Analysis of unintentional drowning in Australia 2002-2022 PROGRESS, CHALLENGES AND DATA TO INFORM PREVENTION
ABOUT ROYAL LIFE SAVING
Royal Life Saving is focused on reducing drowning and promoting healthy, active and skilled communities through innovative, reliable, evidencebased advocacy; strong and effective partnerships; quality programs, products and services; underpinned by a cohesive and sustainable national organisation. Royal Life Saving is a public benevolent institution (PBI) dedicated to reducing drowning and turning everyday people into everyday community lifesavers. We achieve this through: advocacy, education, training, health promotion, aquatic risk management, community development, research, sport, leadership and participation and international networks.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Royal Life Saving Society – Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of this nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging recognising their continued connection to land, waters and communities.
OUR VISION
A water-loving nation free from drowning. 2
© 2023 Royal Life Saving Society – Australia 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 system or transmitted by any means (including electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior permission from Royal Life Saving Society – Australia. For enquiries concerning reproduction, contact RLSSA on: Phone 02 8217 3111 or email: info@rlssa.org.au. Every attempt has been made to trace and acknowledge copyright, but in some cases, this may not have been possible. Royal Life Saving apologises for any accidental infringements and would welcome any information to redress the situation. Printed copies of this document are available upon request. Please contact: PO Box 558 Broadway NSW 2007 Australia Phone: 02 8217 3111 Email: info@rlssa.org.au
Suggested Citation: Miller, L. (2023). Analysis of unintentional drowning in Australia 2002-2022: progress, challenges, and data to inform prevention. Royal Life Saving Society - Australia. Sydney, Australia
CONTENTS
Drowning deaths by key locations
30
Executive Summary
04
Progress over the 20 year period
06
River/creek
30
Challenges over the 20 year period
07
Beach
32
Change over time by location
08
Ocean/harbour
34
National drowning 20 year report snapshot
10
Swimming pools
36
Drowning deaths by life stages
14
State and Territory drowning deaths
38
Children aged 0-4 years
14
Cluster map of drowning deaths
40
Children aged 5-14 years
16
Heatmap of drowning deaths
42
Young people aged 15-24 years
18
Australian Capital Territory
44
Adults aged 25-64 years
20
New South Wales
46
Older people aged 65 years and over
22
Northern Territory
48
Queensland
50
South Australia
52
Tasmania
54
Victoria
56
Western Australia
58
When do drowning deaths occur?
24
Where and how do drowning deaths occur?
26
Locations of drowning in visitors
28
Activity prioor to drowning in visitors
29
Methods
60
Conclusions
62
References
62
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Royal Life Saving Report - Analysis of unintentional drowning in Australia 20022022: progress, challenges, and data to inform prevention, provides two decades of data for fatal drowning incidents in Australia. Each number in this report represents a life lost and countless other lives forever affected by tragedy. To this end, the data presented here is intended to inform action that prevents future fatal and nonfatal drowning. By understanding and highlighting the details and long-term trends of these events, we can better design and implement national, regional and community responses that address the burden of drowning in Australia. The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 set the aspirational goal of reducing drowning by 50 per cent by 2030. This twenty-year review provides an opportunity to evaluate both gains that have been made with decreasing rates of drowning, and areas of concern where the situation is either not improving or has worsened. In May 2023, the World Health Assembly adopted their first drowning resolution “Accelerating action on global drowning prevention” which requests governments to assess their national drowning situation. This report, in part, represents an answer to that call. In Australia we are fortunate to have robust, long-term data to inform policy responses and assess the impact of our action.
Data collection The Report provides a detailed understanding of who is drowning in Australia, and how, when and where they are drowning. The report analyses drowning data for the period 2002/03 to 2021/22, triangulated from data extracted from the National Coronial Information System, media reports, police reports and Royal Life Saving’s state and territory member organisations. One feature is the presentation of data in five-year intervals (2002/03 - 2006/07) to measure and report changing patterns and assess whether progress is being made.
While anyone can drown, no one should. Tragically, 5,692 people died from drowning in Australia across the 20-year period, 2002/03-2021/22. Their deaths are a tragedy which rippled through entire communities. In recording the circumstances of their deaths, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia aims to prevent future drowning, both fatal and non-fatal.
Reduction in drowning deaths This report captures an overall decline in drowning numbers of six per cent during the twenty-year period. While this is an important achievement, it is well short of successive goals contained within the Australian Water Safety Strategy. In public health circles, planning and measuring impact is best done by considering the drowning rate. Drowning rates give a general measure of the burden of drowning in the Australian population, and is represented by the number of drowning deaths each year per 100,000 population. In this respect the average drowning rate has dropped by 26 per cent from 1.45 to 1.08 per 100,000 population. All states and territories recorded a reduction in the fatal drowning rate of at least 20 per cent over the twenty-year period. The greatest reduction was recorded in South Australia, with a 37 per cent decrease in the rate.
4
Greatest improvements
Older people
By far the greatest improvement was in the 0 to fouryear-old age group: the count of drowning deaths reduced by 51% over the period, and the rate of fatal drowning reduced by 59% over the period. While this improvement is something to celebrate, any number of drowning deaths is still unacceptable and should motivate further action.
Drowning in older age groups is of particular concern. Reflecting the aging Australian population, the drowning rate among 65 to 74 years decreased by 7%, however the number of drowning deaths increased by 58%.
Progress is credited to the introduction of pool fencing legislation across Australia1, community awareness focusing on supervision, and increasing participation in water familiarisation programs by young children.2,3 The drowning rate continues to be lowest in children 5-14 years. Reductions of 46% (5-9 years) and 28% (10-14 years) reinforce the importance of swimming and water safety education. More recent increases in drowning deaths in these age groups are a cause for concern. Progress is less pronounced, but still impressive across most adults age groups ranging from reduction of 20% (35-44 years) to 34% (45-54 years). While rates are decreasing across all ages, there is much debate about how to accelerate progress.
Floods The proportion of flood related drownings has doubled from three to six per cent of all drowning deaths in the past 20 years. With the increases in severe weather events, more needs to be done to protect vulnerable individuals and communities from drowning during flooding. Community education, particularly around driving through flood waters, and improved early warning systems will be critical to reduce drowning deaths.
This growth in the number of fatal drowning incidents represents an emerging challenge for drowning prevention. These results reinforce the need for more prioritised interventions, and commitment to greater funding of awareness campaigns, particularly around the risks posed by swimming while using some pharmaceutical medications and swimming alone, or in unsupervised areas.
Non-fatal drowning Perhaps of most concern is the projected rise in nonfatal drowning incidents, up by 32%. While first aid and CPR can be effective in drowning incidents, the best prevention of impairment, significant disability or death is prevention of a drowning incident in the first instance.
We acknowledge all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one due to drowning, or who are caring for those who survive a drowning incident but are left with significant impairments. Royal Life Saving acknowledges and thanks our partners, particularly the National Coronial Information System team who have worked tirelessly over the past two decades to ensure the data is of the highest quality.
5
PROGRESS OVER THE 20 YEAR PERIOD Over the 20-year period, there has been some encouraging progress in reducing the drowning rate across all Australian states and territories. The biggest gains were in the 0-4 age group, which recorded a substantial decrease in drowning deaths. Changes to the population size and in key demographics, climate change, ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased use of waterways for recreation are all significant headwinds which must be countered if we are to maintain the progress made over the past two decades.
DROWNING RATE IN
Australia
B States Y AT LE&ATerritories ST
26%
20%
*
DECREASE
Children
59% DECREASE
Swimming pools
45% DECREASE 6
DECREASE
Adults
Older age (65+ years)
27%
11%
DECREASE
Ocean/Harbours
44% DECREASE
* All States and Territories had atleast a 20% decrease in drowning rate.
DECREASE
Lakes/Dams
29% DECREASE
Rivers/Creeks
22% DECREASE
CHALLENGES OVER THE 20 YEAR PERIOD
Males still drown more frequently than females; representing over 70 per cent of drowning cases each year The biggest gap between the genders occurs in the 25-34 year age group, where 87 per cent of all drowning deaths were males Reducing drowning in this group of young men is a priority
While there has been progress in reducing the number of children who drown each year, drowning deaths are still unacceptably high and a reduction in swimming and water safety lessons due to COVID-19 lockdowns is expected to have flow on effects in future years
Older age groups (65 years+) had an increase in the number of drowning events by 43 per cent when comparing baseline years 70 per cent of those who drowned in these age groups had a pre-exisiting medical condition
Reducing beach drowning rates has been a major challenge The beach is a hazardous and dynamic environment, a changing climate and growing population has made keeping people safe even more difficult
Contributing Factors Population growth Since 2002 the Australian population has grown by 34 per cent; reaching more than 26 million in 20222
Aging population One in every six Australians was over the age of 65 years (4.2 million); representing 16 per cent of the Australian population Pre-exisiting medical conditions are common among the older age groups, requiring surveillance when taking part in aquatic activities Projections show that older people will make up 23 per cent of the Australian population by 20664
Population diversity Net migration has increased by 250 per cent, reaching 395,000 migrant arrivals since 2002, despite a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic5 Swimming ability and experience are not always known when drowning deaths are reported. Many migrants have never swum before coming to Australia and are unfamiliar with water safety, swimming and lifesaving
Environmental impacts Extreme weather events, including flooding, are rising in frequency and severity across the world due to climate change. The most recent significant flooding occurred across Australia in 2021/22 6
COVID-19 pandemic 10 million swimming classes were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns 7 Two years of swimming and water safety education was missed for children, with a disproportinate effect on children who relied on primary school-based classes for fundamental water safety skills
Increase use of water spaces When COVID-19 lockdowns lifted, there was a rebound in visitor numbers increasing the risk of drowning Ongoing shortages of qualified lifeguards and swimming and water safety are a critical challenge
7
CHANGE OVER TIME BY LOCATION
Age group
Overall (age groups) Number
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
Total
Avg 02/07
37
Avg 17/22
18
Avg 02/07
9
Avg 17/22
6
Avg 02/07
6
Avg 17/22
5
Avg 02/07
5
Avg 17/22
6
Avg 02/07
29
Avg 17/22
28
Avg 02/07
43
Avg 17/22
41
Avg 02/07
40
Avg 17/22
37
Avg 02/07
44
Avg 17/22
34
Avg 02/07
34
Avg 17/22
34
Avg 02/07
24
Avg 17/22
38
Avg 02/07
22
Avg 17/22
28
Avg 02/07
293
Avg 17/22
275
Drowning rate 2.87
51%
1.17
59%
0.68 33%
0.37
46%
0.43 17%
0.31
28%
060 20%
0.68
13%
1.47 3%
1.22
1.09
17%
1.07
27%
No change
1.05
20%
34%
1.62
27%
1.53
7%
1.10
No change No change
10
10
9
8
8
14%
6
11%
58
n.p.
100%
n.p.
100%
0.12 0.11
8%
0.30 0.26
13%
0.27
43%
0.29
13%
0.28
26%
0.27
27%
0.34
16%
0.33 0.23
26%
0.23
3 n.p.
n.p.
No change
100% No change
n.p.
No change
4
4
3
n.p.
17%
3
No change
3
33%
0.08 0.06
25%
n.p.
100%
0.12 0.11
8%
0.10 0.09
10%
0.11
10%
0.10 33%
0.12
10%
0.22 50%
0.09
59%
0.19 75% No change
0.03
50%
84%
0.22 0.13 0.16
29 25
13%
0.10
2 3%
0.20
0.07
n.p.
3
0.32 50%
0.23
No change
4
0.29 100%
3
6
0.32 14%
Drowning rate
3
0.22 50%
Number
3
0.23
46 24%
No change
0.31
4
1.45 6%
100%
4
1.78 27%
6
n.p.
0.07
7
1.74 58%
n.p.
100%
6
1.57 1.14
n.p.
Lake / Dam
Drowning rate
0.08
7
1.58 23%
n.p.
No change
9
1.33 8%
n.p.
6
1.50 27%
Beach Number
0.16
41% No change
0.14 14%
0.10
29%
GREEN – reduction on track BLUE – no change RED – increase or slower progress n.p. = not presenting due to low cell count Table 1: Incidence change in fatal unintentional drowning by age group and top five drowning locations between 2002/07 baseline and 2017/22 baseline. Please note that some percentage increases or reductions are affected by rounding of rates. Please also note the rates do not take exposure into account and represent rates per 100,000 population only. 8
Age group
Ocean / Harbour Number
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
Total
Avg 02/07 Avg 17/22 Avg 02/07 Avg 17/22 Avg 02/07 Avg 17/22 Avg 02/07 Avg 17/22
n.p.
No change
n.p.
No change
n.p.
n.p.
Avg 02/07
4
Avg 17/22
3
Avg 02/07
9
Avg 17/22
7
Avg 02/07
9
Avg 17/22
5
Avg 02/07
10
Avg 17/22
4
Avg 02/07
9
Avg 17/22
6
Avg 02/07
7
Avg 17/22
8
Avg 02/07
2
Avg 17/22
3
Avg 02/07
51
Avg 17/22
37
River / Creek
Drowning rate n.p.
No change
0.08 25%
No change
n.p.
No change
No change
n.p.
No change
0.20 25%
0.13
0.19
35%
0.14
39%
0.12
53%
0.20
67%
0.34 0.16
50%
0.16
52%
0.14
33%
3 n.p. 2 2
9
13
10
10
9
33% No change
8
67% No change No change
8%
73
48%
0.06
73%
0.24 0.23
4%
0.46 0.39
0.35
17%
0.29
15%
0.31
17%
0.30
28%
0.34
23%
0.44
19%
0.29
n.p.
No change
2
2
2
n.p.
2
6%
3
33%
4
33%
28
0.15 0.12
20%
0.07 0.06
14%
n.p.
No change
0.09
40%
0.05
50%
0.10 33%
0.06
40%
0.11 67%
0.03
73%
0.05 100%
0.07
40%
0.29 25%
0.13
55%
0.40 20%
44 22%
60%
0.10
5 10%
0.57
0.15
4
0.37 3%
No change
n.p.
0.49 33%
n.p.
3
0.36 60%
No change
3
0.37 13%
53%
3
0.40 9%
2
Drowning rate 1.47
3
0.40
75 44%
0.12
9 2
0.42
6 8
77%
0.22
5
0.25 27%
2
0.07
Number 19
0.23
8
0.51 14%
75%
11
0.42 33%
n.p.
12
0.36 60%
0.31
12
0.30 44%
4
9
0.31 22%
Drowning rate
3
0.06
Swimming pool
Number
0.22
45%
0.22 36%
0.12
45%
9
NATIONAL DROWNING 20 YEAR REPORT SNAPSHOT
people drowned in Australian waterways
5,692
between 2002/03 to 2021/22
Top 3 age groups
Number of drowning deaths by age group and age-specific rates per 100,000 over the 20-year period 1.93 1.68
1.29
1.77
1.40
1.29
1.17
15%
25-34 years
13%
35-44 years
13%
45-54 years
1.27
845 751
765 711
0.65 549
0.53
5-9
526
112
100
0-4
563
0.35
151
615
10-14
15-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
age-group (years) Number of drowning deaths
Age-specific drowning rate
Sex and age breakdown 16% 14%
14%
13% 11%
11%
8%
7% 5% 2% 1% 0-4 Years
5-9 Years
1%
2% 1%
10-14 Years
2%
3%
4%
3%
3%
4%
0.4% 15-17 Years
18-24 Years Male
10
2%
25-34 Years Female
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
79% of all drowning deaths were males
State and Territory breakdown
3%
3.68
24% 1.54
NT
12% 1.47
QLD
5%
0.92
WA
35% 1.35
SA
15%
1%
NSW
0.56
0.77
ACT
VIC
4%
2.05
TAS
Top 3 locations
Top 3 activities
26%
23%
River/Creek
Swimming & Recreating
18%
19%
Beach
Fall
16%
13%
Ocean/Harbour
Boating 11
Season
Visitor Status
Spring
23%
Summer
37%
Winter
67%
Not a visitor
6%
Visitor – Overseas
6%
Visitor – Interstate
13%
Visitor – Intrastate
8%
Unknown
17% Autumn
22%
54% were born in Australia
Remoteness of drowning location
39%
27% 21%
Major cities 12
Inner regional
Outer regional
6%
6%
Remote
Very remote
Unintentional drowning deaths and death rates per 100,000 population from 2002/03 to 2021/22 and the 20-year average
20-year average drowning deaths = 285
20-year average crude rate = 1.25 per 100,000 population
1.45 1.19
There was a 6% decrease in number of drowning deaths between the 2002/07 baseline and the 2017/22 baseline
ge
2
ra
1
02
ve
-2
ra
21
02
0
246
-2
20
-y
ea
9
18
-2
01
8
258
20
7
01
-2
17
20
6
01 -2
16
20
5
01 -2 20
4
01 -2
15
14
20
3
01 -2 20
2
01 -2
13
12
20
1
01 -2
11
20
0
01 -2 20
9
01 -2
10
09
20
8
00 -2 20
7
00 -2
08
07
20
6
00 -2 20
5
00 -2
06
05
20
4
00
-2 20
04
00 -2
20
03
20
20
02
-2
00
3
235
This showed a 26% decrease in drowning rate between the 2002/07 baseline and the 2017/22 baseline
285
20
267 265
02
262
295
289
-2
282
300
285 277 295
20
273
314
300
19
293
1.08 339
20
322 295
1.25
1.31
26% Decrease
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Comparison of fatal and non-fatal incidents and crude rate of drowning incidents from 2002/03 to 2021/22 and the 20-year average
3.79
3.63
3.71
3.57
3.51
3.99
3.89
3.74
3.63
3.46
3.75
3.63
3.53 3.52
3.40
3.53
3.32
3.24
3.22
Over 16,000 drowning incidents occurred in Australia, representing a 20-year average crude drowning rate of 3.53 drowning incidents per 100,000 population
3.03
3.00
686
460
394
466
436
511
450
462
668
627 526
474
561
548
447
423
589
564
516
511
509
5,692
10,312 non-fatal
fatal
285
Non-fatal
20-year average fatal
Crude rate
20-year average crude rate
2 02 /2
1 02 20
0 02
/2 20
20
/2
9 20
19
01 /2
8 20
18
01 /2
20-year average non-fatal
339
295
246
21
258
235
17
16
/2
01
7
289
20
6 20
/2
01
5
4
01
15 20
/2
01
300
265
14 20
/2
3
267
13 20
2
01 /2
12 20
/2 11
10 20
295
277
01
1
285
/1
0 09
20
/1
9 20
/0
8 /0
20
08
7
Fatal
314
300
262
07
6
/0 06
20
20
05
/0
5 /0
282
20
293
273
04 20
/0
4
295
03
02 20
20
/0
3
322
16,004 total drowning incidents
13
DROWNING DEATHS BY LIFE STAGES: CHILDREN AGED 0-4 YEARS
549
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
59% decrease
children aged 0-4 years drowned in Australia from 2002/03 to 2021/22
with a 20-year average crude rate of
51% decrease
1.93
drowning incidents per 100,000
60% decrease
77% decrease
in drowning rates for swimming pools
in drowning rates for rivers/creeks
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, people aged 0-4 years (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
2.87
1.93
2.01
42
32
24
22
20
17
02 1 20 2
12
02 0 20 2
20 -
02
01 9 20 1
92
01 8 20 1
82
01 7 20 1
72
01 6 20 1
62
01 5 20 1
52
01 4 20 1
42
01 3 20 1
32
01 2 20 1
22
01 1 20 1
12
01 0 20 1
02
00 9 20 0
92
00 8 20 0
82
00 7 20 0
72
00 6 20 0
62
00 5 20 0
52
00 4
42
20 0
13
00 3
32
22 20 0
19
20 0
16
av er ag e
21
1.17
29
26
ar
28
27
25
1.67
35 35
ye
37
02 2
59% Decrease 42 39
14
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
27
Drowning deaths of children aged 0-4 years by location
Other
Bathtub / Spa Bath
11%
16%
Beach
1%
Lake / Dam
11%
Ocean / Harbour
1%
River / Creek
Swimming Pool
9%
51%
Drowning deaths of children aged 0-4 years by activity
Other Swimming and Recreating
4%
2%
Unknown
1%
Bathing
16%
Fall
77% 15
DROWNING DEATHS BY LIFE STAGES: CHILDREN AGED 5-14 YEARS
251
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
38% decrease
children aged 5-14 years drowned in Australia from 2002/03 to 2021/22
with a 20-year average crude rate of
27% decrease
0.44
drowning incidents per 100,000
25% decrease
48% decrease
in drowning rates for swimming pools
in drowning rates for rivers/creeks
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, people aged 5-14 years (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
0.55
0.51
22
38% Decrease
0.44 0.37
16 14
14 11
0.34
16 11
14
14
14
12 10
10
10
11
15
12 8
9
20 02
-2 20 00 03 3 -2 20 00 04 4 -2 20 00 05 5 -2 20 00 06 6 -2 20 00 07 7 -2 20 00 08 8 -2 20 00 09 9 -2 20 01 10 0 -2 20 01 11 1 -2 20 01 12 2 -2 20 01 13 3 -2 20 01 14 4 -2 20 01 15 5 -2 20 01 16 6 -2 20 01 17 7 -2 20 01 18 8 -2 20 01 19 9 -2 20 02 20 0 -2 20 02 21 1 -2 02 2 20 -y ea ra ve ra ge
8
13
16
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths of children aged 5-14 years by location
River / Bathtub / Creek Spa Bath
2%
8% Beach
Swimming Pool
10%
24%
Lake / Dam
Rocks
16%
3%
Ocean / Harbour
6%
Other
31%
Drowning deaths of children aged 5-14 years by activity
Watercraft
4%
Unknown
Bathing
8%
4%
Boating
5%
Fall
Swimming and Recreating
22%
39% Jumped In
4%
Swept In
2%
Rock Swept Fishing Away 1%
Non-aquatic Transport
11%
1%
17
DROWNING DEATHS BY LIFE STAGES: YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 15-24 YEARS
675
There was a
7%
young people aged 15-24 years drowned in Australia from 2002/03 to 2021/22
with a 20-year average crude rate of
There was
no change
decrease in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
1.11
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
drowning incidents per 100,000
45% decrease
11% decrease
in drowning rates for swimming pools
in drowning rates for rivers/creeks
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, people aged 15-24 years (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
1.21
7% Decrease
1.11
1.20 1.07
0.98 40 32
35 35 35
33 33
40 36
41
40
34 26
26
30
34
20
02 20 200 03 3 20 200 04 4 20 200 05 5 20 200 06 6 20 200 07 7 20 200 08 8 20 200 09 9 20 201 10 0 20 201 11 1 20 201 12 2 20 201 13 3 20 201 14 4 20 201 15 5 20 201 16 6 20 201 17 7 20 201 18 8 20 201 19 9 20 202 20 0 20 202 21 1 -2 02 20 2 -y ea ra ve ra ge
27
29
35 36
32
18
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths of young people aged 15-24 years by location
Swimming Other Pool
Bathtub / Spa Bath
3%
8%
4% Beach
Rocks
21%
11%
Lake / Dam
9%
River / Creek
Ocean / Harbour
33%
11%
Drowning deaths of young people aged 15-24 years by activity
Watercraft
4%
Unknown
8%
Bathing
4%
Boating
7%
Diving
4%
Fall
9% Fishing
1%
Jumped In
Swimming and Recreating
9%
38%
Non-aquatic Other Transport Swept In
3%
2%
5%
Rock Rescue Swept Fishing 2% Away 4%
0.3%
19
DROWNING DEATHS BY LIFE STAGES: PEOPLE AGED 25-64 YEARS
3,072
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
decrease in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
27% decrease
people aged 25-64 years drowned in Australia from 2002/03 to 2021/22
with a 20-year average crude rate of
9%
1.29
drowning incidents per 100,000
15% decrease
22% decrease
in drowning rates for swimming pools
in drowning rates for rivers/creeks
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, people aged 25-64 years (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
1.49
1.29 1.29
148 141
166
146 152
145
137 134 134
154
152
20
-y
20 0
ge
161
220 200 03 3 20 200 04 4 20 200 05 5 20 200 06 6 20 200 07 7 20 200 08 8 20 200 09 9 20 201 10 0 20 201 11 1 20 201 12 2 20 201 13 3 20 201 14 4 20 201 15 5 20 201 16 6 20 201 17 7 20 201 18 8 20 201 19 9 20 202 20 0 20 202 21 1 -2 02 2
143
151 149 157
ra
162
1.09
ve
165
175
171
ra
183
1.24
ea
27% Decrease
20
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths of people aged 25-64 years by location
Swimming Other Pool
Bathtub / Spa Bath
2%
7%
5%
Rocks
Beach
9%
21%
Lake / Dam
River / Creek
8%
28%
Ocean / Harbour
20%
Drowning deaths of people aged 25-64 years by activity
Watercraft Unknown
6%
Bathing
5%
Boating
8%
16%
Diving
7%
Swimming and Recreating
Fall
38%
9% Fishing
Swept In
2%
1%
Swept Away
1%
Non-aquatic Transport
Rock Rescue Fishing 3% Other
6%
7%
Jumped In
1%
1%
21
DROWNING DEATHS BY LIFE STAGES: PEOPLE AGED 65 YEARS AND OVER
1,142
There was a
There was a
decrease in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
11%
people aged 65 years and over drowned in Australia from 2002/03 to 2021/22
with a 20-year average crude rate of
43% increase
1.77
drowning incidents per 100,000
48% decrease
9% decrease
in drowning rates for swimming pools
in drowning rates for rivers/creeks
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, people aged 65 years and over (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
1.89
1.76
11% Decrease
1.69 66
61
60 51
71
70 56
51
60
57
48
ge
2
ra
1
ve
-2
ra
21
02 -2
20
20
-y
ea
20
20
02
0
9 20
19
-2
02
8
01
-2
01 20
18
7 01
-2 17
20
-2 16
20
15
-2
01
6
5
4
01
-2
14
20
3
01 -2
20
13
01 20
12
-2
2
1
01 -2
11
20
20
0 20
10
-2
01
9 20
09
-2
01
8 00
-2
20
08
-2 07
20
00
7 00
6
61
1.57
38 39
-2 06
00 -2
05
20
04
-2
00
5
43
20
-2
00
4
45
20
03
20
20
02
-2
00
3
50
56
54
67
1.77
94
22
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths of people aged 65 years and over by location
Other
5%
Swimming Pool
Bathtub / Spa Bath
6% Beach
15%
21%
Rocks
3%
Lake / Dam
9%
River / Creek
26%
Ocean / Harbour
17%
Drowning deaths of people aged 65 years and over by activity
Watercraft Unknown
13%
2%
Bathing
6%
Boating
17%
Swimming and Recreating
Diving
4%
20% Fall
20%
Swept In
0.2%
Swept Away 1% Rock Fishing
3%
Rescue
1%
Fishing
2%
Other
1% Non-aquatic Transport
Jumped In
0.1%
10%
23
WHEN DO DROWNING DEATHS OCCUR?
Season Drowning deaths occur in all seasons, with the largest proportion occurring in the summer months (37%)
Spring
23%
Summer
37%
Winter
17% Autumn
22%
Time of the day The majority (43%) of all drowning deaths in the 20-year period took place in the afternoon.
Unknown
3%
Early morning (12:01am to 6am)
Evening (6:01pm to 12am)
21%
8% Morning (6:01am to 12pm)
25%
Afternoon (12:01pm to 6pm)
43%
24
Month By month, fatal drowning peaked in January with 827 deaths, followed by December with 706 drowning deaths.
827 708 569
Jan
Feb
526
Mar
456
Apr
302
288
May
Jun
360
335
Jul
Aug
449
379
Sep
Oct
493
Nov
Dec
Day of the week Sunday continues to be the most common day of the week for fatal drowning, accounting for 19% of all deaths; 30% of which was a public holiday.
1079
Sunday
1028 677
711
683
721
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
791
Friday
Saturday
25
WHERE AND HOW DO DROWNING DEATHS OCCUR?
Location Rivers, creeks and streams continue to be the location with the largest number of drowning deaths, accounting for 26% of all drowning deaths in the 20-year period.
1499
1019
906 783 522 378
359
217 9 Bathtub / Spa Bath
Beach
Lake / Dam
Ocean / Harbour
River / Creek
Rocks
Swimming Pool
Other
Unknown
Remoteness The largest proportion of drowning deaths occurred in areas classified as major cities (39%), with the number of deaths decreasing as remoteness increases.
39%
27% 21%
Major cities 26
Inner regional
Outer regional
6%
6%
Remote
Very remote
Activity Swimming and recreating was the leading activity being undertaken immediately prior to drowning (23%), followed by a fall into water (19%).
273
Watercraft
567
Unknown
1307
Swimming and Recreating
52 42
Swept In Swept Away
243
Rock Fishing
119
Rescue
39
Other
377
Non-aquatic Transport
111 88
Jumped In Fishing
1055
Fall
302
Diving
758
Boating
358
Bathing
Visitor status Most of those who drowned (67%) were not visitors, that is, they drowned within 100km of where they lived. In 1397 cases (25%) the person who drowned was known to be a visitor to the location where they drowned. Visitors were commonly male (84%) and most commonly aged 25-34 years (21%). Of those who were known to be visitors, 716 people drowned within their own State or Territory in a postcode that was 100km or further from their residential postcode. A further 332 people were visiting a different State or Territory when they drowned. 349 people who drowned were overseas tourists, predominately from Europe, Asia, and North America.
Unknown
469 Visitor - Intrastate
716 Visitor - Interstate
332 Visitor - Overseas
349 Not a Visitor
3,862 27
Location of drowning in visitors
Not a Visitor
Visitor - Overseas Other
Bathtub / Other Spa Bath
4%
Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool
8%
2%
9%
1%
Rocks
Beach
17%
Bathtub / Spa Bath
6%
15%
Beach
39%
River / Creek
Rocks
6%
Lake / Dam
12%
10%
River / Creek
Ocean / Harbour
26%
Ocean / Harbour
13%
Visitor - Interstate
Pool Rocks
7%
5%
Visitor - Intrastate
Other
Swimming 2%
Lake / Dam
26%
Swimming Pool
Bathtub / Spa Bath
4%
1%
Rocks
Beach
8%
12%
27%
Other
2%
Bathtub / Spa Bath
1%
Beach
21%
Lake / Dam
9%
River / Creek
Lake / Dam
30%
8%
Ocean / Harbour
17%
28
River / Creek
26% Ocean / Harbour
26%
Activity prior to drowning in visitors
Watercraft 4%
6% 6% 6%
5%
Unknown
3%
8% 11% 23%
Swimming and Recreating 21%
Swept In
33%
42%
2% 1% 1%
Swept Away 1%
Rescue
Other
8%
4% 5% 4%
Rock Fishing
2% 3% 1%
5%
1% 0% 1% 1%
Non-aquatic Transport
3%
Jumped In
2% 2% 1% 2%
Fishing
2% 1% 1% 2%
5%
7% 7%
8%
Fall
5%
10% 23%
8%
Diving
10%
22%
3%
Boating
Bathing
16%
7% 1% 1% 1%
12%
8%
22%
Visitor - Intrastate Visitor - Interstate Visitor - Overseas Not a Visitor
29
DROWNING DEATHS BY KEY LOCATIONS: RIVER/CREEK
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
decrease in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
1,499
22% decrease
drowning deaths occurred at rivers/creeks over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
3%
81%
0.33
drowning incidents per 100,000
15%
of all drowning deaths in this location were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in river/creek locations (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
0.37
0.37 22% Decrease
77
67
74
83 71
74 78 72
0.33
114
112
0.29 75
0.29
81 68
67 63
71 60
77
67
75
ge 20
-y
ea
20
ra
ve
ra
02 20 20 03 03 20 20 04 04 20 20 05 05 20 20 06 06 20 20 07 07 20 20 08 08 20 20 09 09 20 20 10 10 20 20 11 11 20 20 12 12 20 20 13 13 20 20 14 14 20 20 15 15 20 20 16 16 20 20 17 17 20 20 18 18 20 20 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 -2 02 2
48
30
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths in river/creek locations by age, 2002/03-2021/22
244 218 183
201
193 142
48
0-4 Years
41
37
40
5-9 Years
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Drowning deaths in river/creek locations by activity, 2002/03-2021/22
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
18% Non-aquatic transport
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Drowning deaths in river/creek locations by visitor status, 2002/03-2021/22
Unknown
19% Fall 18% Swimming and recreating
55-64 Years
150
10% Visitor Intrastate
13%
Visitor Interstate
7%
17% Unknown
Visitor Overseas
3%
14% Boating and watercraft 4%
Not a Visitor
68%
Jumped In
31
DROWNING DEATHS BY KEY LOCATIONS: BEACH
1,019
There was a
There was
26% increase
no change
drowning deaths occurred at beaches over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
0.22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
82%
drowning incidents per 100,000
27%
of all drowning deaths in this location were males
of drowning deaths occured 5km from home
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in beach locations (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
0.24
0.23 68 53
33
20
-y e
20 32
e
36
44
er ag
38
45
43 42
0.22
51
02 -2 20 00 03 3 -2 20 00 04 4 -2 20 00 05 5 -2 20 00 06 6 -2 20 00 07 7 -2 20 00 08 8 -2 20 00 09 9 -2 20 01 10 0 -2 20 01 11 1 -2 20 01 12 2 -2 20 01 13 3 -2 20 01 14 4 -2 20 01 15 5 -2 20 01 16 6 -2 20 01 17 7 -2 20 01 18 8 -2 20 01 19 9 -2 20 02 20 0 -2 20 02 21 1 -2 02 2
38
51
av
46 45 47
66
61
0.19 55
70
68
ar
No change
0.23 70
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths in beach locations by age, 2002/03-2021/22
183
168 150
149
117
108 90
4 0-4 Years
12
14
5-9 Years
10-14 Years
23
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
Drowning deaths in beach locations by activity, 2002/03-2021/22
45-54 Years
9%
Diving
75+ Years
Unknown
8% Visitor Intrastate
15% Visitor Interstate
9%
9%
65-74 Years
Drowning deaths in beach locations by visitor status, 2002/03-2021/22
56% Swimming and recreating 15% Boating and watercraft
55-64 Years
Not a Visitor
55%
Unknown Visitor Overseas
2%
Fall
2%
Fishing
13%
33
DROWNING DEATHS BY KEY LOCATIONS: OCEAN/HARBOUR
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
906
44% decrease
drowning deaths occurred at a ocean/harbour over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
27% decrease
90%
0.20
drowning incidents per 100,000
27%
of all drowning deaths in this location were males
of drowning deaths occured 100+km intrastate
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in ocean/harbour locations (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
0.26
44% Decrease 74
42
0.20
0.22 66 45 47
52 38
41
0.18
55
49 47 45
48
45 31
35
0.15 45 43
45
36
20 0
220 200 03 3 20 200 04 4 20 200 05 5 20 200 06 6 20 200 07 7 20 200 08 8 20 200 09 9 20 201 10 0 20 201 11 1 20 201 12 2 20 201 13 3 20 201 14 4 20 201 15 5 20 201 16 6 20 201 17 7 20 201 18 8 20 201 19 9 20 202 20 0 20 202 21 1 -2 02 2 20 -y ea ra ve ra ge
22
34
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths in ocean/harbour locations by age, 2002/03-2021/22
153
159
153
148
138
72
5
7
7
5
0-4 Years
5-9 Years
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Drowning deaths in ocean/harbour locations by activity, 2002/03-2021/22
59
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
6%
Unknown
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Drowning deaths in ocean/harbour locations by visitor status, 2002/03-2021/22
60% Boating and watercraft 19% Diving
55-64 Years
Unknown
11%
Visitor Intrastate
20%
Not a Visitor
4%
Swimming and recreating
6%
4%
Fall
53%
Visitor Interstate Visitor Overseas
10%
35
DROWNING DEATHS BY KEY LOCATIONS: SWIMMING POOLS
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
783
45% decrease
drowning deaths occurred at a swimming pool over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
36% decrease
64%
0.17
drowning incidents per 100,000
67%
of all drowning deaths in this location were males
of drowning deaths occured at home
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in swimming pool locations (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
0.22 0.19 45% Decrease 47
57
51 44 37
42
46
0.17
0.17
49
44 36
48 41
43
32
33 32
29 29
39
23
20 02 20 200 03 3 20 200 04 4 20 200 05 5 20 200 06 6 20 200 07 7 20 200 08 8 20 200 09 9 20 201 10 0 20 201 11 1 20 201 12 2 20 201 13 3 20 201 14 4 20 201 15 5 20 201 16 6 20 201 17 7 20 201 18 8 20 201 19 9 20 202 20 0 20 202 21 1 -2 02 20 2 -y ea ra ve ra ge
20
0.11
36
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Drowning deaths in swimming pool locations by age, 2002/03-2021/22
282
40
0-4 Years
5-9 Years
43 19 10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
54% Fall 37% Swimming and recreating Unknown
2%
Bathing
0.6% Jumped In
49
45
11
Drowning deaths in swimming pool locations by activity, 2002/03-2021/22
6%
57
76
63
97
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Drowning deaths in swimming pool locations by visitor status, 2002/03-2021/22
Visitor Interstate
3%
Visitor Intrastate
3%
Unknown
4%
Visitor Overseas
4%
Not a Visitor
85%
37
STATE AND TERRITORY DROWNING DEATHS
698 22%
Western Australia
New South Wales recorded the largest number of drowning deaths (1999), followed by Queensland (1385). South Australia recorded a 37% decrease between the 2002/07 baseline average and 2017/22, while Victoria recorded a 20% decrease between the baseline averages. The Northern Territory recorded the highest 20-year average drowning rate at 3.68 per 100,000 population. The Australian Capital Territory recorded the lowest 20-year average drowning rate at 0.56 per 100,000 population. 38
882 20%
Arrows reflect the change in drowning rate between 2002/07 baseline and 2017/22 baseline
1,385 27%
170
1,999
31%
Queensland
Northern Territory
25%
304 37%
South Australia
New South Wales
43
25%
Australian Capital Territory
Victoria
211 29%
Tasmania 39
CLUSTER MAP OF DROWNING DEATHS
111 7
30
18
28
8
295 13
The cluster map of drowning deaths in Australia identifies major groups of drowning occurring across the country, in remote and coastal areas. 40
82
46
19
270
19
1.1k
18 12
247
1.3k
8
119 41
HEATMAP OF DROWNING DEATHS
Darwin
The heatmap of drowning deaths in Australia show areas in which the number of drowning deaths are dense versus areas that are sparse. This heat map does not display areas where a singular drowning death occurred.
Broome
Exmouth Coral Bay
Perth
Albany
Sparse Dense 0 42
500
1,000
2,000 Kilometers
Cairns Townsville Airlie
Rockhampton
Brisbane
Sydney Melbourne Adelaide
Launceston Hobart
43
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
There was a
43
25% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in the ACT over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
There was
no change
0.56
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
81%
drowning incidents per 100,000
6%
of those who drowned in the ACT were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in the ACT (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
5
0.66
25% Decrease
0.65 4
4 0.44
3 2
2 1
4
4
0.49
3 2
1
2 1
2
2 1
1
20 02
20 200 03 3 20 200 04 4 20 200 05 5 20 200 06 6 20 200 07 7 20 200 08 8 20 200 09 9 20 201 10 0 20 201 11 1 20 201 12 2 20 201 13 3 20 201 14 4 20 201 15 5 20 201 16 6 20 201 17 7 20 201 18 8 20 201 19 9 20 202 20 0 20 202 21 1 -2 02 20 2 -y ea ra ve ra ge
1
0.56
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
84% Not a visitor
44
12% interstate 2% intrastate
2% unknown
Age 1.61 1.35
8 7 1.00
6 5 0.61
4 0.22
0-4 Years
0.36
0.45
5
5
65-74 Years
75+ Years
0.60
0.39 0.13
1
1
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
1
18-24 Years
25-34 Years
Number of drowning deaths
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location Other
30% Swimming and recreating
7%
Bathtub / Spa Bath
19%
Swimming Pool
23% Fall
16%
19% Bathing
Lake / Dam
16%
12% Unknown 9%
River / Creek
Boating and watercraft
42%
High-risk times for drowning
51% Summer months
23% on a Sunday 34% school holidays
64% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
45
NEW SOUTH WALES
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
1,999
25% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in NSW over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
10% decrease
79%
1.36
drowning incidents per 100,000
4%
of those who drowned in the NSW were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in the NSW (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average 1.59
ra ge
22
21
ve
-2 0 20
-y e
ar a
21
20
20
-2 0
20
20
19
-2 0
19
20
18
-2 0
18
20
17
-2 0
17
20
16
-2 0
16
20
15
-2 0
15
20
14
-2 0
14
20
13
-2 0
13
20
12
-2 0
12
20
11
-2 0
11
20
10
-2 0
10
20
09
-2 0
09
20
08
-2 0
08
20
07
-2 0
20
07
-2 0
20
06
-2 0
20
05
-2 0
04
03
02
20
06
78
100
99
90 87
-2 0
05
110 108 103 100 95 90 97 96 96 91
102
-2 0
04
96
125 1.19
1.24
118
20
03
111 107
20
1.36
1.44
25% Decrease
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
70% Not a visitor
46
11% interstate 8% intrastate
8% Overseas visitors
Age 1.97 1.85
1.74 1.54
1.48
1.54
1.36 1.21 300
290
259
248 0.68
164 0.45
5-9 Years
200
0.32
42
0-4 Years
224
204
30
37
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Number of drowning deaths
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location Unknown
0.4%
22% Swimming and recreating
Other Swimming Pool
3%
Bathtub / Spa Bath
6%
13%
16% Fall
Beach
20%
Rocks
13% Unknown
12% Lake / Dam
11% Boating and watercraft 8%
Fishing
9%
River / Creek
27%
Ocean / Harbour
11%
High-risk times for drowning
37% Summer months
19% on a Saturday 30% public holidays
42% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
47
NORTHERN TERRITORY
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
140
31% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in the NT over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
13% decrease
82%
3.68
drowning incidents per 100,000
17%
of those who drowned in the NT were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in the NT (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
14
13
6
1 21
0
02 -2
20
20
20
9
02 -2
19
ge
5
20
8
01 -2
18
20
7
01 -2
17
20
6
01 -2
16
20
5
01 -2
15
4
01 -2
14
20
3
01 -2
13
20
2
01 -2
12
20
1
01 -2
11
20
0
01 -2
10
20
9
01 -2
09
20
8
00 -2
08
20
7
00 -2
07
20
6
00 -2
06
20
5
00 -2
05
9
8
4
3
20
4
00 -2
04
20
20
3
00
00
-2
-2
03
02
20
20
7
ve ra
5 3
9
8
2
9
8
-y ea ra
10
9
8
2.81
02
13
20
31% Decrease 13
3.68
3.92
3.94
15
-2
4.07
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
62% Not a visitor
48
15% interstate 10% intrastate
7% Overseas visitors
Age
5.88
4.78
4.58 4.10
3.81
39
3.89 3.90
3.74 28 23 1.51 14
21
20
1.42 1.07 5
8 5
5 2
0-4 Years
5-9 Years
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Number of drowning deaths
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location Bathtub / Spa Bath
1%
36% Swimming and recreating
Other
5%
9%
19%
11% Unknown
8%
Lake / Dam
Swimming Pool
19% Fall
Beach
Rocks
Ocean / Harbour
2%
12%
11% Boating and watercraft 10% Non-aquatic transport
River / Creek
43%
High-risk times for drowning
35% Summer months
19% on a Saturday 27% school holidays
50% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
49
QUEENSLAND
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
decrease in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
1,385
27% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in QLD over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
4%
77%
1.54
drowning incidents per 100,000
11%
of those who drowned in QLD were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in QLD (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
1.73
ve ra ge
2
1
ra
21
-2
02
0
20
20
-2
02
9
02 -2
8 -2
20
-y
20
18
01
7 -2
20
17
01
6 -2
20
16
01
5 -2 15
01 20
-2
4
56
69
67
59 61
14
3
01 -2
20
13
2
01 20
-2
01
11
20
20
12
1 01
-2
0 01
-2
-2
10
09
65
19
66
20
72 71
20
8
09
-2 0
08
84 1.27
75 59
20
7
00
-2
07
6
00 -2
20
06
5
00
-2 20
1.40
82
64
61
05
4
00 -2
20
04
3
00 -2 20
-2
03
20
20
02
00
65 65
20
71
85
78
01
79
1.54
20
27% Decrease
ea
1.74
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
64% Not a visitor
50
10% interstate 5% intrastate
12% Overseas visitors
Age
3.10
1.78
1.98
1.89 1.64 211
1.27
1.34
162
164
1.49
184 0.81
0.46
156
155
0.84
138 108
49
0-4 Years
5-9 Years
28
30
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Number of drowning deaths
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location Bathtub / Other Spa Bath
26% Swimming and recreating
4%
Swimming Pool
22% Fall
17%
20% Boating and watercraft
4%
Beach
15%
Rocks
1%
Lake / Dam
9%
8%
Non-aquatic transport River / Creek
7%
Diving
32%
Ocean / Harbour
18%
High-risk times for drowning
39% Summer months
19% on a Sunday 26% school holidays
43% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
51
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
304
37% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in SA over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
28% decrease
77%
0.92
drowning incidents per 100,000
0%
of those who drowned in SA were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in SA (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
1.15 25 23
0.85
1
2
15
ra ve ra
-2 21 20
-y
ea
20
-2 20
02
0
-2 19
20
-2 20
18
02
9
13
02
8
13
-2
01
7
13
17
16
01
01 -2
15
-2
01 20
20
4 01
-2 14
20
-2
13
13
13
6
3 01
-2 20
12
13
01
2 01
-2 11
20
0
13
20
1 01
10
20
20
5
14
-2
01
00
8 -2 08
-2
7
00 -2 20
07
6
00 -2 20
06
5
00 20
20
-2
00
05
4 00
-2 04
20
-2 03
3 -2 20
20
02
00
11
15
14
0.73
17
15
12
9
12
09
17
ge
19
20
19
0.92
0.96
20
37% Decrease
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
67% Not a visitor
52
18% interstate 7% intrastate
3% Overseas visitors
Age
1.45
1.33
1.29 58
0.73 0.55
0.75
0.79
33
35
1.10
1.06
43 33
35
28 0.35
0-4 Years
0.30
7
6
5-9 Years
10-14 Years
17 9
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Number of drowning deaths
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location Bathtub / Other Spa Bath
25% Swimming and recreating Swimming Pool
22% Boating and watercraft
5%
7%
10%
Rocks
5%
Beach
25%
16% Fall River / Creek
9%
Unknown
19% Lake / Dam
7%
7%
Bathing
Ocean / Harbour
22%
High-risk times for drowning
40% Summer months
21% on a Saturday 34% school holidays
41% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
53
TASMANIA
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
211
29% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in TAS over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
18% decrease
83%
2.05
drowning incidents per 100,000
4%
of those who drowned in TAS were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in TAS (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
2.52 2.05
2.18 1.97
29% Decrease
16
15
14
13
12 10
10
10
14 12
13
12 9
9
7
1.54 11
10 8 6
7
ve ra ge ra
20
-y ea
20
02 20 200 03 3 20 200 04 4 20 200 05 5 20 200 06 6 20 200 07 7 20 200 08 8 20 200 09 9 20 201 10 0 20 201 11 1 20 201 12 2 20 201 13 3 20 201 14 4 20 201 15 5 20 201 16 6 20 201 17 7 20 201 18 8 20 201 19 9 20 202 20 0 20 202 21 1 -2 02 2
4
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
66% Not a visitor
54
15% interstate 5% intrastate
4% Overseas visitors
Age 2.74
2.74
36
37
2.89
2.37 1.89
2.18
30 1.26
1.14 0.91
7
0.47
0-4 Years
5-9 Years
17
17
6
5
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
3
29
1.69 24
18-24 Years
Number of drowning deaths
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
75+ Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location Swimming Pool
36% Boating and watercraft
4%
Rocks
6%
19% Fall 9%
65-74 Years
Swimming and recreating
Bathtub / Other Spa Bath
4%
9%
Beach
11%
Lake / Dam
8%
River / Creek
26%
9%
Bathing
8%
Diving
Ocean / Harbour
34%
High-risk times for drowning
30% Summer months
23% on a Sunday 25% school holidays
46% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
55
VICTORIA
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
increase in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
882
20% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in VIC over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
7%
76%
0.77
drowning incidents per 100,000
3%
of those who drowned in VIC were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in VIC (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
0.92
ge
2
ra ve
-2 21
ra
1
20
-y
ea
0 -2 20
20
-2 20
19
02
9
8 -2
20
20
18
01
7 -2 17
01
6 -2
20
16
01
5 -2
20
15
01
4 -2
20
14
01
3 -2
20
20
13
01
2
01 -2
12
20
-2 11
01
1
0 -2
20
10
01
9 -2
20
09
01
8 -2 08
20
20
-2 07
00
7
-2 06
20
-2 05
20
-2 20
20
20
20
04
00
34
-2
00
6
5
44
40
-2
00
4
37
53
03
00
39 40 36 36 35 38 36
46
02
00
3
42
47
0.74
61
55
54
02
0.67
53 51 49
00
0.77
0.74
02
20% Decrease
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
69% Not a visitor
56
16% interstate 2% intrastate
4% Overseas visitors
Age
1.30
1.04
0.98 130
130
0.75
0.79
0.72
71
106
107
100
95
0.70
81
0.40
0.36
0.84
0.23
26
0-4 Years
5-9 Years
16
17
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Number of drowning deaths
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location
22% Swimming and recreating
Other Swimming Pool
6%
Bathtub / Spa Bath
10%
11%
19% Fall
Rocks
Beach
4%
19%
16% Boating and watercraft 15% Unknown
River / Creek
Lake / Dam
23%
10% Bathing
13%
Ocean / Harbour
14%
High-risk times for drowning
37% Summer months
18% on a Sunday 28% school holidays
41% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
57
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
There was a
There was a
in drowning rates between 2002/07 and 2017/22
decrease in drowning numbers between 2002/07 and 2017/22
698
22% decrease
drowning deaths occurred in WA over the 20-year period
with a 20-year average crude rate of
3%
81%
1.47
drowning incidents per 100,000
3%
of those who drowned in WA were males
of drowning deaths were flood-related
Drowning deaths and rates per 100,000 population, in WA (2002/03 to 2021/22) and the 20-year average
35
ge ra
21
ve
21 20
ra
20
20
-y
20
20
-2 0
19 20
19
-2 0
18 20
18
-2 0
17 17 20
16
-2 0
16
28 29
20
15
39 39
35
-2 0
15
14 14 20
13
12 20
-2 0
12
11 20
11
-2 0
10 20
10
-2 0
09 20
09
-2 0
08 20
08
-2 0
07 20
07
-2 0
06 20
06
-2 0
05 20
05
-2 0
04 20
04
-2 0
03
-2 0
-2 0
03 20
02 20
13
26
22
34
30
20
28
38
-2 0
34
20
32
39
-2 0
32
39
35
1.26
44
-2 0
43
52
ea
22% Decrease
1.47
1.56
22
1.45
-2 0
1.62
Number of drowning deaths
Annual crude rate per 100,000
Baseline avg 02/07
Baseline avg 07/12
Baseline avg 12/17
Baseline avg 17/22
Visitor status
64% Not a visitor
58
15% interstate 4% intrastate
9% Overseas visitors
Age 2.34
2.32 2.06
1.41
1.51
1.52
107
105
1.65 1.29 84
73
0.60 0.26
88
83
64
56
0.61 19
0-4 Years
5-9 Years
8
11
10-14 Years
15-17 Years
18-24 Years
Number of drowning deaths
25-34 Years
35-44 Years
45-54 Years
55-64 Years
65-74 Years
Average age-specific drowning rates per 100,000
Activity
Location Bathtub / Other Spa Bath
22% Swimming and recreating
4%
21% Boating and watercraft 19% Fall
75+ Years
Swimming Pool
17%
6%
Beach
19%
Rocks
9%
9%
Diving
7%
Rock fishing
Lake / Dam
7%
River / Creek
17%
Ocean / Harbour
21%
High-risk times for drowning
33% Summer months
20% on a Sunday 29% school holidays
44% Afternoon 12PM - 6PM
59
METHODS
Fatal drowning The information presented in the Analysis of unintentional drowning in Australia 2002-2022: progress, challenges and data to inform prevention has been collated from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS), State and Territory Coronial offices and year-round media monitoring. Cases are collated in partnership with Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) and Surf Life Saving Australia and analysed by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia. Information contained within the NCIS is made available by the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety. Royal Life Saving uses a media monitoring service for broadcast, print and online all year round to identify drowning deaths reported in the media. This information is then corroborated with information from the NCIS, police reports and Royal Life Saving STMOs before being included in the National Drowning Report. Great care is taken to ensure that the information in this report is as accurate as possible. Figures may change depending on ongoing coronial investigations and findings, as 16% of cases are still under investigation (i.e., open). Royal Life Saving regularly publishes ongoing studies, which provide detailed information on long-term data trends. Historical drowning data are correct as of 1 July 2022, for this 20-year period, in accordance with Royal Life Saving’s ongoing data quality assurance policy. All cases in the Royal Life Saving National Fatal Drowning Database are checked against those in the NCIS on a regular basis and figures are updated in annual National Drowning Reports as cases close. The 20-year averages in this report are calculated from drowning death data from 2002/03 to 2021/22 inclusive.
60
The baseline averages are derived from a five-year average of fatal drowning data from 2002/03 to 2006/07, 2007/08 to 2011/2012, 2012/13 to 2016/17,2017/18 to 2021/22. For this report, the first baseline five-year average (2002/03-2006/07) was compared to the most recent five-year average (2017/18-2021/22). Comparisons were mainly on rates over 100,000 population. Drowning rates per 100,000 population are calculated using population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publication ‘Australian Demographic Statistics’ (Cat 3101.0). Percentages and averages are presented as whole numbers and have been rounded up or down accordingly. Some graphics may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Exclusions and categorisations
Non-fatal drowning
Drowning deaths as a result of suicide or homicide, deaths from natural causes, shark and crocodile attacks, or hypothermia have been excluded from this report. All information presented in this report relates to drowning deaths or deaths where drowning is a contributory cause of death.
In the absence of up-to-date data on non-fatal drowning, non-fatal drowning incidents in 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 were estimated using the observed ratios of fatal to non-fatal incidents for each age group and sex between 2002/03 and 2014/15.
‘Non-aquatic transport’ relates to drowning deaths involving a means of transport that is not primarily designed or intended for aquatic use such as cars, motorbikes, bicycles and aeroplanes among others.
The applicable average ratio of fatal to non-fatal incidents over that period was then used to project the likely number of non-fatal incidents based on the number of fatal incidents for that age group and sex in 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Means of transport primarily used for aquatic purposes are categorised under ‘boating’ (water-based wind or motor-powered vessels, boats, ships and personal watercraft, such as boats, jet skis, sail boats and yachts). ‘Watercraft’ refer to water-based non-powered recreational equipment such as those that are rowed or paddled (e.g., rowboats, surfboats, kayaks, canoes, boogie boards).
Since available counts of non-fatal incidents do not include all drowning incidents, the proportion of missing incidents was estimated based on a four-year sample of fatal incident data which compared incident counts using both broad and restrictive definitions of ‘drowning’.
Within this report, ‘swimming pool’ includes home swimming pools, public swimming pools, hotel and motel pools, and portable swimming pools among others.
The estimated proportion of drowning incidents not captured in existing non-fatal data for each age group was then used to scale-up estimates of non-fatal incidents to arrive at a projection comparable with the broad definition of drowning used to count fatal drowning incidents in this report.
Variables analysed in this study included: financial year, age groups, sex, state/territory of drowning, location of drowning, distance from residential location and drowning location, remoteness classification of drowning location, season, time of day, activity being undertaken prior to drowning, visitor status, and flood status.
61
Conclusion
This report describes drowning deaths over a 20-year period. While the rates of drowning per 100,000 population have decreased by 26%, more needs to be done to reduce drowning across all age groups and locations by 2030. This report has shown what has been achieved over the past 20-years, the challenges involved, and areas that require attention. There is an opportunity to enhance existing strategies and develop new and innovative strategies focusing on key populations, activities, and risk factors. While this study focused on fatal drowning deaths, we must acknowledge that non-fatal drowning has a significant impact on families and communities, and any future drowning prevention strategies should take a multi-pronged approach engaging with a range of partners to effectively address drowning in all forms at inland waterway locations.
References 1. Mahony A, Pidgeon S (2023) Review of pool fencing legislation in Australia. Royal Life Saving Society – Australia. Sydney 2. Royal Life Saving Society - Australia. Be Pool Safe Changes to Pool Fencing Legislation 2017 [Available from: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs/ nsw-pool-register-be-pool-safe. 3. Royal Life Saving Society - Australia. National Swimming and Water Safety Education Symposium Summary Report, 2017. 4. ABS 2020b. National, state and territory population. ABS cat. no. 3101.0. Canberra: ABS. Viewed 2023. [Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/ people/population/national-state-and-territorypopulation/latest-release#data-downloads] 5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Older Australians. Australia; 2023. DOI:10.25816/5ec5bda5ed178 6. ABS 2021. Migration, Australia 2019–20. ABS cat. no. 3412.0. Canberra: ABS. Viewed 2021. Viewed 2023. [Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/ people/population/migration-australia/2019-20#netoverseas-migration] 7. Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology & CSIRO. State of the climate 2022. Australia: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology & CSIRO; 2022 8. PwC Australia. 2022. Towards a Nation Free From Drowning: The Role of Learn to Swim. Prepared for Royal Life Saving, Sydney, Australia. 9. Peden, A. E., Willcox-Pidgeon, S., Scarr, J. P., & Franklin, R. C. (2023). Lessons learned through the 20-year development of a national fatal drowning database in Australia. BMC public health, 23(1), 1-10.
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