Analysis of unintentional drowning in Australia 2002-2022

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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63

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