Coastal Safety Brief - Lifejackets 2021

COA S TAL SAFE T Y BRIE F LIFE JACKE T S S U R F L I FE S AV I N G AU S T R A L I A

LIFEJACKET SNAPSHOT 2004 - 20

23 57%

ANALYSIS Boating, personal watercraft (PWC), rock fishing and watercraft are popular coastal activities that recommend the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 980 deaths (663 due to drowning) have been recorded for these activities, 70% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.

DROWNING DEATHS

OTHER FATALITIES

AVERAGE DEATHS

AVERAGE DEATHS

41 69%

20 71%

PER YEAR

PER YEAR

37 86% 196 71%

64 58%

DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)

TORRES STRAIT

206 72%

105 66%

284 72% 65 63%

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-39 YEAR OLDS

216

76%

GENDER

DEATHS

895 DEATHS

60-74 YEAR OLDS

259

70%

85 DEATHS

69%

70%

DEATHS

TOP 3 CONTINENTS OF BIRTH

RESIDENT STATUS

EUROPE

99 DEATHS

79%

ASIA

168 DEATHS

SHORT TERM VISITOR

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT

88 DEATHS

804 DEATHS

81%

82%

71%

AUSTRALIA

442 DEATHS

70%

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

2

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

TOP 3 LOCATIONS

ROCK/CLIFF

BAY

OFFSHORE

213 DEATHS

136 DEATHS

425 DEATHS

80%

65%

66%

ACTIVITY

671

206

79

26 PWC DEATHS

WATERCRAFT DEATHS

ROCK FISHING DEATHS

71%

35%

61%

80%

No Lifejacket Worn

No Lifejacket Worn

No Lifejacket Worn

No Lifejacket Worn

BOATING DEATHS

100 88%

80 Percentage (%)

75% 75% 68%

60

40

60% 46%

53% 51%

52% 51%

49%

45%

40% 42%

42%

51%

48%

32% 26%

20

29%

24%

Boating

Watercraft

PWC

Rock Fishing

PROPORTION (%) OF PARTICIPANTS WHO ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

3

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2020

2019

2017

2018

2016

2015

2014

2020

2019

2018

2017

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

0

2014

13%13%

INTRODUCTION

Understanding lifejacket usage in Australia has become a priority for Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), which has monitored lifejacket use in coastal deaths since 1 July 2004, and has explored behaviours, perceptions and barriers to lifejacket use in coastal activities through various surveys (National Coastal Safety Surveys 2014-20) and social research focus groups (IPSOS Social Research Institute).

It is widely accepted that correctly wearing a lifejacket (not just carrying one) can greatly reduce drowning risk by improving your chance of survival in the water. No one plans to end up in the water, but accidents (or adverse events) do happen and are often sudden and unexpected. The unexpected nature of these incidents means that often there is not enough time to locate and properly don a lifejacket. Many coastal incidents for these activities that result in death are due to mishaps including capsizing of a craft, falls overboard, swamping of a craft due to waves, all of which may be mitigated by wearing a lifejacket.

Boating, personal watercraft (PWC), non-powered watercraft and rock fishing are all popular recreational activities that commonly occur on the Australian coast. For each of these activities, lifejacket use is recommended and, in some areas, legislated. Between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2020 there have been 980 deaths recorded for these popular coastal activities – 663 of which were due to drowning. Seventy per cent of these deaths (n=864) were known to not be wearing a lifejacket, although this could be much higher as a further twenty per cent (n=198) were unknown (see image below).

Only ten per cent (n=98) were known to be wearing a lifejacket at the time of death. For the purposes of this brief and to focus on the proportions known not to have worn lifejackets, our analyses are conservative and have combined unknown cases with those wearing a lifejacket into a single category (herein referred to as Other).

The 2021 Coastal Safety Brief – Lifejackets presents trends in Australian coastal deaths recorded in boating, PWC, non-powered watercraft and rock fishing activities, as well as exploring the number of participants and their behaviours and perceptions towards coastal safety. The death snapshots explore drowning

deaths and other fatalities (i.e. those due to other non-drowning factors such as medical issues, injury or marine fauna attacks) for each activity, while the participation pages highlight the trends of Australian adults (16 years and older) who participate in boating, PWC, non-powered watercraft and rock fishing activities, using data collected in SLSA’s annual National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) since its inception in 2014.

In 2016, SLSA commissioned IPSOS Social Research Institute to conduct a qualitative research project into the behaviours of boaters, rock fishers and watercraft users regarding safety practices and perceptions, with a specific focus regarding lifejacket use. A feature summarising this research is presented in this brief (pages 26-27), which explores the differences and similarities across activities and identifies target audiences. Some specific future actions to increase awareness and advocate for are also proposed, including the benefits of lifejacket use, what to do in the event of ending up in the water, as well as the development of supported, effective and affordable lifejacket exchange programs. A significant highlight from this research was the confusion surrounding lifejacket usage and legislation, with differences at the state/territory level.

This brief finishes with a summative table (and related glossary) which compares marine safety legislation for each state and territory. While it is not exhaustive, it provides an holistic alignment of the dominant lifejacket legislation under specific conditions and circumstances across Australia, and facilitates a national comparison.

70% NO LIFEJACKET WORN

10% LIFEJACKET

NOT WORN

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

20% UNKNOWN

WORN/UNKNOWN

4

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

C O A S TA L D E AT H L O C AT I O N S

DROWNING DEATHS Between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2020 there have been 663 drowning deaths on the Australian coast that have occurred while participating in boating, personal watercraft (PWC), non-powered watercraft (excluding surfing and bodyboarding), and rock fishing activities. New South Wales has recorded the highest number, followed by Western Australia and Queensland.

5 5 3

2

TORRES STRAIT

3

18 DEATHS Key to Drowning Activity 5

Ashmore Reef

DARWIN

44%

2

3

Boating PWC Watercraft Rock Fishing Capital City

2 2

17 DEATHS

2 3

4 3

94%

2

2 3

2 2

115 DEATHS

73%

2

4

4

6 2

120 DEATHS

2 2 4

2

70%

3 3

38 DEATHS 3

2 3

6 4

4 2

61%

BRISBANE

3 2 2 6 2

2

4

2 2

2

3 2 9 4 2

225 DEATHS

2

2

PERTH

2

8

2

3 3

4

72%

2

4

3 2 3

3

3 2 3

ADELAIDE

3

4 2

3

5 2 6

2 3

6

2 8 3

3 4 3 13 2 16 6 20 13 10 4

2

2

13

5

SYDNEY

CANBERRA

MELBOURNE

2 9 2

10

3

2

8 2

2 4 2 3

2

0

1,000km

SCALE

ted from “JF_Possibly removed cases” list

84 DEATHS

65%

2

2 2 2 5

6 2

2 2 2 2 2 4 2 3 2

2 2

2

2

2

HOBART 2

9 2 3 2

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

6

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

46 DEATHS

57%

Lord Howe Island

OTHER FATALITIES Between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2020 there have been 317 non-drowning related fatalities on the Australian coast that have occurred while participating in boating, personal watercraft (PWC), non-powered watercraft (excluding surfing and bodyboarding), and rock fishing activities. Queensland has recorded the highest number, followed by Western Australia and New South Wales.

2

2

TORRES STRAIT

5 DEATHS

Key to Fatality Activity

DARWIN

Boating

100%

6

PWC Watercraft Rock Fishing Capital City

2 2

20 DEATHS

2

80%

32

5 2

91 DEATHS

4

3

2

3 3 2

4 3

71%

2 2 2

76 DEATHS

3

72%

3 2 2

26 DEATHS

2 3

BRISBANE

54%

4 2 4

2

4

59 DEATHS

2

2

PERTH

2 2

3

4

2 2

4

3

Lord Howe Island

6 12

3

2

2 4

69%

2

ADELAIDE

SYDNEY 2

CANBERRA MELBOURNE

1,000km

2

7

2

0

21 DEATHS

SCALE

67%

2

2

HOBART 2

19 DEATHS

79%

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

7

6 2 2 2 5 4 3 3

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

C O M P A R AT I V E C A U S A L F A C T O R S D R O W N I N G V S . F ATA L I T Y

DROWNING

WHY Drugs & Alcohol

62 DEATHS

4 DEATHS

10 DEATHS

19 DEATHS

WHY Medical & Injury

FATALITY

30

82%

DEATHS

3

50%

DEATHS

0

90%

DEATHS

1

89%

DEATHS

106 68% DEATHS 4 DEATHS

15 DEATHS

36 DEATHS

83% 67% 0% 100%

235 77% DEATHS 8

50%

DEATHS

15

80%

DEATHS

4

86%

DEATHS

38% 20% 50%

WHERE

278 63%

128 76%

Location

DEATHS

OFFSHORE

DEATHS

OFFSHORE

8

50%

3

67%

DEATHS

BEACH

DEATHS

BEACH

39

85%

19

26%

DEATHS

BEACH

DEATHS

BEACH

194 81% DEATHS

ROCK/CLIFF

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

8

6

83%

DEATHS

ROCK/CLIFF

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

DROWNING

WHEN Afternoon (12pm - 6pm)

98 DEATHS

10 DEATHS

29 DEATHS

67 DEATHS

77

62%

DEATHS

4

40%

DEATHS

15

76%

DEATHS

2

87%

WHEN

101 69%

Season

DEATHS

AUTUMN

DEATHS

71% 0% 20% 50%

79

70%

DEATHS

SUMMER

6

67%

4

75%

DEATHS

AUTUMN

DEATHS

SPRING

18

83%

9

44%

DEATHS

AUTUMN

DEATHS

AUTUMN

70

84%

3

67%

DEATHS

AUTUMN

DEATHS

SUMMER

WHO

125 70%

Visitor Status

DEATHS

7 DEATHS

13 DEATHS

76 DEATHS

FATALITY

68 DEATHS

RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)

5

14%

DEATHS

RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)

11

92%

DEATHS

LOCAL (< 10 KM)

3

0% INTRASTATE VISITOR (> 50 KM)

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

9

DEATHS

87% INTERNATIONAL

40% RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)

0% LOCAL (< 10 KM)

0% RESIDENT (10 - 50 KM)

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

B O AT I N G D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0

23 57%

ANALYSIS Boating is a popular coastal activity that recommends (and in some cases legislates) the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 671 deaths (390 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 71% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.

DROWNING DEATHS

OTHER FATALITIES

AVERAGE DEATHS

AVERAGE DEATHS

24 70%

17 71%

PER YEAR

PER YEAR

37 87% 138 70%

57 58%

DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)

65 65%

TORRES STRAIT

162 77% 133 66% 54 63%

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-39 YEAR OLDS

88

71%

GENDER

RESIDENT STATUS

DEATHS

607 DEATHS

60-74 YEAR OLDS

140 71%

64 DEATHS

69%

67%

DEATHS

BIRTH CONTINENT

SHORT TERM VISITOR

67 DEATHS

84% NORTH AMERICA

9 DEATHS

78% LATIN AMERICA

1 DEATH

100%

EUROPE

ASIA

78 DEATHS

60 DEATHS

80%

78%

AFRICA

7 DEATHS

57%

OCEANIA

23 DEATHS

74% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA

341 DEATHS

546 DEATHS

70%

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

10

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

69%

LIFEJACKET USE IN BOATING DEATHS Worn/Unknown Not worn

60 50

51

Number (n)

49

40

49

43

43

48 44

43 38

45 42 38

36

30

38

37

25

20

Not worn

68%

32%

2017-18

2018-19

42%

2019-20

47%

123

Bay 68% Port/ 89% Marina

55

Beach 71%

52

River/ Creek

54% | 13

Jetty

82% | 11

Rock/ Cliff

71% | 7 0

76%

•2 9% BOATING DEATHS OCCUR IN THE AFTERNOON, 64% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

Worn/Unknown 406

Offshore 67%

79%

2016-17

2012-13

LOCATION

88%

2015-16

73%

2014-15

78%

2013-14

76%

2011-12

63%

2009-10

81%

2010-11

0%

2008-09

0%

2007-08

60%

2006-07

53%

2005-06

0

2004-05

10

100

•3 1% BOATING DEATHS OCCUR IN OCTOBER, DECEMBER AND APRIL, 72% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

200

300

400

•3 5% BOATING DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 67% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

500

Number (n)

MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 250

83%

79%

ALCOHOL

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

DRUGS

72%

53%

NONE

UNKNOWN

226

150

100

102

100

50

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

Worn/Unknown

200

A HIGHER PROPORTION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED BOATING DEATHS WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

Not worn 228

Number (n)

85%

13 77%

0

11

76% Medical Condition

Medical Condition & Injury

70% Injury

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

68% None

53% Unknown

B O AT I N G P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 014 - 2 0

FREQUENCY

150

STATE

10

HOURS

13%

HOURS

FREQUENT

GENDER

47% 14% 14%

14%

11% 22%

OCCASIONAL

59%

|

41%

TOTAL 2.5M FREQUENT 0.7M NCSS2020: BOATING PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER

2% 16%

45%

45%

20%

BAY/HARBOUR 50% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN BOATING

54% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN BOATING

Bay or harbour Estuary or mangrove Offshore <2 nautical miles Offshore >2 nautical miles Can't say

17%

NCSS2014-20: WHERE DO PARTICIPANTS USUALLY USE BOATS? 15

12%

Percentage (%)

12

11% 10%

9

9%

9%

9%

8%

7%

6

7%

6% 5%

4%

3 2% 0

16-17

18-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44 45-49 Age group

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

NCSS2014-20: AGE OF BOATING RESPONDENTS BETWEEN 2014-20.

Sixty per cent of boaters are aged between 20-49 years old.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

12

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

1% 75 & over

80

93% OF OCCASIONAL BOATERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 52% ALWAYS WEAR IT

74%

Percentage (%)

70

69%

60 50

64%

63%

59%

56%

40 30

35%

35%

2015

2016

39%

39%

32%

32%

20 10 0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Frequent

2017

2018

2019

2020

Occasional

NCSS2014-20: PROPORTION (%) OF BOATERS THAT HAVE A LIFEJACKET AT HOME NB: Frequent boaters go boating at least once per month

Boaters Passengers

Boaters Passengers

60

Experience

40 30 20

20% 19%

7% Always

55%

51% 54%

20% 19%

10 0

53%

Intermediate

52%

Advanced

Percentage (%)

Beginner

57% 50

Most of the time Sometimes

5%

62% 68% 0

Never

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

62% OF ADVANCED BOATERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 53% OF BEGINNERS

Percentage (%)

NCSS2014-20: HOW OFTEN DO BOATERS ENSURE THEY THEMSELVES OR THEIR PASSENGERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID?

NCSS2014-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE OF BOATERS AND THEIR PASSENGERS

Boaters Passengers

70

65%

Percentage (%)

60 50

58% 52%

40

56% 48%

50%

50%

51%

56%

57%

30 20 10 0 Unable to swim

Weak swimmer

Average swimmer

Competent swimmer Highly competent swimmer

Overall swimming ability

NCSS2014-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

13

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

ONLY 48% OF BOATERS WHO REPORT TO BE WEAK SWIMMERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

P E R S O N A L W AT E R C R A F T D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0

0 0%

ANALYSIS Personal watercraft (PWC), or jetskis, is a popular coastal activity that recommends (and in some cases legislates) the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 26 deaths (17 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 35% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.

DROWNING DEATHS

OTHER FATALITIES

AVERAGE DEATHS

AVERAGE DEATHS

1.1 35%

0.6 33%

PER YEAR

PER YEAR

TORRES STRAIT

0 0% 2 0%

3 0%

DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)

3 0%

15 47% 1 0% 2 100%

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 20-39 YEAR OLDS

13

46%

GENDER

DEATHS 45-54 YEAR OLDS

7

14%

17 DEATHS

9 DEATHS

29%

44%

RESIDENT STATUS

DEATHS

BIRTH CONTINENT

SHORT TERM VISITOR

2 DEATHS

50% NORTH AMERICA

0 DEATHS

0% LATIN AMERICA

0 DEATHS

0%

EUROPE

ASIA

3 DEATHS

1 DEATH

33%

0%

AFRICA

0 DEATHS

0%

OCEANIA

1 DEATH

0% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA

14 DEATHS

57%

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

14

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

23 DEATHS

35%

LIFEJACKET USE IN PWC DEATHS 6

Worn/Unknown Not worn

6

4

4

3

3

3

2

2012-13

Not worn

1 100%

50%

33%

•1 9% PWC DEATHS OCCUR IN NOVEMBER, 40% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

7

Bay 33%

0

17%

11

Offshore 14%

Port/ Marina 0%

1 100%

•5 8% PWC DEATHS OCCUR IN THE AFTERNOON, 40% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

Worn/Unknown

Beach 55%

1 100%

2018-19

2011-12

LOCATION

50%

2017-18

0 0%

2016-17

0%

2015-16

1 0%

2014-15

1 0%

2013-14

0 0%

2010-11

0%

2009-10

1

0 0%

2007-08

2005-06

1 100%

2004-05

0

1 0%

2006-07

1

2008-09

2

2019-20

Number (n)

5

6

•5 8% PWC DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 40% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

2 2

4

6

8

10

12

Number (n)

MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 100%

100%

ALCOHOL

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

DRUGS

25%

33%

NONE

UNKNOWN

10

10

6

4 3

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

Worn/Unknown Not worn

3

2

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WERE DETECTED IN 27% OF PWC DEATHS, 57% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

10

8

Number (n)

40%

0

15

67% Medical Condition

30% Injury

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

30% None

33% Unknown

P W C P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 017 - 2 0

FREQUENCY

130

STATE

10

HOURS

4%

HOURS

FREQUENT

GENDER

19% 4% 6%

2%

5% 3%

OCCASIONAL

63%

|

37%

TOTAL 0.7M FREQUENT 0.2M

NCSS2020: PWC PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER

6%

4% 5%

31% 7%

31%

10%

Patrolled beach during patrolled hours only Bay or harbour Unpatrolled beach Patrolled beach, but not always during patrolled hours Offshore <2 nautical miles Offshore >2 nautical miles Estuary or mangrove Can't say

PATROLLED BEACHES

13%

66% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A PWC

24%

87% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A PWC

NCSS2017-20: WHERE DO PARTICIPANTS USUALLY USE A PWC?

48% OF PWC USERS ARE AGED BETWEEN 20-34 YEARS OLD

25 22% Percentage (%)

20

1% 15 9% 13%

13%

10 8% 5 0

6%

9%

12%

10% 8%

6%

78%

2% 0.5% 1% 1% 16-17 18-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 Age group

NCSS2017-20: AGE OF PWC USERS BETWEEN 2017-20 Almost half (48%) of PWC users are aged between 20-34 years old.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

16

0%

Always Most of the time Sometimes Never

75 & over

NCSS2017-20: HOW OFTEN DO PWC USERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET?

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

93% OF PWC USERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 78% ALWAYS WEAR IT

Percentage (%)

100 80

87%

83% 70%

60

90% 77%

75% 63%

62%

40 20 0 2018

2017

2020

2019

2017

2018

Frequent

2019

2020

Occasional

NCSS2017-20: PERCENTAGE OF PWC USERS THAT HAVE ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A PWC NB: Frequent PWC users go at least once per month

ONLY 43% OF PWC USERS THAT HAVE BEEN RESCUED ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

Not always

77%

Yes

57% 0

Can’t say 21%

2%

43% 20

40 60 Percentage (%)

80

Percentage (%)

31% 4%

87% 13% 20

40

60

80

NCSS2017-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE OF PWC USERS

Always wear a lifejacket 86%

ONLY 68% OF PWC USERS WHO REPORT TO BE AVERAGE SWIMMERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

84%

60

68%

75%

40 20 0 Unable to swim

100

Weak swimmer

Average swimmer Competent swimmer Highly competent swimmer

Overall swimming ability

NCSS2017-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE BY PWC USERS

62% OF ADVANCED PWC USERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 65% OF INTERMEDIATE USERS

Percentage (%)

100%

80

25%

65%

0

100

NCSS2017-20: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN RESCUED WHEN PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFEJACKET USE

100

Intermediate

No

Not always

Can’t say

75%

Advanced

Ever been rescued

Always

Experience

Beginner

Always

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

17

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

W AT E R C R A F T D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0

0 0%

ANALYSIS Non-powered watercraft (excluding surfing and bodyboarding) are popular coastal activities that recommend the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 79 deaths (57 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 63% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.

DROWNING DEATHS

OTHER FATALITIES

AVERAGE DEATHS

AVERAGE DEATHS

4

1

74%

PER YEAR

TORRES STRAIT

0 0% 14 64%

27%

3 100%

DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)

PER YEAR

16 69%

24 13% 19 58% 3 33%

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-39 YEAR OLDS

28

75%

GENDER

RESIDENT STATUS

DEATHS

76 DEATHS

55-69 YEAR OLDS

20

60%

3 DEATHS

59%

100%

DEATHS

BIRTH CONTINENT

SHORT TERM VISITOR

7 DEATHS NORTH AMERICA

1 DEATHS

100% LATIN AMERICA

1 DEATHS

100%

86%

EUROPE

ASIA

8 DEATHS

5 DEATHS

75%

80%

AFRICA

1 DEATHS

0%

OCEANIA

4 DEATHS

50% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

18

39 DEATHS

59 DEATHS

51%

59%

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

LIFEJACKET USE IN WATERCRAFT DEATHS

Worn/Unknown Not worn

10 9

9

9

6

7

7

6 5

5

4

100%

100%

80%

67%

67%

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

LOCATION Not worn

River/ Creek

0%

3

56%

33%

57%

57%

•6 2% WATERCRAFT DEATHS OCCUR IN THE AFTERNOON, 59% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

Worn/Unknown

Beach 66%

100%

67%

2019-20

33%

Port/ Marina

100%

2018-19

100%

29%

0%

2017-18

50%

Bay

3

2016-17

40%

58

Offshore 58%

3

2

1

0

3

2015-16

3

2

2014-15

4

2013-14

Number (n)

8

•1 9% WATERCRAFT DEATHS OCCUR IN MARCH, 67% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

12 7 1

•4 4% WATERCRAFT DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 54% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

1

0

10

20

30 Number (n)

40

50

60

MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 35

100

89

60

ALCOHOL

DRUGS

NONE

%

%

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

Other No lifejacket

25

A HIGHER 47% PROPORTION UNKNOWN OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED WATERCRAFT DEATHS WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

34

30

Number (n)

%

20 19 15

15

10 9 2 100%

5 0

19

47% Medical Condition

Medical Condition & Injury

44% Injury

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

76% None

47% Unknown

W AT E R C R A F T P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 014 - 2 0

FREQUENCY

100

GENDER

4%

5

HOURS

FREQUENT

STATE

10

8%

%

HOURS

OCCASIONAL

4%

6%

6% 13%

51%

|

49%

TOTAL 1.3M FREQUENT 0.3M

NCSS2020: WATERCRAFT PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER

4%

5%

1%

27%

14%

27%

15%

46% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A WATERCRAFT

BAY/HARBOUR

43% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN USING A WATERCRAFT

Bay or harbour Patrolled beach during patrolled hours only Estuary or mangrove Unpatrolled beach Patrolled beach, but not always during patrolled hours Offshore <2 nautical miles Offshore >2 nautical miles Can't say

19%

16%

NCSS2014-20: WHERE DO PARTICIPANTS USUALLY USE WATERCRAFT?

54% OF WATERCRAFT USERS ARE AGED BETWEEN 20-39 YEARS OLD

Always wear lifejacket Own a lifejacket 0.8

Percentage (%)

13% 19%

45%

23%

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

0.5

57% 50%

52% 55% 41% 39%

0.4

44%

42% 31%

30%

0.3

60%

59%

0.2

Always Most of the time Sometimes Never

NCSS2014-20: HOW OFTEN DO WATERCRAFT USERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET?

0.6

71%

67%

0.7

0.1 0

Kayak

SUP

Surf Ski Surfboat

Canoe Kiteboard

Wind surfer

NCSS2014-20: PERCENTAGE OF DIFFERENT WATERCRAFT USERS THAT OWN A LIFEJACKET COMPARED TO THOSE THAT ALWAYS WEAR IT

20

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

76% OF ALL WATERCRAFT USERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 44% ALWAYS WEAR IT

60% 55%

52%

50% Percentage (%)

60%

58%

56%

53% 49%

45%

40%

40%

39% 34%

30%

34%

32%

29%

20% 10% 0%

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2014

2015

2016

Frequent

2017

2018

2019

2020

Occasional

NCSS2014-20: PERCENTAGE OF WATERCRAFT USERS THAT ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID NB: Frequent Watercraft users go at least once per month

62% OF WATERCRAFT USERS THAT HAVE BEEN RESCUED DO NOT ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

0

62% 20

40 60 Percentage (%)

80

53%

47%

50%

61%

100

0

Always wear a lifejacket

50 47%

40

49% 43%

43%

Average swimmer

Competent swimmer

30 20

27%

10 0 Unable to swim

Weak swimmer

Can’t say

3%

37%

20

40 60 80 Percentage (%)

3%

100

NCSS2014-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE OF WATERCRAFT USERS

NCSS2014-20: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN RESCUED WHEN PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFEJACKET USE

Percentage (%)

Beginner

2%

47%

Intermediate

Can’t say

52%

Yes 38%

Experience

No 46%

Not always

Not always

Advanced

Ever been rescued

Always

Always

Highly competent swimmer

ONLY 27% OF WATERCRAFT USERS WHO REPORT TO BE UNABLE TO SWIM ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

Overall swimming ability

NCSS2014-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE BY WATERCRAFT USERS

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

21

61% OF ADVANCED WATERCRAFT USERS ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 47% OF BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE USERS

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

R O C K F I S H I N G D E AT H S D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y 2 0 0 4 - 2 0

0 0%

ANALYSIS Rock fishing is a popular coastal activity that recommends (and in some areas legislates) the use of lifejackets. Since 2004, a total of 206 deaths (199 due to drowning) have been recorded for this activity, 80% of which were not wearing a lifejacket.

DROWNING DEATHS

OTHER FATALITIES

AVERAGE DEATHS

AVERAGE DEATHS

12 80%

0.4 71%

PER YEAR

PER YEAR

TORRES STRAIT

0 0% 42 81%

1 100%

DEATHS (N) LIFEJACKET NOT WORN (%)

21 76%

5 100% 131 80% 6 67%

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 25-34 YEAR OLDS

44

89%

GENDER

DEATHS

195 DEATHS

40-49 YEAR OLDS

48

77%

RESIDENT STATUS

11 DEATHS

79%

91%

DEATHS

BIRTH CONTINENT

SHORT TERM VISITOR

12 DEATHS NORTH AMERICA

0 DEATHS

0% LATIN AMERICA

0 DEATHS

0%

75%

EUROPE

ASIA

10 DEATHS

102 DEATHS

90%

83%

AFRICA

5 DEATHS

80%

OCEANIA

7 DEATHS

71% AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT AUSTRALIA

48 DEATHS

172 DEATHS

90%

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

22

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

84%

LIFEJACKET USE IN ROCK FISHING DEATHS Worn/Unknown Not worn 20

20

19

19 17

17 15

13

12

12 11

11

10

10

9 8

8

5

75%

76%

100%

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

FISHING ALONE? Not worn

117

Yes 78%

Unknown 31% 0

22

40

89%

64%

60%

42%

•3 9% ROCK FISHING DEATHS OCCUR ON THE WEEKEND, 79% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

16 20

92%

•2 6% ROCK FISHING DEATHS OCCUR IN APRIL AND MAY, 87% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

51

No, with 86% strangers

93%

•3 9% ROCK FISHING DEATHS OCCUR IN THE MORNING, 78% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

Worn/Unknown

No, with friends 86% /family

92%

2019-20

90%

2018-19

100%

2017-18

62%

2016-17

60%

2015-16

100%

2014-15

63%

2005-06

0

2004-05

5

2013-14

Number (n)

15

60 80 Number (n)

100

120

MEDICAL & INJURY-RELATED INCIDENTS 100%

50%

91%

ALCOHOL

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

DRUGS

150

Not worn 127

87

NONE

Number (n)

120

%

56

%

UNKNOWN

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WERE DETECTED IN ONLY 10% OF ROCK FISHING DEATHS, BUT 90% OF THESE WERE NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

23

Worn/Unknown

90

60

30

23

0

91% Medical Condition

38 4 75% Medical Condition & Injury

14 71% Injury

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

86% None

58% Unknown

R O C K F I S H I N G P A R T I C I P AT I O N N AT I O N A L C O A S TA L S A F E T Y S U R V E Y ( N C S S ) 2 017 - 2 0

FREQUENCY

120

STATE

8

HOURS

3%

HOURS

FREQUENT

GENDER

11% 4% 8%

4%

5% 9%

OCCASIONAL

69%

|

31%

TOTAL 0.9M FREQUENT 0.4M

NCSS2020: ROCK FISHING PARTICIPATION BY FREQUENCY, STATE AND GENDER

21%

21%

41%

ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET 20% OF MEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN ROCK FISHING

21% OF WOMEN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN ROCK FISHING

15%

Always Most of the time Sometimes Never

24%

NCSS2014-20: HOW OFTEN ROCK FISHERS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

6%

100 80%

60 56% 40 20

24%

Carry a lifejacket Always wear a lifejacket

80 Percentage (%)

39% OF ROCK FISHERS WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS NEVER WEAR A LIFEJACKET

24% 16%

39% 17% 14%

Always Most of the time Sometimes Never Can’t say

NCSS2017-20: EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

0 Frequent

Occasional

80% OF OCCASIONAL ROCK FISHERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET BUT ONLY 16% ALWAYS WEAR IT

NCSS2017-20: PERCENTAGE OF ROCK FISHERS THAT CARRY AND ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID NB: Frequent Rock fishers go fishing at least once per month

24

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

60

49% OF FREQUENT ROCK FISHERS HAVE A LIFEJACKET AT HOME BUT ONLY 24% ALWAYS WEAR IT

56%

Percentage (%)

50 49%

46%

40

45% 40%

30

30%

29%

2017

2018

32%

20 10 0 2017

2018

2019

2020

Frequent

2019

2020

Occasional

NCSS2014-20: PERCENTAGE OF ROCK FISHERS THAT HAVE A LIFEJACKET AT HOME NB: Frequent Rock fishers go fishing at least once per month

ONLY 18% OF ROCK FISHERS THAT HAVE BEEN RESCUED ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

No 20%

35%

Yes 18%

Never

Can’t say

42%

3%

68%

0

20

Experience

Not always

9% 40 60 Percentage (%)

80

Advanced Intermediate Beginner

Ever been rescued

Always

Always Most of the time Sometimes Never Can’t say

5% 100

18%

26%

19%

18% 20

38%

25%

40 60 Percentage (%)

2%

29% 80

3% 100

NCSS2017-20: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND LIFEJACKET USE BY ROCK FISHERS

30

Percentage (%)

22%

42%

Always wear a lifejacket

35

32%

25 22%

22%

15

16%

10

12%

5 0

13% 29%

0

NCSS2017-20: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN RESCUED WHEN PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFEJACKET USE

20

16%

Unable to swim

Weak swimmer

Average swimmer

Competent swimmer

Highly competent swimmer

ONLY 22% OF ROCK FISHERS THAT REPORT TO BE UNABLE TO SWIM ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET

Overall swimming ability

NCSS2017-20: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY RELATED TO LIFEJACKET USE BY ROCK FISHERS

42% OF BEGINNER ROCK FISHERS NEVER WEAR A LIFEJACKET, COMPARED TO 25% OF ADVANCED FISHERS

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

25

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

IPSOS SUMMARY I N V E S T I G AT I N G L I F E J A C K E T U S A G E W I T H S O C I A L R E S E A R C H

Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) main goal is to reduce coastal drowning deaths. Nationally, rock fishers, boaters, PWC and watercraft users comprise a significant proportion of coastal drowning deaths and other fatalities each year. Lifejacket usage is recommended for each of these activities and plays an important role in the outcome and survival of incidents. In 2016, SLSA commissioned IPSOS Social Research Institute to conduct a qualitative research project into the behaviours of boaters, rock fishers and watercraft users regarding safety practices and perceptions (NB: users and PWC as an activity were not included in the scope of this research). While the benefits of lifejacket use are generally understood, barriers to actually and correctly wearing a lifejacket while participating in these activities remain. Here we present a summary of these findings, focusing on lifejacket usage across these popular coastal activities.

Lifejacket usage differs by activity, participant type, and demographics. For example, lifejacket usage was greater for passengers, especially children, when boating or using watercraft.

Older boaters were also more likely to wear lifejackets, particularly in dangerous conditions. Participants who could not swim or were inexperienced were more likely to wear a lifejacket. Lifejackets were more likely to be worn within peer groups who accept lifejackets. This research also identified certain groups that do not wear lifejackets. Watercraft users who were older (50+ years old)

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

and those born in Australia were less likely to wear lifejackets, as were younger boaters (18-34 years old), rock fishers, and stand up paddleboard (SUP) users. Boaters born overseas were also unlikely to wear a lifejacket since 60% were less likely to own one.

Understanding the barriers to lifejacket usage is a priority for SLSA. This research showed that there were multiple factors that influenced lifejacket usage in these activities. The main practical motivations to wear a lifejacket were to be safe, save lives, and to be prepared for unexpected situations. Practical reasons why respondents did not wear lifejackets were because they didn’t own one, the costs and effort involved to purchase and maintain, that they were uncomfortable or impractical, i.e. too bulky, hot, cumbersome, and hindered swimming ability.

Social factors that influenced lifejacket usage included who they were participating in an activity with, how they wanted to be perceived by others, and previous experience or knowledge of adverse events. Specifically, lifejackets were worn more when others were wearing them, when participating with children or inexperienced individuals. The opposite was also true for not wearing a lifejacket, i.e. if lifejacket wearing was not common or that they looked bad or unfashionable. These respondents generally perceived lifejackets as being over the top, especially within rock fishers.

26

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

Risk perception and awareness was identified as a strong driver of lifejacket usage. Lifejackets were worn more when perceived risk of an adverse incident was higher due to trip duration, limited experience, risky times or location (i.e. at night, alone, unfamiliar location, when crossing a bar or going offshore),adverse weather conditions (i.e. rough conditions or presence of white caps), and participating in high risk activities (e.g. kite surfing or ‘Korean fishing’). Conversely, lifejacket usage was less likely when perceived risk of an adverse event was low (i.e. they only participate in an activity during calm conditions, and when they were confident that they could survive if they did end up in the water) – highlighting inaccurate perceptions regarding how long it can take to be rescued. Some respondents had simply not considered using lifejackets when participating in their activity, emphasising the importance in increasing awareness in the community.

Finally, legislation and its enforcement had clear impacts on decisions behind wearing a lifejacket. Respondents were more likely to wear a lifejacket when it is law to do so and in fear of enforcement or infringement.

Confusion or lack of knowledge around lifejacket legislation reduced lifejacket usage, especially when there was no experience of actual enforcement. Even so, boaters, rock fishers and watercraft users were generally supportive of mandatory lifejacket legislation (except for SUP users who considered lifejackets to impact on their ability to swim in the water).

This research has highlighted high risk groups, situations and attitudes relating to lifejacket usage which can be used to guide future mitigation and preventative efforts. This research is, however, five years old and did not include PWC users. SLSA intends to revitalise this research to capture current behaviours, perceptions and beliefs surrounding trends and barriers of Australian lifejacket usage.

TARGET AUDIENCES

50+ WATERCRAFT USERS

Australian born

Year olds

SUP users

ALL ROCK FISHERS

and immediate family

18-34 Overseas born

BOATERS

Year olds

ACTIONS TO TAKE Promote increased awareness of: • Lifejacket usage recommendations (including specific conditions or locations), legislation and enforcement • Adverse conditions and events (including fatalities) • Newer more comfortable, practical lifejacket styles • Benefits of lifejackets • Average time for rescue personnel to arrive at a situation • What to do if they do get into trouble in the water

Advocate for: • More consistent (and less confusing) lifejacket legislation nationally • Development of effective and affordable lifejacket exchange programs

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

27

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

L I F E J A C K E T L E G I S L AT I O N

SUMMARY BY STATE OR TERRITORY

Small boats

NSW Boats <4.8m, Children <12yo, Open waters, Boating at night, In alpine waters, Crossing coastal bars

QLD Boats <4.8m, Children <12yo in open boat underway, Crossing coastal bar in open boat

All other situations

Registered tender

VIC

WA

Boats <4.8m, At all times

Protected waters

Recreational tender

Unprotected waters

Boats 4.8-12m and Yachts, Children <10yo in open area, Heightened risk (and open areas on yachts)

Protected waters

All other situations Boats >12m

Unprotected waters

All other situations

Larger boats

Children <12yo open area, Crossing coastal bars

At all times

All other situations

PWC (e.g. jetskis)

At all times

At all times

At all times

At all times

When being towed (e.g. waterskiing, skurfing, etc)

At all times

At all times

At all times

At all times

>400m from shore, Open waters Enclosed waters at night, In alpine waters, When alone, Children <12yo

At all times

At all times

Protected waters

Canoes, kayaking, and off-the-beach sailing yachts (and some other paddlecraft)

All other situations

Sail/kiteboarding

Open waters, Enclosed waters at night, In alpine waters, When alone, Children <12yo

Unprotected waters

At all times

All other situations

Must be worn

Must be carried

<400m from shore, + paddleboard

Protected waters

>400m from shore, +paddleboard

Unprotected waters

Recommended, but not required

NB: please see legislation glossary (p.32) for specific definitions and marine safety agencies for each state and territory.

This table is correct as at 01 April 2021. Information and legislative requirements may change from time to time.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

28

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

SUMMARY BY STATE OR TERRITORY SA

TAS

NT

ACT

Vessels <4.8m fitted with engine, At all times

Vessels <6m, Under power, Tender

Small vessels <5m, At all times

Boats <4.8m, Children <12yo, Boating at night, Alone

Registered tender

All other situations

All other situations Boats 4.8-12m, Children <12yo in open area, Heightened risk and open area

Vessels >6m, Children <12yo in open area and under power

Sailing dingy and sailing craft <6m

All other situations

At all times

Boats 4.8-8m, Children <12yo in open area

All other situations

All other situations At all times

At all times

At all times

Not allowed

At all times

At all times

At all times

At all times

At all times

In surfzone riding waves to shore, +paddleboard

Small vessels with permanently closed hulls, At all times

At night, When alone, Child <12yo

All other situations

At all times

All other situations Small vessels with permanently closed hulls, At all times

In surfzone riding waves to shore

At night, When alone, Child <12yo

All other situations

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

All other situations

29

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

GLOSSARY

Adult For the purpose of this report, adults refer to a person 16 year of age and over.

Alcohol A recreational beverage containing the chemical ‘ethanol’, a psychoactive drug that is the active ingredient in drinks such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits. In this report, alcohol is reported when consumption is considered contributory to a death as ruled by the coroner.

Alcohol & Drugs When alcohol and drug consumption is combined and considered contributory to a death as ruled by the coroner.

Bay A body of water partially enclosed by land but with a wide mouth, affording access to the sea.

Beach A wave-deposited accumulation of sediment usually sand, but ranging in size up to boulders deposited between the upper swash limit and wave base.

Boating Using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for pleasure and/or fishing.

Coastal Describes the foreshore, seabed, coastal water and air space above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including areas up to 3 nautical miles offshore and of which the landward boundary is the line of mean high water, except where that line crosses a river/inlet, the landward boundary at that point shall be the point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river/inlet mouth by five. (Adopted from the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 New Zealand).

Coastal drowning death Where the location of the death is on the coast, in the ocean up to 3nm offshore or inland up to five times the width of the inlet/river and the cause of death includes drowning or immersion.

Coastal fatality Where the location of the death is on the coast, in the ocean up to 3nm offshore or inland up to five times the width of the inlet/river and the cause of death does not include drowning or immersion.

Drowning The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified as death, morbidity and no morbidity.

Drowning Death A fatal drowning incident arising from the process of respiratory impairment as a result of submersion/ immersion in liquid.

Drugs A medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced to the body. The category includes therapeutic, over-the-counter and illicit drugs.

In this report, drugs are reported when consumption is considered contributory to a death as ruled by the coroner.

Fatality A fatal incident arising from circumstances other than drowning (e.g. medical condition, injury, self-harm, marine creature).

Fishing Attempting to catch a fish.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

Frequent Participates in activity at least once per month.

Hazard A source of potential harm.

Incident Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving services intervention.

International Describes an individual who is confirmed to reside overseas and/or is a temporary visitor to Australia.

IRD Incident report database. A web-based portal used by SLSA services to electronically record incident reports.

Jetty An artificial structure that projects out into the water from land.

Lifejacket A buoyant or inflatable garment or device designed to keep a person afloat in water and increase their likelihood of survival.

Marina A boat basin offering dockage and other service for small craft.

Medical For the purpose of this report, medical refers to an incident that was caused by a medical episode, e.g. a heart attack or epileptic seizure.

NCIS National Coronial Information System.

Non-fatal drowning A subset of drowning, the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid, where the outcome is classified as morbidity and no morbidity.

Offshore Describes the coastal water area beyond the surf zone and inshore area from 500m to 12 nautical miles.

Occasional Participates in activity less often than once per month.

Ocean The seabed, water and air space above the water between 3-12 nautical miles (the Australian territorial waters limit) offshore.

Ocean drowning death Where the location of the death is in the seabed, water or air space above the water between 3-12 nautical miles offshore and the cause of death includes drowning or immersion.

Ocean fatality Where the location of the death is in the seabed, water or air space above the water between 3-12 nautical miles offshore and the cause of death does not include drowning or immersion.

Patrol Service undertaken to monitor activities in/around an aquatic environment and respond accordingly through either preventative actions or rescue operations.

Patrol flags Red/yellow horizontally divided flags which are set after performing a risk assessment to determine the most suitable area for swimming. The flags identify a zone for swimming and bodyboarding within a patrolled location.

Patrolled location A location supervised by a lifesaving service.

30

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

Personal watercraft (PWC) A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is a vessel with a motor and a fully enclosed hull. It has been designed to not retain water if capsized and is operated by a person who is standing up, lying down, sitting astride, or kneeling.

Rescue The retrieval of a person in distress, delivering them to a place of safety and the application of first aid and basic life support as may be required.

Rip current A seaward flowing current of water moving through a surf zone.

Rock/Cliff A rock platform that may or may not have a high steep face.

Rock fishing Attempting to catch fish from a coastal rock platform or off a groyne.

Rock shelf A section of rock above or below the water level that projects out from the coast.

Swimming Moving through water by moving the body or parts of the body.

Watercraft A piece of non-powered recreational equipment used in water. Examples include stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers or kayaks.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

31

COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

L E G I S L AT I O N G L O S S A R Y

Adverse event Any undesirable experience associated with an activity or circumstance. For the purpose of this brief, this may include being capsized, swept or fall into the water, drowning, collision, etc. The outcomes of these events can vary in severity, ranging from no impact to death.

Alpine waters Enclosed waters in alpine areas, including lakes, rivers, dams and reservoirs.

Closed area An area not covered by open area of a boat.

Coastal bar Shallow, shifting sandbanks at the entrance to rivers, inshore waterways and coastal estuaries.

Enclosed waters Navigable waters enclosed by land or a port.

Heightened risk A time when associated risk is high. E.g. when crossing, or attempting to cross, a coastal bar or designated hazardous area, or when operating alone, at night, in restricted visibility, or on a disabled vessel. When there is increased likelihood of capsizing/being swamped by waves/falling overboard/forced to enter the water, weather warnings are reported, on a yacht with no safety barriers, lifelines, rails, safety harnesses or jacklines in use.

See state/territory guidelines for specific information.

Open area All open deck areas including coach roofs, superstructures, open fly bridges, trampolines and nets, but excluding areas within a rigid deckhouse, a rigid cabin, a rigid halfcabin or a securely enclosed under-deck space are open areas. For vessels without a deck, the whole vessel, excluding areas within a rigid cabin, rigid half cabin or a securely enclosed space are open areas.

Open boat A boat that does not have a permanent rigid deckhouse, cabin or other enclosed space suitable for a person to occupy. A half cabin boat is not considered an open boat.

Open waters Navigable waters that are not enclosed by land or not within a river, bay, harbour or port. They include coastal and ocean waters.

Partially smooth water A water category geographically defined

by Maritime Safety Queensland, consult Queensland’s guidelines for further information.

Protected waters Waters contained in any lake, river, or estuary or any breakwater, specifically defined by Western and South Australia, please consult Department of Transport WA and Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure SA guidelines for exceptions to these rules.

Semi-protected waters Waters up to two (2) nautical miles from the low-water mark of the coast. See Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure SA guidelines for more information.

Smooth water Includes rivers, creeks, streams and lakes, waters within breakwaters or revetments and within half a nautical mile from land within partially smooth water limits. See Maritime Safety Queensland for more information.

Tender A boat used to assist a larger one, mainly used in moving goods and transporting passengers. See state/territory regulations for further criteria for tenders.

Underway A vessel not at anchor, tied to the shore/ground/buoy, or aground. If the vessel is drifting, it is underway.

Unprotected waters Waters that are not considered to be protected waters are unprotected waters (specifically in WA). Waters greater than two nautical miles from the coastal low-water mark coast are unprotected waters (specifically SA). See Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure SA and Department of Transport WA for more information.

Vessel A craft that can be used as transport in the water. This includes watercraft such as personal watercrafts, kayaks, canoes, and wind surf boards. Note that NSW does not consider surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, towed equipment e.g. water skis, inflatable tubes or rafts or swimming equipment, to be a vessel.

STATE AND TERRITORY MARINE SAFETY AGENCIES Agency name

State or territory

Phone

Website

Roads and Maritime Services

New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory

13 12 36

rms.nsw.gov.au

Maritime Safety Queensland

Queensland

13 74 68

msq.qld.gov.au

Transport Safety Victoria

Victoria

1800 223 022

transportsafety.vic.gov.au

Marine and Safety Tasmania

Tasmania

1300 135 513

mast.tas.gov.au

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

South Australia

1300 183 046

sa.gov.au

Department of Transport

Western Australia

1300 863 308

transport.wa.gov.au

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Northern Territory

08 8924 7100

nt.gov.au

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

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COASTAL SAFET Y BRIEF – LIFE JACKETS

REFERENCES

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2020 The Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report (NCSR) is published annually and contains information on Australian community behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS capability and membership capacity; rescues and emergency response; and coastal drowning deaths. The NCSR2020 presents statistics from the period of 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020. Trend analyses from all coastal deaths (drowning deaths and other fatalities) that have occurred between 1 July 2004 – 30 June 20 to explore causal factors over time are also included.

All care is taken to ensure the statistical information included within this report is correct. However, pending the outcome of ongoing coronial investigations and as SLS state/territory entities update their operational information, this data may be amended over time.

Data correct at 31 August 2020. Changes may occur at a later date.

This publication is copyright. Except as expressly provided in the Copyright Act 1968 and the Copyright Amendment Act 2006, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted by any means (including electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior permission from Surf Life Saving Australia.

For enquiries concerning reproduction, contact SLSA on: phone 02 9215 8000; email: info@slsa.asn.au Every attempt has been made to trace and acknowledge copyright, but in some cases this may not have been possible. Surf Life Saving Australia apologises for any accidental infringements and would welcome any information to redress the situation.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY SURVEYS The annual Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Surveys (NCSS) collect Information about community swimming ability, behaviours and attitudes to coastal safety. The survey is conducted by Newspoll Market Research and Omnipoll and is run online over a four-day period each April among a national sample of approximately 1,400 respondents aged 16 and older.

The study is carried out in compliance with ISO 20252 - Market, Social and Opinion Research. To reflect the population distribution, results were post-weighted (by age, gender, geographic strata and education) and projected to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

The data presented in the 2021 Coastal Safety Brief: Lifejackets has been derived from data extracted from multiple surveys, including Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Survey (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). Newspoll/Omnipoll Online Omnibus April 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Data illustrated in figures may not always add up to 100% due to rounding.

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTR ALIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Surf Life Saving Australia wishes to thank Frederic Anne (Omnipoll) for his contribution to this report and Melissa Conchar for design.

SUGGESTED CITATION Lawes J, Ledger J, Cooper B, & Daw S (2021) Coastal Safety Brief: Lifejackets. Surf Life Saving Australia: Sydney.

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Surf Life Saving Australia Ltd Level 1, 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Australia P.O. Box 7773, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 www.sls.com.au