has highlighted high risk groups, situations and attitudes relating to lifejacket usage which can be used to guide future mitigation and preventative efforts. This research is, however, five years old and did not include PWC users. SLSA intends to revitalise this research to capture current behaviours, perceptions and beliefs surrounding trends and barriers of Australian lifejacket usage.
TARGET AUDIENCES
50+ WATERCRAFT USERS
Australian born
Year olds
SUP users
ALL ROCK FISHERS
and immediate family
18-34 Overseas born
BOATERS
Year olds
ACTIONS TO TAKE Promote increased awareness of: • Lifejacket usage recommendations (including specific conditions or locations), legislation and enforcement • Adverse conditions and events (including fatalities) • Newer more comfortable, practical lifejacket styles • Benefits of lifejackets • Average time for rescue personnel to arrive at a situation • What to do if they do get into trouble in the water
Advocate for: • More consistent (and less confusing) lifejacket legislation nationally • Development of effective and affordable lifejacket exchange programs
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
27
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
L I F E J A C K E T L E G I S L AT I O N
SUMMARY BY STATE OR TERRITORY
Small boats
NSW Boats <4.8m, Children <12yo, Open waters, Boating at night, In alpine waters, Crossing coastal bars
QLD Boats <4.8m, Children <12yo in open boat underway, Crossing coastal bar in open boat
All other situations
Registered tender
VIC
WA
Boats <4.8m, At all times
Protected waters
Recreational tender
Unprotected waters
Boats 4.8-12m and Yachts, Children <10yo in open area, Heightened risk (and open areas on yachts)
Protected waters
All other situations Boats >12m
Unprotected waters
All other situations
Larger boats
Children <12yo open area, Crossing coastal bars
At all times
All other situations
PWC (e.g. jetskis)
At all times
At all times
At all times
At all times
When being towed (e.g. waterskiing, skurfing, etc)
At all times
At all times
At all times
At all times
>400m from shore, Open waters Enclosed waters at night, In alpine waters, When alone, Children <12yo
At all times
At all times
Protected waters
Canoes, kayaking, and off-the-beach sailing yachts (and some other paddlecraft)
All other situations
Sail/kiteboarding
Open waters, Enclosed waters at night, In alpine waters, When alone, Children <12yo
Unprotected waters
At all times
All other situations
Must be worn
Must be carried
<400m from shore, + paddleboard
Protected waters
>400m from shore, +paddleboard
Unprotected waters
Recommended, but not required
NB: please see legislation glossary (p.32) for specific definitions and marine safety agencies for each state and territory. This table is correct as at 01 April 2021. Information and legislative requirements may change from time to time.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
28
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
SUMMARY BY STATE OR TERRITORY SA
TAS
NT
ACT
Vessels <4.8m fitted with engine, At all times
Vessels <6m, Under power, Tender
Small vessels <5m, At all times
Boats <4.8m, Children <12yo, Boating at night, Alone
Registered tender
All other situations
All other situations Boats 4.8-12m, Children <12yo in open area, Heightened risk and open area
Vessels >6m, Children <12yo in open area and under power
Sailing dingy and sailing craft <6m
All other situations
At all times
Boats 4.8-8m, Children <12yo in open area
All other situations
All other situations At all times
At all times
At all times
Not allowed
At all times
At all times
At all times
At all times
At all times
In surfzone riding waves to shore, +paddleboard
Small vessels with permanently closed hulls, At all times
At night, When alone, Child <12yo
All other situations
At all times
All other situations Small vessels with permanently closed hulls, At all times
In surfzone riding waves to shore
At night, When alone, Child <12yo
All other situations
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
All other situations
29
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
GLOSSARY
Adult For the purpose of this report, adults refer to a person 16 year of age and over. Alcohol A recreational beverage containing the chemical ‘ethanol’, a psychoactive drug that is the active ingredient in drinks such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits. In this report, alcohol is reported when consumption is considered contributory to a death as ruled by the coroner. Alcohol & Drugs When alcohol and drug consumption is combined and considered contributory to a death as ruled by the coroner. Bay A body of water partially enclosed by land but with a wide mouth, affording access to the sea. Beach A wave-deposited accumulation of sediment usually sand, but ranging in size up to boulders deposited between the upper swash limit and wave base. Boating Using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for pleasure and/or fishing. Coastal Describes the foreshore, seabed, coastal water and air space above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including areas up to 3 nautical miles offshore and of which the landward boundary is the line of mean high water, except where that line crosses a river/inlet, the landward boundary at that point shall be the point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river/inlet mouth by five. (Adopted from the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 New Zealand). Coastal drowning death Where the location of the death is on the coast, in the ocean up to 3nm offshore or inland up to five times the width of the inlet/river and the cause of death includes drowning or immersion. Coastal fatality Where the location of the death is on the coast, in the ocean up to 3nm offshore or inland up to five times the width of the inlet/river and the cause of death does not include drowning or immersion. Drowning The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified as death, morbidity and no morbidity. Drowning Death A fatal drowning incident arising from the process of respiratory impairment as a result of submersion/ immersion in liquid. Drugs A medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced to the body. The category includes therapeutic, over-the-counter and illicit drugs. In this report, drugs are reported when consumption is considered contributory to a death as ruled by the coroner. Fatality A fatal incident arising from circumstances other than drowning (e.g. medical condition, injury, self-harm, marine creature). Fishing Attempting to catch a fish.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
Frequent Participates in activity at least once per month. Hazard A source of potential harm. Incident Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving services intervention. International Describes an individual who is confirmed to reside overseas and/or is a temporary visitor to Australia. IRD Incident report database. A web-based portal used by SLSA services to electronically record incident reports. Jetty An artificial structure that projects out into the water from land. Lifejacket A buoyant or inflatable garment or device designed to keep a person afloat in water and increase their likelihood of survival. Marina A boat basin offering dockage and other service for small craft. Medical For the purpose of this report, medical refers to an incident that was caused by a medical episode, e.g. a heart attack or epileptic seizure. NCIS National Coronial Information System. Non-fatal drowning A subset of drowning, the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid, where the outcome is classified as morbidity and no morbidity. Offshore Describes the coastal water area beyond the surf zone and inshore area from 500m to 12 nautical miles. Occasional Participates in activity less often than once per month. Ocean The seabed, water and air space above the water between 3-12 nautical miles (the Australian territorial waters limit) offshore. Ocean drowning death Where the location of the death is in the seabed, water or air space above the water between 3-12 nautical miles offshore and the cause of death includes drowning or immersion. Ocean fatality Where the location of the death is in the seabed, water or air space above the water between 3-12 nautical miles offshore and the cause of death does not include drowning or immersion. Patrol Service undertaken to monitor activities in/around an aquatic environment and respond accordingly through either preventative actions or rescue operations. Patrol flags Red/yellow horizontally divided flags which are set after performing a risk assessment to determine the most suitable area for swimming. The flags identify a zone for swimming and bodyboarding within a patrolled location. Patrolled location A location supervised by a lifesaving service.
30
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
Personal watercraft (PWC) A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is a vessel with a motor and a fully enclosed hull. It has been designed to not retain water if capsized and is operated by a person who is standing up, lying down, sitting astride, or kneeling. Rescue The retrieval of a person in distress, delivering them to a place of safety and the application of first aid and basic life support as may be required. Rip current A seaward flowing current of water moving through a surf zone. Rock/Cliff A rock platform that may or may not have a high steep face. Rock fishing Attempting to catch fish from a coastal rock platform or off a groyne. Rock shelf A section of rock above or below the water level that projects out from the coast. Swimming Moving through water by moving the body or parts of the body. Watercraft A piece of non-powered recreational equipment used in water. Examples include stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers or kayaks.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
31
COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
L E G I S L AT I O N G L O S S A R Y
Adverse event Any undesirable experience associated with an activity or circumstance. For the purpose of this brief, this may include being capsized, swept or fall into the water, drowning, collision, etc. The outcomes of these events can vary in severity, ranging from no impact to death. Alpine waters Enclosed waters in alpine areas, including lakes, rivers, dams and reservoirs. Closed area An area not covered by open area of a boat. Coastal bar Shallow, shifting sandbanks at the entrance to rivers, inshore waterways and coastal estuaries. Enclosed waters Navigable waters enclosed by land or a port. Heightened risk A time when associated risk is high. E.g. when crossing, or attempting to cross, a coastal bar or designated hazardous area, or when operating alone, at night, in restricted visibility, or on a disabled vessel. When there is increased likelihood of capsizing/being swamped by waves/falling overboard/forced to enter the water, weather warnings are reported, on a yacht with no safety barriers, lifelines, rails, safety harnesses or jacklines in use. See state/territory guidelines for specific information. Open area All open deck areas including coach roofs, superstructures, open fly bridges, trampolines and nets, but excluding areas within a rigid deckhouse, a rigid cabin, a rigid halfcabin or a securely enclosed under-deck space are open areas. For vessels without a deck, the whole vessel, excluding areas within a rigid cabin, rigid half cabin or a securely enclosed space are open areas. Open boat A boat that does not have a permanent rigid deckhouse, cabin or other enclosed space suitable for a person to occupy. A half cabin boat is not considered an open boat. Open waters Navigable waters that are not enclosed by land or not within a river, bay, harbour or port. They include coastal and ocean waters.
Partially smooth water A water category geographically defined by Maritime Safety Queensland, consult Queensland’s guidelines for further information. Protected waters Waters contained in any lake, river, or estuary or any breakwater, specifically defined by Western and South Australia, please consult Department of Transport WA and Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure SA guidelines for exceptions to these rules. Semi-protected waters Waters up to two (2) nautical miles from the low-water mark of the coast. See Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure SA guidelines for more information. Smooth water Includes rivers, creeks, streams and lakes, waters within breakwaters or revetments and within half a nautical mile from land within partially smooth water limits. See Maritime Safety Queensland for more information. Tender A boat used to assist a larger one, mainly used in moving goods and transporting passengers. See state/territory regulations for further criteria for tenders. Underway A vessel not at anchor, tied to the shore/ground/buoy, or aground. If the vessel is drifting, it is underway. Unprotected waters Waters that are not considered to be protected waters are unprotected waters (specifically in WA). Waters greater than two nautical miles from the coastal low-water mark coast are unprotected waters (specifically SA). See Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure SA and Department of Transport WA for more information. Vessel A craft that can be used as transport in the water. This includes watercraft such as personal watercrafts, kayaks, canoes, and wind surf boards. Note that NSW does not consider surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, towed equipment e.g. water skis, inflatable tubes or rafts or swimming equipment, to be a vessel.
STATE AND TERRITORY MARINE SAFETY AGENCIES Agency name
State or territory
Phone
Website
Roads and Maritime Services
New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory
13 12 36
rms.nsw.gov.au
Maritime Safety Queensland
Queensland
13 74 68
msq.qld.gov.au
Transport Safety Victoria
Victoria
1800 223 022
transportsafety.vic.gov.au
Marine and Safety Tasmania
Tasmania
1300 135 513
mast.tas.gov.au
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
South Australia
1300 183 046
sa.gov.au
Department of Transport
Western Australia
1300 863 308
transport.wa.gov.au
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Northern Territory
08 8924 7100
nt.gov.au
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COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS
REFERENCES
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2020 The Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report (NCSR) is published annually and contains information on Australian community behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS capability and membership capacity; rescues and emergency response; and coastal drowning deaths. The NCSR2020 presents statistics from the period of 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020. Trend analyses from all coastal deaths (drowning deaths and other fatalities) that have occurred between 1 July 2004 – 30 June 20 to explore causal factors over time are also included. All care is taken to ensure the statistical information included within this report is correct. However, pending the outcome of ongoing coronial investigations and as SLS state/territory entities update their operational information, this data may be amended over time. Data correct at 31 August 2020. Changes may occur at a later date.
This publication is copyright. Except as expressly provided in the Copyright Act 1968 and the Copyright Amendment Act 2006, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted by any means (including electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior permission from Surf Life Saving Australia. For enquiries concerning reproduction, contact SLSA on: phone 02 9215 8000; email: info@slsa.asn.au Every attempt has been made to trace and acknowledge copyright, but in some cases this may not have been possible. Surf Life Saving Australia apologises for any accidental infringements and would welcome any information to redress the situation.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY SURVEYS The annual Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Surveys (NCSS) collect Information about community swimming ability, behaviours and attitudes to coastal safety. The survey is conducted by Newspoll Market Research and Omnipoll and is run online over a four-day period each April among a national sample of approximately 1,400 respondents aged 16 and older. The study is carried out in compliance with ISO 20252 - Market, Social and Opinion Research. To reflect the population distribution, results were post-weighted (by age, gender, geographic strata and education) and projected to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. The data presented in the 2021 Coastal Safety Brief: Lifejackets has been derived from data extracted from multiple surveys, including Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Survey (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). Newspoll/Omnipoll Online Omnibus April 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Data illustrated in figures may not always add up to 100% due to rounding.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Surf Life Saving Australia wishes to thank Frederic Anne (Omnipoll) for his contribution to this report and Melissa Conchar for design.
SUGGESTED CITATION Lawes J, Ledger J, Cooper B, & Daw S (2021) Coastal Safety Brief: Lifejackets. Surf Life Saving Australia: Sydney.
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Surf Life Saving Australia Ltd Level 1, 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Australia P.O. Box 7773, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 www.sls.com.au