National Coastal Safety Report 2023

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT

2023

COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT 2022/23 KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

125

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

82% MALE

1 21

6

* Arrows denote change from 10-year average

27 48 19 3

LOCATION

60% BEACH

14% OFFSHORE

31% LOCAL RESIDENTS

66%

>1KM FROM SLS SERVICE

ACTIVITY

37% 13% 10% SWIMMING/WADING

BOATING & PWC

WATERCRAFT

9%

ATTEMPTING A RESCUE

9% SNORKELLING

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

1

TOTAL SERVICE PLAN

3

SECTION 1 - COMMUNITY

4

SECTION 3 - DROWNING ANALYSIS

34

AUSTRALIAN POPULATION

6

COASTAL DROWNING & FATALITY

36

COASTAL VISITATION & PARTICIPATION

8

COASTAL DROWNING

38

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION

10

RIP CURRENTS

41

2022/23 SUMMER PARTICIPATION

13

COASTAL DROWNING

42

SWIMMING ABILITY

14

COASTAL DROWNING LOCATIONS

46

RIP CURRENTS

17

UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITIES

48

SAFETY BEHAVIOURS

18

COASTAL FATALITY LOCATIONS

52

COASTAL SAFETY

19

COASTAL DROWNING & FATALITY

54

A DECADE OF THE NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY SURVEY

BYSTANDER RESCUES

56

20

NEW SOUTH WALES

58

QUEENSLAND

60 62

SECTION 2 - CAPABILITY

22

VICTORIA WESTERN AUSTRALIA

64

AWARD PROFICIENCY

25

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

66

SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICES

26

TASMANIA

68

RESOURCE CAPACITY

27

NORTHERN TERRITORY

70

ASSET CAPABILITY

28

RESCUES

29

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS

30

GLOSSARY

72

FIRST AID

31

REFERENCES

74

MENTAL HEALTH

32

INTRODUCTION

Australians are known for their deep connection with the coast and waterways. The coast is a place of significance that connects people to the environment and to each other.

The beach is a place where all people can meet, live, come together, and experience a diversity of environmental and physical conditions. The way Australians interact with the coast represents a legacy that is recognised nationally and internationally. While most visits to the coast are filled with fun, excitement and wonderful memories, unfortunately for some they result in tragedy.

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is a globally respected charitable and humanitarian organisation that is the peak body for coastal water safety and drowning prevention in Australia. We are Australia’s largest volunteer organisation, with almost 200,000 members covering all age groups and demographics. Surf lifesavers and lifeguards fulfil a critical component of the emergency response network, as demonstrated over recent years with hundreds of deployments to assist with coordinated response efforts of flood and other disaster events around the country.

In 2023 we were pleased to partner with Royal Life Saving Society – Australia to present the National Drowning

Report1. The National Drowning Report provides the annual assessment of drowning against the historical data from both Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia. The National Coastal Safety Report 2023 compliments the National Drowning Report by providing greater analysis of our research, evidence relating to community perceptions, delivery of core lifesaving services, detailed assessment of coastal drowning deaths and other fatal coastal incidents. The report continues to investigate dominant trends and causal factors of coastal drowning deaths and other coastal fatalities. However, the National Coastal Safety Report 2023 also features snapshots that explore innovative research and emergent issues, including a review of a decade of the National Coastal Safety Survey, circumstances and trends around tragic fatal bystander rescues, and building an understanding of the mental health of surf lifesavers and lifeguards.

The coast and our beautiful beaches are a special part of Australian culture, 85% of the population living within 50km of the coast. This is evidenced by more than 16 million coastal visitors (aged 16+ years) making more than 600 million individual visitations to the coast in the last year. For the 13.3

1

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

million coastal activity participants, swimming remains the most popular coastal activity (58% of adults), followed by boating (20%), then snorkelling (15%).

SLSA is seeking to understand this exposure to ensure we can do everything possible to support our members during and after these stressful events.

Swimming ability among Australians remains low with only one in three adults reporting to be competent or highly competent swimmers, with competency decreasing in open waters. Ten-year analyses showed that a gender gap remains in perceived ocean swimming ability, with males continually rating their ability to swim 50m in the ocean higher than females. Swimming lesson participation is also greater among Australian-born adults than those born overseas. However, new Australians who arrive at a younger age are more likely to participate in formal swimming lessons.

The 2022/23 period resulted in 221 recorded coastal deaths, 57% due to drowning. These 125 coastal drowning deaths represent 44% of the national drowning burden, and while it was a welcomed reduction from last year, it was still above the ten-year average and, if not for the interventions of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards, this drowning figure would have been much higher.

Rip currents continue to be rated hazardous by most of the community, but ability to spot rip currents remains low, with actual identification abilities often overstated. However, analysis of ten years of survey data showed that community knowledge of what to do when caught in a rip current has steadily increased since 2015. Specifically, knowing to raise your hand for help, to float with the current, and to swim parallel to shore are three promoted behaviours of which awareness has increased within the community. The Think Line campaign and safety messaging around STOP, LOOK, PLAN has proven beneficial in creating greater awareness.

Patrols were provided by members from 556 services around Australia including 315 Surf Life Saving Clubs, 234 Australian Lifeguard Services, and seven affiliated marine rescue services. Surf lifesaving personnel performing almost 10,000 rescues and volunteered over 1.4 million hours on patrol over 2022/23. In addition, they provided over 40,000 first aid treatments and performed over 1.9 million preventative actions within the community.

This significant community service means that beachgoers in Australia can find a safe place to swim and enjoy the beach with friends and family. However, it also means that the Surf Life Saving community are sometimes exposed to traumatic events that could impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

Emergency responders are known to experience greater levels of psychological stress and trauma which can develop into serious conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This is particularly important when we consider that our first responders are volunteers, and that a substantial proportion of our patrolling membership are adolescents.

Swimming and wading recorded the highest number of drowning deaths for an activity (n=46), well above the 10year average, followed by boating & PWC (Personal Water Craft). An increase was also observed in fatal bystander rescue incidents, and those that occurred on beaches away from surf lifesaving services. Many of these were correlated with a significant increase in rip current-related drowning deaths, reinforcing that rip currents remain the number one coastal hazard (1 in 5 coastal drowning deaths). There are more than 17,000 rip currents along the Australian coast on any given day.

Bystanders often represent the only immediate form of emergency response at unpatrolled locations. Bystander rescues involve members of the public going to the aid of those in distress, with these actions increasingly recognised for the significant role in saving lives. Without these invaluable actions there is no doubt many other lives would have been lost. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the rescuer themselves to drowns, with rip currents and the lack of a flotation device continuing to be dominant factors that impact on the outcome of these tragic incidents.

I hope this report helps to foster a deeper understanding of coastal drowning and other fatalities in Australia, and I encourage all to support SLSA in its objectives of reducing injury and the loss of life along our coastline. We must remember that the numbers and statistics represented in this report are much more than this – they represent the loss of many individuals who did not return home to their families and friends.

The loss of 221 lives is not acceptable, however each reminds us to strive towards our aspirational vision of zero preventable deaths in Australian waters.

Adam Weir Chief Executive Officer Surf Life Saving Australia

9,297 RESCUES WERE PERFORMED OVER 2022/23 - EACH ONE A NEAR MISS AND REPRESENT A LIFE SAVED

3

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

TOTAL SERVICE PLAN The Total Service Plan is SLSA’s national drowning reduction strategy and service plan. It is created using an iterative process of analysis and review to identify coastal safety issues of national importance.

This approach follows the public health model and is consistent with international risk management principles.

Context Drowning Statistics Non-fatal Drowning Data Operational Statistics Market Research Population Data Participation/Behaviour Data

In collaboration with stakeholders, SLSA identifies coastal safety risks using incident monitoring, coastal risk assessments and participation analysis. This information is analysed to Communication identify the top national coastal safety & Consultation issues, priorities and blackspot areas that Market Research Stakeholder Consultation require intervention or mitigation strategies.

THE NATIONAL SAFETY AGENDA

Coastal Safety Hub

Risk Identification Incident Tracking Capability Statement Participation/Behaviour

Analysis National Risk Register Coastal Risk Assessments

Analysis Coastal Safety Briefs Trend Identification GIS Analysis

Councils, Committees and Groups Conferences and Forums

The issues and blackspots identified through the Total Service Plan process form the basis of SLSA’s National Safety Agenda. The agenda influences lifesaving operations, including services and equipment allocation.

Risk Assessment

Critical Incident Analysis Target Identification Case Studies

Monitoring & Evaluation Monitor Trends Monitor and Evaluate Service/Asset Deployment Evaluate Pilot Programs Evaluate Research

Evaluation National Coastal Safety Report Strategic Research Agenda National Safety Agenda

It drives public education, including evidence-based mitigation strategies, communications campaigns

National Coastal Safety Issues Blackspot Identification

Treatment/Intervention Lifesaving and Support Services Blackspot Reduction Program Beach Safety Equipment Fund Communication Campaigns Public Education and Training Early Warning Systems

and pilot projects, and informs SLSA’s research plan.

The Total Service Plan takes a risk management approach. It allows SLSA to use the evidence to ensure we locate lifesaving services and assets in areas of need and have appropriate public education programs and mitigation strategies to address the coastal safety issues and known blackspots. Embedded in the process is continual monitoring and evaluation to ensure the treatments and interventions are effective in reducing drowning deaths along the Australian coast.

The coastal safety needs of the Australian community reflected in the National Safety Agenda and the Surf Life Saving movement’s capacity and capability to meet these needs are explored in the ‘Capability’ section of this report.

Figure 01

TOTAL SERVICE PLAN PROCESS OVERVIEW The Total Service Plan aligns with the International Standard ISO 31000:2018 framework, which provides principles and guidelines for risk management.

NATIONAL SAFETY AGENDA ISSUES

55+ RIP CURRENTS

BOATING

ROCK FISHING

WATERCRAFT

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

YOUNG MALES

LIFEJACKETS

OVER 55 YEARS

DANGEROUS MARINE CREATURES

OVERSEAS BORN

SECTION 1

COMMUNITY

16.3 MILLION

AUSTRALIAN ADULTS (16+ YEARS) VISITED THE COAST IN 2022/23

600 MILLION+ COASTAL VISITATIONS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

4.5 MILLION

AUSTRALIAN ADULTS HAVE BEEN UNINTENTIONALLY CAUGHT IN A RIP

6

Section 1

COMMUNITY

AUSTRALIAN POPULATION VISITATION & PARTICIPATION BY STATE

Figure 02

AUSTRALIAN POPULATION DENSITY PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA) This heat map shows the estimated Australian population density per LGA at June 2023. The majority of LGAs with a population density greater than 100 persons per square kilometre are located on Australia’s extensive coastline.

The National Coastal Safety Survey 2023 (NCSS2023) collected data on coastal visitation, frequency and activity participation of Australian residents aged 16+ years for each state which are also presented here.

WA 1.7M Coastal visitors 3.8 Visits per month 2.3 Hours per visit 1.4M Coastal activity participants

² ² ² ² ²

7

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

NT 0.15M Coastal visitors 5.4 Visits per month 2.2 Hours per visit 0.1M Coastal activity participants

QLD 3.5M Coastal visitors 4.2 Visits per month 2.7 Hours per visit 2.7M Coastal activity participants

SA

NSW

1.2M Coastal visitors 3.4 Visits per month 2.2 Hours per visit 0.9M Coastal activity participants

5.5M Coastal visitors 3.6 Visits per month 2.6 Hours per visit 4.6M Coastal activity participants

VIC

TAS

3.8M Coastal visitors 1.8 Visits per month 2.8 Hours per visit 3.2M Coastal activity participants

0.4M Coastal visitors 5.3 Visits per month 2.2 Hours per visit 0.3M Coastal activity participants

8

Section 1

COMMUNITY

COASTAL VISITATION & PARTICIPATION NATIONAL TRENDS

16.3M

Figure 03

NCSS2023: COASTAL VISITATION & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY Australians love the coast. To better understand how the coast is used, the annual National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) explores coastal participation, behaviours and perceptions. In the last twelve months, 16.3 million Australian adults (16 years and above) visited the coast on average 3.3 times each month. This suggests that there were over 600 million individual visitations to our coast last year.

3.3

AUSTRALIAN ADULTS VISITED THE COAST IN 2022/23

VISITS/MONTH

2.6

13.3M

HOURS/VISIT

COASTAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS

­

Figure 04

NCSS2023: COASTAL VISITATORS BY STATE The number of coastal visitors and the frequency with which they visit varies by state. NSW has the highest number of coastal visitors (5.5 Million visitors), 30% of which visit the coast at least once per week, and 20% at least once a month. This is followed

by Victoria (3.8 Million visitors; 16% weekly, 18% monthly), then Queensland (3.4 Million visitors; 33% weekly, 24% monthly).

9

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

3.6

VISITS PER MONTH

­

2.7

­

8.3M COASTAL VISITORS

7.0M COASTAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS

COASTAL VISITORS

8.0M

-

­ − ­ − ­ ­ − ­

HOURS PER VISIT

3.1 VISITS PER MONTH

2.6 HOURS PER VISIT

6.3M COASTAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS

Figure 05

NCSS2023: COASTAL VISITATION AND PARTICIPATION BY ACTIVITY & GENDER Males and females visited the coast in equal numbers however, coastal activity participation is generally higher among males.

There were 13.3 million coastal activity participants in 2022/23, with coastal activity participation remaining relatively stable.

Swimming and wading remained the most popular activity (58%), followed by boating (20%), then snorkelling (15%).

Figure 06

Where people live impacts on their access to services. Four in ten coastal visits (44%) in major cities were to patrolled locations, compared to only 26% in regional and 7% in remote Australia. Respondent residential postcodes were coded to the Australian Statistical Geographic Standard Remoteness Areas.

NCSS2023: LOCATION OF LAST 10 COASTAL VISITS

BY REMOTENESS

­

10

Section 1

COMMUNITY

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION BY GENDER, FREQUENCY & STATE

Coastal participation varies by activity, gender and state. These pages show the proportion of male and female participants, the number of annual and summer participants, the experience level of activity participants, and the percentage of each states’ population who participate in each activity.

9.9M

Swam in summer 2022/23

25%

Advanced

2.3M

Went boating in summer 2022/23

39%

Do not always avoid alcohol

40%

Beginners

19%

Advanced

1.6M

16%

Beginners

1 IN 4

Never check the surf conditions before entering the water

Snorkelled in summer 2022/23

18%

Freedive

24%

Beginners

22%

Advanced

11

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

1.6M

Paddled in summer 2022/23

36%

Beginners

Fished in summer 2022/23

3 IN 4

Do not always carry relevant safety equipment

10%

Advanced

1.7M

Do not always carry mobile phones

Beginners

20% 28%

Advanced

1.2M

2 IN 3

Surfed in summer 2022/23

1 IN 4

Do not always use a leg rope

38%

Beginners

12%

Advanced

12

Section 1

COMMUNITY

0.6M

18%

0.5M

Fished in summer 2022/23

1 IN 2

Fish alone

14%

Beginners

32%

Advanced

0.3M

34%

Advanced

1 IN 4

Do not always follow laws and regulations Beginners

Used a PWC in summer 2022/23

Scuba dived in summer 2022/23

84%

Always have a dive emergency plan

27%

Beginners

37%

Advanced

13

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

2022/23 SUMMER PARTICIPATION

Figure 07

NCSS2023: SUMMER VISITATION Over two in three (70%) Australian adults visited the coast during the summer of 2022/23. Tasmania had the highest proportion of residents visit the coast over summer (78%), followed equally by South Australia and Western Australia (75% each).

14M+ Australian adults visited the coast during summer

­

Figure 08

NCSS2023: SUMMER ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION BY AGE

­

A higher proportion of younger adults (16-34 years) participated in coastal activities over summer compared to older age groups.

14

Section 1

COMMUNITY

SWIMMING ABILITY CONFIDENCE & ABILITY IN COASTAL WATERS

­

Figure 09

Figure 10

NCSS2023: SWIMMING LESSONS IN CLOSED VS. OPEN ENVIRONMENTS

NCSS2023: SELF-RATED OVERALL VS. OCEAN SWIMMING ABILITY

Many more swimming lessons have been delivered in controlled environments such as swimming pools (71%), compared to lessons held in open, uncontrolled environments such as oceans, lakes, or rivers (21%).

One in three Australian adults (35%) consider themselves to be competent/ highly competent swimmers. However, perceived competence is lower in open water environments, with only one in four (25%) considering themselves to be competent/highly competent in the ocean.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY ABLE TO SWIM 50 METRES IN THE OCEAN WITHOUT STOPPING OR TOUCHING THE BOTTOM?

Figure 11

NCSS2023: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SWAM 50 METRES IN THE OCEAN

52% YES 5.2M POP.

31% YES 3.2M POP.

Males are more likely to have swum 50 metres in the ocean (males: 75%, females: 57%), with over one-third (35%) doing so in the last 18 months, compared to only 20% of females.

15

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

SWIMMING ABILITY MULTICULTURAL

­

Figure 12

Figure 13

NCSS2023: SAFETY PRACTICES SOUGHT WITHIN 3 YEARS OF ARRIVING IN AUSTRALIA

NCSS2023: SWIMMING LESSON PARTICIPATION WITHIN 3 YEARS OF ARRIVING IN AUSTRALIA BY AGE

Among those people who migrated to Australia, 25% read documents containing coastal/water/beach safety information within the first three years of arrival while 23% participated in formal swimming lessons.

­

Younger people were more likely to have participated in swimming lessons. Over half (55%) of people aged six to ten years had taken formal swimming lessons compared to only 8% for people aged 25 years or older.

Figure 14

NCSS2023: SELF-RATED SWIMMING ABILITY BY AUSTRALIAN & OVERSEAS-BORN RESPONDENTS Water safety skills are important for all Australians. One-third of Australians who were born overseas are unable to swim or are weak swimmers (32%) compared to 24% of those born in Australia.

16

Section 1

COMMUNITY

RIP CURRENTS

HAZARD PERCEPTION, BEHAVIOURS & EXPERIENCES

NUMBER 1 COASTAL HAZARD

85%

AUSTRALIANS PERCEIVE RIP CURRENTS AS VERY/EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS

Figure 15

One in two swimmers/waders (54%) don’t always look for rips before entering the water, with 8% stating they never do.

1 IN 5

AUSTRALIANS HAVE BEEN UNINTENTIONALLY CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT

Only 49% of Australians who are confident they can spot a rip current can do so correctly

1 IN 15 CAUGHT IN A RIP IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS

­

NCSS2023: LOOK FOR THE PRESENCE OF RIP CURRENTS PRIOR TO ENTERING THE WATER

Figure 17 Figure 16

NCSS2023: REASONS FOR NOT ALWAYS LOOKING FOR RIP CURRENTS The primary reasons given for not always looking for rips include not knowing what to look for (27%), being lazy/forgetting (15%), because they do not go far into the ocean (12%), or because they always swim between the flags (11%).

NCSS2023: CONFIDENCE AND ABILITY TO IDENTIFY A RIP CURRENT One in ten Australian adults (8%) state they are very confident they can spot a rip current, however, when tested, only 47% of those were able to correctly do so.

17

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

­

Figure 19

4.5 million Australian adults have been previously caught in a rip. Of these, 38% were competent/highly competent swimmers, 33% were average swimmers in the ocean, and 29% were unable to swim/weak swimmers.

NCSS2023: HAVE EVER BEEN CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT BY OCEAN SWIMMING ABILITY

Figure 18

NCSS2023: RECOGNISED STRATEGIES TO ESCAPE A RIP CURRENT BY OCEAN SWIMMING ABILITY In general, those who are unable to swim or are weak swimmers in the ocean were less likely to identify strategies to escape rip currents compared to advanced swimmers.

45% of rip current escapes occur at unpatrolled locations

­

Figure 20

NCSS2023: RIP CURRENT ESCAPE METHODS The higher an individuals swimming ability, the more capable they are of escaping a rip current without the aid of others.

18

Section 1

COMMUNITY

SAFETY BEHAVIOURS RISK TAKING & SAFETY PRACTICES

­ ­ ­

­­

Figure 21

Figure 22

NCSS2023: HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED ANY KIND OF DIFFICULTY IN THE WATER?

NCSS2023: PARTICIPANTS WHO BELIEVE THEY ARE EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE SOME RISKS IN THEIR COASTAL ACTIVITY BY GENDER

One in four have experienced difficulty in the water (25%).

Males believe they are experienced enough to take risks more than females for all coastal activities except scuba diving.

­

Figure 23

NCSS2023: SAFETY PRACTICES Safety practices while swimming vary. While 68% always avoid swimming while under the influence of alcohol, 27% do still drink and swim. Two in three always follow the advice of lifeguards (66%), while only 35% always swim at patrolled beaches and 24% will always check surf conditions with a lifeguard.

19

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

COASTAL SAFETY HAZARD PERCEPTION

­

Figure 24

NCSS2023: COASTAL HAZARDS RATED EXTREMELY/VERY HAZARDOUS BY GENDER Male perception of coastal hazards is consistently lower than that of females. Rip currents remain the number one coastal hazard, rated extremely/very hazardous by 85% of Australian adults, followed by tropical marine stingers (73%), then sun exposure (71%).

­

­

Figure 25

NCSS2023: HAZARD PERCEPTION BY POPULATION VS. ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS Activity participants are less likely to rate their activity as hazardous compared to the wider Australian public.

20

Section 1

COMMUNITY

A DECADE OF THE NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY SURVEY

Approximately 80% of Australian adults visit the coast annually, with individuals averaging 3.3 visits per month, and 2.4 hours per visit. Coastal activity participation has been trending downward since 2016, reaching its lowest level in 2022 (57%) coinciding with movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, activity participation in 2023 returned to pre-pandemic levels, enjoyed by 67% of Australian adults (fig.

26). Longitudinal trends show that there have been no meaningful change in ability to correctly identity rip currents (Australia’s number one coastal hazard), however, knowledge regarding what to do if caught unintentionally in a rip current has improved significantly (fig. 28).

Regarding individual swimming abilities, a gender gap exists when individuals self-report swimming ability in coastal environments (fig. 29). Since 2014, males have consistently rated their ability to swim 50m in the ocean higher than females, with 52% of males reporting that they can swim 50m in the ocean without stopping compared to only 31% of females (NCSS2023).

The information gathered from the NCSS presents a valuable resource to Surf Life Saving Australia, other water safety organisations, governments, and public health practitioners alike. Understanding how Australians interact with the coast can inform public safety interventions, identify emerging safety issues, and provide valuable coastal safety information to guide future health promotion initiatives.

Figure 26

COASTAL VISITATION Coastal visitation over the last 10 years has remained stable with an average of 80% of Australians visiting the coast annually. Coastal activity participation trended downward from 72% to 57% between 2016 and 2022. However, in 2022/23, participation rose to 67%, a 10% increase on the previous year.

The National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) is a nationally representative survey to understand how Australian adults (aged 16+ years) interact with the coast and perceive coastal risks and hazards. The survey has run annually since 2014, and now provides a unique longitudinal dataset of coastal participation and safety behaviours and attitudes. In this feature we examine trends in coastal visitation and activity participation, hazard perception, safety knowledge, and swimming ability using 10-years of NCSS data.

Figure 27

HAZARD PERCEPTION OF THE COAST & BEACH The beach continues to be considered less hazardous than the coast, and has remained reasonably stable (14% rating the beach extremely/very hazardous in 2023 compared to 13% in 2014). The coast however, is perceived to be more hazardous now than 10 years ago with 27% rating the coast as extremely/very hazardous in 2023 compared to 21% in 2014.

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

21

Figure 28

RIP CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND IDENTIFICATION Individuals continually overstate their ability to identify a rip current, while the proportion of the population who can do so correctly remains low. However, public knowledge of what to do when caught in a rip current has steadily increased since 2015.

24% Less fit, weaker 22% Lack of practice

46% Impacts of aging

Why Worse

13% Health-related

13% No longer swim in the ocean

Why Better

26% More training

21% Fitter/Stronger

Figure 29

CAN SWIM 50M IN THE OCEAN BY GENDER A gender gap remains in perceived ocean swimming ability, with males continually rating their ability to swim 50m in the ocean higher than that of females.

19% Maturation

10% More time in the water

8% More knowledgeable

Figure 30

PERCEPTION OF CURRENT SWIMMING ABILITY COMPARED TO 10 YEARS AGO Most Australians perceived their swimming ability to be the same as ten years ago (44%), or worse (42%) with the effects of aging and reduced fitness identified as dominant factors.

SECTION 2

CAPABILITY 9,297 RESCUES

46,521

PROFICIENT MEMBERS

1,413,947 PATROL HOURS

315

SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS

234

AUSTRALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICES

9

HELICOPTER SERVICES

24

Section 2 CAPABILITY

CAPABILITY The provision of core Surf Life Saving (SLS) services around the country is central to remaining Australia’s peak coastal safety authority. Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLS Clubs), Operations Support services and the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) provide coastal surveillance patrols and search and rescue (SAR) operations. Emergency services and disaster response agencies recognise the capability of SLS to not only provide our core service, but also our capacity to assist with SAR operations, after-hours incidents and during natural disasters.

Our effort to provide a consistent, high-standard of training to our members reassures the community and other agencies of the quality services SLS can provide, with 40,023 Bronze Medallion and 6,498 Surf Rescue Certificate award holders across 315 SLS Clubs (fig. 33).

VOLUNTEER SURF LIFESAVERS The Surf Life Saving movement is underpinned by its extensive volunteer membership, which amounts to over 193,000 individuals. Notably, SLSA stands as one of the largest volunteer organisations not just in Australia, but globally. The diversity and competence of our volunteers are central to SLSA’s achievements. Within this substantial workforce, 41,504 individuals attended patrols in the past year, amassing a total of 1,413,947 volunteer hours (fig. 39). During these volunteer patrols (fig. 40) they conducted 5,774 rescues, 488,3447 (fig.

41) preventative actions and administered 21,828 first aid treatments.

To ensure operational efficacy, surf lifesavers are equipped with fit-for-purpose gear and equipment and trained to utilise it proficiently in diverse local conditions. Rescue boards and rescue tubes served as primary tools for lifesavers on patrol, further supported by 1,235 inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) enhancing their reach and capabilities. These IRBs allow for swift navigation through inshore surf conditions, enabling surf lifesavers to travel greater distances over extended periods.

The rescue board was the most frequently used equipment for conducting rescues (fig. 35). Complementing these waterbased efforts are land-based roving surveillance patrols, which are essential components of the SLSA’s drowning prevention strategy. These patrols actively monitor coastline locations near patrolled areas and are facilitated by a fleet of 371 sideby-side (SSV) vehicles and 212 4WD vehicles. Additionally, aerial surveillance initiatives are realised through a fleet of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs; fig. 38), expanding their reach and effectiveness.

Beyond the iconic red and yellow flags, SLSA’s capability extends to even the most challenging coastal environments,

facilitated by agile craft such as 190 rescue watercraft (RWCs) and five jet rescue boats (JRBs). These assets mean surf lifesavers can navigate treacherous white-water areas, ensuring rapid and effective response. Moreover, the organisation’s operational reach stretches beyond the immediate surf zone.

A fleet of nine offshore rescue boats (ORBs) and four rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs) allow access into blue-water rescue areas and facilitate extended surveillance and SAR operations.

AUSTRALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICE Further to being Australia’s largest volunteer organisation, SLSA are the largest supplier of professional lifeguards within Australia, through the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS). ALS operations are provided through 234 lifeguard services across beach and pool environments, contracted by local governments and land managers. The ALS employs 1,270 lifeguards engaged through full-time, part-time, and casual contracts, further supporting capability and coverage of our coastline.

Integration forms the foundation of SLSA’s operational framework, as volunteer and professional services seamlessly combine to provide community safety. The collaboration between ALS and SLS volunteer services ensures coverage for up to 365 days a year, including weekdays, weekends, public holidays, and after-hours response. The volunteer surf lifesaver-to-lifeguard pathway underscores the consistency in qualifications and training standards across Surf Life Saving Clubs and the ALS, with minimal additional specialised training tailored to meet ALS’s industry requirements.

In addition to volunteer services, the ALS recorded an impressive 453,738 service hours. During this time, the ALS undertook 3,523 rescues (fig. 39), conducted 1,433,589 preventative actions (fig. 40), and administered 18,719 first aid treatments (fig. 41). Their service capability is supported by a fleet of 75 vehicles (SSV and 4WD) and 51 rescue watercraft (RWCs).

Several councils around Australia also operate internal lifeguard services. Statistics for these services have not been included in this report.

WESTPAC LIFESAVER RESCUE HELICOPTER For situations requiring rapid, isolated, or more complex rescues, the nine Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters provide specialised aerial support, extending SLSA’s surveillance and SAR capabilities. These helicopters serve as critical assets, not only support SLS services but also contributing to a broader range of emergency and disaster responses.

25

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

AWARD PROFICIENCY

SURF RESCUE

* T otals include member holders of multiple similar awards.

Figure 31

2022/23: ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS HELD BY MEMBERS

BRONZE MEDALLION

Surf Life Saving has 41,504 patrolling members, who hold 71,670 additional lifesaving qualifications. This highlights the extent of training our surf lifesavers undertake to ensure they are highly skill first responders.

64%

36% SURF RESCUE CERTIFICATE

50%

50%

NB: <1% Non-binary

Figure 32

BRONZE MEDALLION : SURF RESCUE CERTIFICATE

2022/23: PROFICIENT MEMBERS There were a total of 46,521 proficient members, 40,023 were Bronze Medallion holders and 6,498 held a Surf Rescue Certificate. Of the Bronze Medallion holders, 64% were male and 36% were female. Surf Rescue Certificate holders were equally male and female (50% each). 18 proficient members identified with a non-binary gender (<1%).

26

Section 2 CAPABILITY

SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICES Figure 33

2022/23: SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICES Currently SLSA supports 556 services around Australia. There are 315 Surf Life Saving Clubs and seven affiliated marine rescue services, with 129 in New South Wales, 58 in Queensland, 57 in Victoria, 31 in Western Australia, 22 in South Australia, 22 in Tasmania and three in the Northern Territory. The Australian Lifeguard Service provides 234 lifeguard services around Australia, with 89 in New South Wales, 75 in Queensland, 42 in Victoria, 16 in Western Australia, eight in the Northern Territory, two in South Australia and two in Tasmania.

11 133 INSERT MAP

47

24 218 99 0

1,000km

SCALE Surf Life Saving Club / Lifeguard Service Marine Rescue Affiliate

24

27

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

­

RESOURCE CAPACITY

Figure 34

Figure 35

2022/23: PATROLLING MEMBERS

2022/23: EQUIPMENT USED IN RESCUES

There were a total of 41,504 members who performed a patrol.

Of these patrolling members, 60.5% were male and 39.46% were female. 22 members identified with a non-binary gender (<1%).

Boards were used in 38% of rescues, followed by rescue watercraft (RWCs; 25%) and rescue tubes (16%).

355 CRAFT

269

27,092

UAV READY

DEPLOYMENT HOURS

388 556

SERVICES

PERSONNEL TRAINED TO RESPOND

729 9,645 PILOTS

FLIGHT HOURS

269

FLOOD-RELATED DEPLOYMENTS

16

Figure 36

Figure 37

2022/23: UAV CAPACITY

2022/23: DISASTER ASSISTANCE

SLS UAV capacity continues to grow, now with 355 craft, 269 SLS clubs and locations UAV ready, with 729 trained operators conducting 9645 flight hours. These extra eyes in the sky extend our surveillance abilities and reduce risk to beachgoers.

VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED IN DISASTER RESPONSE

PERSONS RESCUED/ EVACUATED

SLS members are rescue-ready to assist with disaster response e.g. floods. Last year 556 members provided 27,092 hours to support 269 flood-related deployments, rescuing 16 people.

28

Section 2 CAPABILITY

ASSET CAPABILITY Figure 38

2022/23: SLS MAJOR ASSET LOCATION AND SERVICE RANGE SLS maintains a fleet of 241 rescue watercraft (RWC), five jet rescue boats (JRB), four rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIB), nine offshore rescue boats (ORB), and nine rescue helicopters. Their locations and service ranges are depicted on this map.

Key to Asset Location Rescue Water Craft (RWC) Jet Rescue Boat (JRB) Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat (RIB) Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB) Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter

6 69 44

16 82

38

13

29

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

RESCUES Figure 39

2022/23: RESCUES PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA) SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 9,297 rescues across 117 local government areas around Australia.

Key to Rescues per LGA < 14 Rescues 15 - 49 Rescues 50 - 149 Rescues 150 - 399 Rescues > 400 Rescues

16 3,276 377

70 4,787

688

83

30

Section 2 CAPABILITY

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS Figure 40

2022/23: PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA) SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 1,921,916 preventative actions across 117 local government areas around Australia.

Key to Preventative Actions per LGA < 1,499 Actions 1,500 - 4,999 Actions 5,000 - 19,999 Actions 20,000 - 99,999 Actions > 100,000 Actions

375 630,943 66,777

17,850 861,882

341,916

2,173

31

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

FIRST AID Figure 41

2022/23: FIRST AID PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA) SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 40,547 first aid treatments across 117 local government areas around Australia.

Key to First Aid Incidents per LGA < 49 Incidents 50 - 349 Incidents 350 - 649 Incidents 650 - 2,999 Incidents > 3,000 Incidents

148 18,868 2,228

534 9,853

8,734

182

32

Section 2 CAPABILITY

MENTAL HEALTH As emergency responders, surf lifesaving personnel are at risk of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) including major rescues, drowning deaths, suicides, and other traumatic injuries. This places surf lifesavers at greater risk of developing mental health concerns compared to the general population.

Previous research into mental health of first responders and emergency service personnel has not considered the unique context of surf lifesavers. Specifically, volunteer surf lifesavers operate under different constraints to professional emergency service personnel, with a notable proportion of adolescent surf lifesavers (13-17 years). Adolescents are a demographic known to be vulnerable to the negative impacts of exposure to PTEs, including a greater likelihood of developing post traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

SLSA is committed to ensuring the safety of our members and to improve our understanding of member health and

wellbeing. SLSA’s Mental Health Project is conducted in partnership with Central Queensland University, Flinders University, UNSW, and Massey University. It is the first to explore the mental health of Australian surf lifesavers and lifeguards, with a focus on adolescents.

Here we provide an overview of the project and its findings for adolescent members (13-17 years old). This research will guide the development of frameworks to protect and support SLS members, with a focus on adolescents, and will create a tailored toolkit of useful mental health resources that will be available for all SLS members.

For more information or to learn how to get involved use this QR code.

33

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

118

ADOLESCENTS

59% FEMALE

8%

IDENTIFIED AS INDIGENOUS

One in three were at risk of developing PTSS

90% AUSTRALIAN-BORN

Feelings related to shame are linked with mental health outcomes - members reporting higher shame were more vulnerable to PTSS

Direct trauma and PTE exposure increased with patrol years

PROTECTIVE FACTORS TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF TRAUMA Supportive, accepting relationships reduce vulnerability

Feelings of validation, empathy, compassion, and acceptance from others are important

Emotions are connected to the caring process in emergency and critical situations. It is crucial not to ignore these emotions because they may become present in action. Recognising the complexity of coping with stressful situations and implementing strategies that address shame and its potential role in exacerbating psychological distress can be crucial for promoting the wellbeing of surf lifesavers.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health and wellbeing, you can get confidential help by contacting your Surf Life Saving state or territory centre or by reaching out to any of the following support organisations: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Multicultural Mental Health: 02 6285 3100

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 Benestar: 1300 360 364

Survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia from overseas: 07 3391 6677

SECTION 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS 2022/23

125

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

82% MALE

18% FEMALE

2013-23 DROWNING CAUSAL FACTORS

20%

RIP CURRENTS

30%

MEDICAL/INJURY

57%

REGIONAL/REMOTE AREAS

36

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

COASTAL DROWNING & FATALITY 2022/23: YEAR IN REVIEW

Earlier this year the National Drowning Report 2023 revealed that 281 people lost their lives due to drowning between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 20231.

Drowning deaths in coastal environments accounted for 44% of the national drowning burden1.

Surf Life Saving responds to all types of incidents that occur along the Australian coast, regardless of the cause. In addition to the 125 coastal drowning deaths1, 96 other coastal fatalities were also recorded, 51 of which were unintentional. This means a total of 221 coastal deaths were recorded across Australia in 2022/23, slightly below the ten-year average (n=231).

The number of coastal deaths may have been far worse if not for the 9,297 rescues, 1.92 million preventative actions, and 40,456 first aids performed

by SLS members. The next few pages explore these deaths to better inform operations and to understand the true mortality burden our members face.

Males continue to be overrepresented, while older Australians (55+ years) have emerged as a high-risk population accounting for 50% of coastal drowning deaths this year. Swimming and wading accounted for two in five coastal drowning deaths (37%), followed boating and PWC (13%), then watercraft (10%).

Rip currents remain the number one coastal hazard, contributing to 29 coastal deaths, 97% due to drowning (12% above the 10-year average), associated with swimming and rescue incidents at unpatrolled beaches.

Beaches recorded 75 drowning deaths (29% increase from the 10-year average)1 and two in three incidents occurred more than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service - 100% occurring outside of flagged areas.

Similarly, 56% were recorded in regional and remote locations, which are harder to access and often have limited resources.

While we encourage the community to swim between the flags, this is not always possible. With this in mind, when heading to the coast please remember to STOP and check for rips, LOOK for other dangers, and PLAN how to stay safe in case of an emergency.

125 COASTAL 96 FATALITIES

COASTAL 116

DROWNING DEATHS

OCEAN 9 INTENTIONAL 45

AQUATIC 45

UNINTENTIONAL 51

NON-AQUATIC 51

Figure 42

2022/23: OVERVIEW OF COASTAL DEATHS

Overall, 221 coastal deaths were recorded in 2022/23, with a mortality rate of 0.85/100,000 pop.

­

­

­

Figure 43

2022/23: COASTAL MORTALITY BY STATE New South Wales recorded the highest number of coastal deaths (n=91; 48 drowning deaths), followed by Queensland (n=40; 27 drowning deaths), then Victoria (n=37; 19 drowning deaths).

Western Australia recorded the highest mortality rate (1.29/100,000 pop.), followed by New South Wales (1.12/100,000 pop.), then Tasmania (1.05/100,000 pop.). Drowning deaths were the most prevalent incident across all state/territories (n=125; 53%).

37

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

2 40

36 9

91

37

Coastal drowning Coastal fatality Coastal drowning or fatality

6

Figure 44

2022/23: COASTAL DEATH LOCATIONS In 2022/23, 125 coastal and ocean drowning deaths and 96 other coastal fatalities were recorded. Red and yellow numbers indicate the number of drowning deaths and fatalities respectively for each state. For states with small numbers, black numbers indicate combined drowning deaths and other fatality numbers.

2022/23: LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA BLACKSPOTS A blackspot is an area where a concentration of incidents are recorded and have a high probability/risk of ongoing reoccurrence. These LGAs below recorded the highest number of fatal coastal incidents (both drowning deaths and other fatalities) in 2022/23.

NSW: National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW (12), Northern Beaches (6), Newcastle (5), Sutherland (5), Waverley (5), Randwick (4), Central Coast (4), Shoalhaven (4), Woollahra (4) QLD: Sunshine Coast (10), Gold Coast (10), Cassowary Coast(3), Noosa (3), Cairns (3)

VIC: Mornington Peninsula (5), Bayside (5), Port Phillip (4), Parks Victoria (3), Frankston (3), Melbourne (3) WA: Mandurah (4), Rockingham (3), Fremantle (3) SA: Port Lincoln (2) TAS: Hobart (2)

38

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

COASTAL DROWNING 2022/23: YEAR IN REVIEW

The following pages present a deeper analysis of coastal drowning deaths that occurred this year. This is an extension of the broad overview of drowning at three priority coastal locations provided within the National Drowning Report1.

This information is invaluable for understanding circumstances around incidents and assisting with the development of education and awareness programs, initiatives and actions to reduce coastal incidents in the future.

Figure 45

2022/23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS BY AGE & GENDER (N=125) Similar to recent years, 2022/23 revealed a broader and flatter drowning profile across age groups, with 55+ year olds making up 50% of the coastal drowning burden. The highest number of drowning deaths were recorded equally among 60-64 and 70-74 year olds (n=14 each), followed by 45-49 (n=11), and then 20-24 and 25-29 year olds equally (n=10 each). The highest age-specific drowning rate was among 70-74 year olds (1.22/100,000 pop.), followed by 80-84 year olds (1.06/100,000 pop.). Males accounted for four in five drowning deaths (82%, n=103, 0.80/100,000 pop.), and were five times more likely to drown than females.

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS DROWNING DEATHS

0.48 DROWNING RATE/ 100,000 POP.

18%

82%

21% 18% 65-74 YEAR OLDS

55-64 YEAR OLDS

125

­­

­ ­

Figure 46

2022/23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY Swimming and wading recorded the most incidents (37%, n=46), followed by boating & PWC (13%, n=16), then watercraft (13%, n=12). Swimming/wading, watercraft, attempting a rescue, falls, and land-based fishing were all above the 10-year average.

39

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

Figure 47

2022/23: REMOTENESS CLASSIFICATION OF DROWNING LOCATION

Two in five coastal drowning deaths occurred in major cities (43%, n=54), with a similar proportion occurring in regional areas (42%, n=52). The remoteness classification of an incident location was coded to the Australian Statistical Geographical Standard Remoteness Areas.

Figure 48

2022/23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Three in five drowning deaths occurred at a beach (60%, n=75), followed by offshore (14%, n=18), then rock/cliff (12%, n=15) locations.

Figure 49

2022/23: DROWNING DEATH DISTANCE FROM SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE Two in three coastal drowning deaths (66%, n=82) occurred more than 1km away from a Surf Life Saving service.

40

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

Figure 50

2022/23: DROWNING LOCATION DISTANCE FROM RESIDENCE Most decedents were intrastate visitors to the drowning location (35%, n=43), followed by local residents (31%, n=39).

2022/23: DROWNING DEATHS BY DAY

55%

Figure 51

Two in five drowning deaths occurred on the weekend (41%, n=51).

OCCURRED IN THE AFTERNOON (12-6PM)

Figure 52

2022/23: DROWNING DEATHS BY MONTH

­

­ ­

Most coastal drowning deaths occurred in summer months (44%, n=55; Dec-Feb), particularly in the months of January and February (17% each, n=21). This equates to almost two coastal drowning deaths recorded every three days during summer.

41

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

RIP CURRENTS 2022/23: SNAPSHOT

29

0%

RIP CURRENT DEATHS

3%

97%

There were 29 rip currentrelated deaths recorded in 2022/23 (16% above the 10year average), 97% of which were due to drowning.

DROWNING

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

31%

48% 17% 0%

TOP 3 ACTIVITY

69%

28% 21% 40-49 YEAR OLDS

0%

31%

20-29 YEAR OLDS

62% 31% SWIMMING/WADING

ATTEMPTING A RESCUE

7% WATERCRAFT

WHERE

69%

>1KM FROM A SLS SERVICE

100% OCCURRED AT A BEACH

55% REGIONAL/REMOTE

48%

INTRASTATE VISITORS

42

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

COASTAL DROWNING 2013-23: 10-YEAR ANALYSIS

­

121

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

Figure 53

2013-23: NATIONAL COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=1,205)

0.49

DROWNING DEATH ANNUAL AVERAGE

DROWNING RATE /100,000 POP.

87%

13%

17% 16% 60-69 YEAR OLDS

20-29 YEAR OLDS

Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above. 125 coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23, above the 10-year average (n=121). However, the 2022/23 coastal drowning rate (0.48/100,000 pop.) was slightly below the 10-year average (0.49/100,000 pop.).

­

Figure 54

2013-23: AVERAGE COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY COMPARED TO 2022/23 Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Swimming and wading have recorded the most drowning deaths (31%, n=374), followed by boating & PWC (20%, n=236), then rock fishing (10%. n=119).

Figure 55

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Beaches are the leading drowning location (49%, n=587), followed by offshore (21%, n=257, the rock/cliff locations (18%, n=215).

43

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF OVERSEAS-BORN DECEDENTS

2.1% INDIA 2.0% SOUTH KOREA

2.0% VIETNAM

4.4% UNITED KINGDOM

5.2% CHINA

1.8% UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1.7% NEW ZEALAND

0.9% GERMANY

0.8% NEPAL

0.8 % PHILIPPINES

Figure 56

2013-23: BIRTH CONTINENT OF DECEDENT Australian-born decedents account for 42% of coastal drowning deaths (n=509), while 39% were born overseas (n=462). One in five were born in Asia (19%, n=234), and 12% were born in Europe (n=139). Birth continent remains unknown for 19% of coastal drowning deaths (n=234).

Figure 57

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING REMOTENESS CLASSIFICATIONS Most coastal drowning deaths occurred in regional areas (44%, n=533), followed by major cities (38%, n=453). The remoteness classification of an incident location was coded to the Australian Statistical Geographical Standard Remoteness Areas.

Figure 58

2013-23: DROWNING DISTANCE FROM SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE Three in four coastal drowning deaths (75%, n=902) occurred more than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service.

44

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

Figure 59

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION DISTANCE FROM RESIDENCE Most decedents were intrastate visitors to the drowning location (30%, n=367), followed by local (27%, n=319), then nearby residents (25%, n=300).

Figure 61

Figure 60

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY MONTH Most coastal drowning deaths occurred during summer (39%, n=474), followed by autumn (24%, n=291). By month, January has recorded the highest number (16%, n=190), then December (13%, n=158).

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS

BY TIME

Most decedents were Australian residents (69%, n=831), followed by short-term visitors (7%, n=80), then international students (3%, n=40).

Visitor category was unknown for 20% of decedents (n=243).

Figure 62

2013-23: VISITOR CATEGORY OF DECEDENT

Most coastal drowning deaths occurred during the afternoon (49%, n=508; 12-6pm), followed by the morning (32%, n = 336; 6am-12pm).

The highest density has occurred between 10am and 5pm (64%, n=663; see the shaded area). Incident time was unknown for 14% of cases (n=168) which were excluded from analyses.

45

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

­

Figure 63

Figure 64

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING, ALCOHOL & DRUGS

2013-23: MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INJURIES & DROWNING

Alcohol and drugs were known to contribute to 17% of coastal drowning deaths (n=204), but this number could be higher as toxicology is unknown for 27% of cases (n=322).

Medical conditions and injuries are considered comorbidities for one in three coastal drowning deaths (31%, n=361), with involvement currently unknown for a further 19% of incidents (n=245).

TOP THREE RIP-RELATED ACTIVITIES

69%

ATTEMPTING A RESCUE

44% SWIMMING/WADING

29% LAND-BASED FISHING

Figure 65

2013-23: RIP CURRENT DROWNING Rip currents are known to contribute to one in five coastal drowning deaths (20%, n=247), but this is likely to be much higher with rip involvement unknown for 34% of cases (n=407). Rip currents are more prevalent in certain activities, involved in seven in ten fatal bystander rescues (69%, n=34), 44% swimming/wading drowning deaths (n=164), and 29% of land-based fishing deaths (n=4).

46

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

COASTAL DROWNING LOCATIONS 2013-23: 10-YEAR ANALYSIS

2 3

4

2

3 4

181

2

2

9 3

3

2 6

6 5 2

2 3

3 2 2

4

3 3 2

3

2

8

­

4

47

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

5 2 2 2

2

2

2 3 7 4 5

5

3 3

20

3 2

2

2 2

261

3 3 2

3

3 2

2 2 2

2 2

5 3 2

7 3 5

81

3 2 8 2

3 4 7

3 3 2 2

3 11 3 4 3 2 7 3 4 2

3 14

4 2 2

2 10

430 2

2

4

2

7 2

2

2

4 2

2

3

2 2

2 3 4 4

5 6 8 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 6 7 15 11 9 6 2 5 3 2 2

2 6 5 4 10 3

6 3

3 2 2

8 8 6 4 2 5 3 3 3 2

5 4 2 3 2 2 3 2

5 3 2

3

2 3

2 2

2 3

5 2

6 4 3

3 2 2 3 5 8 3

2 2 4

2

54

2

2 4

3 2 4 4 2

2 2 4 4 2 2 4 4 7 12

178

3

2 2

7 3 2

48

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITIES 2013-23: 10-YEAR ANALYSIS

­

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

61

0.25

16%

84%

COASTAL FATALITY ANNUAL AVERAGE

24% 18%

Figure 66

2013-23: NATIONAL COASTAL FATALITY TRENDS (N=609) Annual trends of unintentional coastal fatalities and rates are illustrated above.

51 coastal fatalities were recorded in 2022/23, below the 10-year average (n=61).

Similarly, the 2022/23 fatality rate (0.20/100,000 pop.) was below the 10-year average (0.25/100,000 pop.).

55-64 YEAR OLDS

65-74 YEAR OLDS

FATALITY RATE /100,000 POP.

­

Figure 68 Figure 67

2013-23: AVERAGE COASTAL FATALITIES BY ACTIVITY COMPARED TO 2022/23 Fatality numbers vary by activity and over time. Boating & PWC has recorded the greatest number of fatalities (24%, n=152), followed by falls (11%, n=65), then swimming/wading (10%, n=63).

2013-23: FATALITY LOCATION CATEGORY Beaches are the leading location for coastal fatalities (49%, n=298) followed by offshore (19%, n=118), then rock/cliff (14%, n=83) locations.

49

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF OVERSEAS-BORN DECEDENTS

3% NEW ZEALAND

7% UNITED KINGDOM

2% UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

1% CHINA

2% GERMANY

1% PHILIPPINES 1% JAPAN

1% SOUTH AFRICA

1% SCOTLAND

1% SOUTH KOREA

Figure 69

2013-23: BIRTH CONTINENT OF DECEDENT Australian-born decedents account for 54% of unintentional coastal fatalities (n=328), while 30% were born overseas (n=189).

One in seven were born in Europe (16%, n=96), and 7% were born in Asia (n=45). Birth continent remains unknown for 15% of unintentional coastal fatalities (n=92).

Figure 70

Figure 71

2013-23: COASTAL FATALITY REMOTENESS CLASSIFICATIONS

2013-23: FATALITY DISTANCE FROM SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE

Two in five coastal fatalities occurred in regional areas (42%, n=254), followed by major cities (35%, n=211). The remoteness classification of an incident location was coded to the Australian Statistical Geographical Standard Remoteness Areas.

Eight in ten unintentional coastal fatalities (78%, n=472) occurred more than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service.

50

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

Figure 72

2013-23: FATALITY LOCATION DISTANCE FROM RESIDENCE Most decedents lived locally to the fatality location (33%, n=198), followed by nearby residents (21%, n=128), then intrastate visitors (21%, n=127).

2013-23: COASTAL FATALITIES BY MONTH Most coastal fatalities occurred during summer (33%, n=204), followed by spring (26%, n=153). By month, January recorded the highest number (13%, n=80), followed

by December (11%, n=67).

Figure 74

Figure 73

Most decedents were Australian residents (74%, n=451), followed by short-term visitors (9%, n=56).

Visitor category was unknown for 15% of decedents (n=91).

Figure 75

2013-23: COASTAL FATALITIES

BY TIME

2013-23: VISITOR CATEGORY OF DECEDENT

Most coastal fatalities occurred during the afternoon between 12pm and 6pm (34%, n=209), followed by the morning between 6am and 12pm (32%, n=194). The highest density has occurred between 9am and 4pm (52%, n=316; shaded area). Incident time was unknown for 18% of cases (n=112) which were excluded from analyses.

51

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

­

Figure 77

2013-23: RIP CURRENTS & COASTAL FATALITY Figure 76

2013-23: COASTAL FATALITY, ALCOHOL & DRUGS Alcohol and drugs are known to contribute to 13% of coastal fatalities (n=84), but this is likely higher given toxicology is unknown for 32% of cases (n=190).

Rip currents are significantly less prevalent in coastal fatalities, known to contribute to only 1% of cases (n=9), although this could be higher with rip involvement unknown for 11% of cases (n=68).

TOP CAUSAL FACTORS INJURY

72%

84%

29%

16%

13%

4 IN 5 FATALITIES ARE DUE TO MEDICAL CONDITIONS & INJURIES

BLUNT TRAUMA

HEAD & NECK INJURY

COLLISION

MEDICAL

17%

INTOXICATION

16%

CARDIAC

OTHER

MARINE FAUNA

Figure 78

2013-23: MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INJURIES & COASTAL FATALITY Medical conditions and injuries are considered co-morbidities in four out of five coastal fatalities (81%, n=498), with a further 11% of incidents currently unknown (n=66).For known cases, blunt force trauma is a causal factor in 72% of injury-related fatalities, while cardiac conditions are reported in 84% of medical-related coastal fatalities.

52

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

COASTAL FATALITY LOCATIONS

2013-23: 10-YEAR ANALYSIS

2

2

3

128

2

2

3

3 2 2 2 5 4 2 3

2 2

2 2

2

­

4

53

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

2

2 5

5

2 3

2 2

2

17

2

2

136

2

2

2

2

2 2 2

47

2

2

2

2

2 3 4

4 4 4 3 2 2

2 2 2 2 2

198

2 2

2

2 2

3 2 2

2

2 3 3

2 2 5 10

57 2

2 2 4 3 3 6 5 4 2 2 4 2

2

2 2

3 2 2 2 2

2

2

2 3

2 4 2

26

2 3

54

Section 3

DROWNING ANALYSIS

COASTAL DROWNING & FATALITY RISK PROFILES & NEXT STEPS

Surf lifesaving personnel respond to all incidents that occur along the coast, regardless of its cause. To develop a holistic picture of coastal mortality trends and emergent issues, SLSA collates information on all deaths that occur along our coast. This serves to improve our understanding of the challenges faced by surf lifesavers on patrol and enables better resource allocation for effective and

continued service delivery. Causal factors differ between drowning deaths and other coastal fatalities. Major risk factors, demographics, incident locations, and the dominant activities and recommended safety practices to mitigate and reduce risk for both drowning deaths and other unintentional fatalities are explored on this spread.

DROWNING RIP CURRENT-RELATED (N=247)

TOXICOLOGY-RELATED (N=204)

WHO

82% MALE

34% 20-34 YEAR OLDS

49%

86%

OVERSEAS BORN

MALE

32% 35-49 YEAR OLDS

66%

AUSTRALIAN BORN

WHERE

89% BEACH

66%

>1KM FROM A SLS SERVICE

64%

48%

REGIONAL/REMOTE

BEACH

69%

58%

>1KM FROM A SLS SERVICE

REGIONAL/REMOTE

20%

11%

HOW

66 %

SWIMMING/WADING

14%

ATTEMPTING A RESCUE

5%

SNORKELLING

30%

SWIMMING/WADING

BOATING & PWC

FALL

SAFETY PRACTICES

Swim at a patrolled location

Don’t mix alcohol/drugs and swimming

Swim with others and supervise children at all times

Check for rip currents and hazardous conditions before entering the water

For more information visit beachsafe.org.au

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

FATALITY MEDICAL-RELATED (N=313)

INJURY-RELATED (N=194)

WHO

87% MALE

73% 55+ YEAR OLDS

76%

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

80% MALE

31% 15-29 YEAR OLDS

80%

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

WHERE

50% BEACH

78%

>1KM FROM A SLS SERVICE

24%

42%

OFFSHORE

BEACH

79%

>1KM FROM A SLS SERVICE

60%

REGIONAL/REMOTE

HOW

34%

BOATING & PWC

13%

SWIMMING/WADING

11%

WATERCRAFT

27% FALL

20%

NON-AQUATIC TRANSPORT

17%

BOATING & PWC

INTERVENTIONS

Have regular medical checks

Know your limits

Go with a buddy and look out for others

Learn CPR and first aid to help protect others

Be aware of overheating and the increased risk of cardiac events

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BYSTANDER RESCUES 2004-23: 19-YEAR ANALYSIS

Surf lifesavers and lifeguards provide an invaluable service to the community, but not all beaches in Australia are patrolled. Access to patrolled locations is limited for various reasons, and in these instances, bystanders – members of the public – represent the only immediate aid to those in distress. Bystanders are invaluable and save lives, however, rescues involve a degree of risk via exposure to a potentially hazardous environment. As such, it is not uncommon for the bystander going to assist another to find themselves in trouble, and can result in the bystander drowning while attempting the rescue.

Since 2004, there have been 89 deaths of individuals attempting to rescue another, with 2022/23 being the worst year on record (n=11). In most of these incidents, the bystander was going to the aid of a loved one (a family member or a friend; 85%), with a further 11% assisting a stranger, and 4% attempting to rescue their pet. In half of these events, the rescuee (the person initially in distress) was a child (aged <12 years; 47%), followed by being an adolescent (aged 13-17 years; 16%). Rip currents are a dominant

These events are highly-emotive and reactions are generally altruistic and warranted. There are, however, steps that individuals can take to ensure that both themselves and the person they are attempting to rescue can return from the water safely.

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

5

causal factor, involved in at least 72% of bystander rescuer deaths. Of particular concern almost all decedents did not take a flotation device with them when attempting the rescue (97%), exposing themselves further to drowning risks.

89

AVERAGE DEATHS/YEAR

BYSTANDER RESCUER DEATHS

16%

84%

31%

35-49 YEAR OLDS

27%

50-69 YEAR OLDS

99% DUE TO DROWNING

Figure 79

ANNUAL BYSTANDER RESCUER DEATHS BY RIP CURRENT INVOLVEMENT An average of five fatal bystander rescuer incidents are recorded each year, however 2022/23 recorded a 120% increase on this average (n=11). Rip currents are a dominant causal factor, known to be involved in 72% of fatal bystander rescuer deaths. In 2022/23 this increased to 82%, meaning four in five bystander rescuer deaths involved a rip current.

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

WHO 85%

11%

Helping family/friends

Helping a stranger

4%

Helping a pet

16%

Rescuing an adolescent (13-17 years)

47% Rescuing a child <12 years

WHERE 72%

17%

Beach

70%

Rock/Cliff

Regional/Remote

HOW 73%

Swimming/Wading

15%

Rock/Land-based Fishing

72% Rip-related

97%

Did not take a flotation device

If you find yourself in a situation where you may be a bystander rescuer, do not rush in!

Take a moment to STOP, LOOK, and PLAN what you should do:

STOP

LOOK

PLAN

• C all for help (000) and to those nearby who may be able to assist

• S eek assistance from others such as surf lifesavers, lifeguards, or surfers

• S wim at a patrolled beach – know what to do in an emergency

• C heck for hazards and danger to yourself and others

• Take a floatation device to support you and the person in trouble

• A void a contact rescue – find a floatation device to take with you

• L ook for a way to reach them (e.g., pole, stick, rope)

• L earn CPR and/or first aid

For more information visit: https://beachsafe.org.au

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NEW SOUTH WALES 2022/23 COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT

48 83%

12%

INCREASE FROM 10-YEAR AVERAGE

0.59/100,000 POP. DROWNING RATE

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

MALE

25%

65-74 YEAR OLDS

20%

65% BEACH

REGIONAL AREAS

23% ROCK/CLIFF

40-49 YEAR OLDS

50%

56%

>1KM FROM SLS

27% RIP CURRENTS

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

NEW SOUTH WALES 2013-23 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

­

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

20%

20-29 YEAR OLDS

18%

45-54 YEAR OLDS

89% MALE

>1KM AWAY FROM SLS

67%

24% RIP-RELATED

25% MEDICAL/INJURY

REGIONAL/REMOTE

Figure 80

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=430) Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above.

48 coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23, above the 10-year average (n=43). Similarly, the 2022/23 coastal drowning rate (0.59/100,000 pop.) was above the 10-year average (0.55/100,000 pop.).

51%

­

Figure 82 Figure 81

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Since 2013, swimming/ wading has recorded the most coastal drowning deaths (34%, n=146), followed by rock fishing (19%, n=81), then boating & PWC (13%, n=55).

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Beaches are the leading drowning location (50%, n=217), followed by rock/cliff (29%, n=126), then offshore locations (11%, n=47).

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QUEENSLAND 2022/23 COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT

27 74%

4%

INCREASE FROM 10-YEAR AVERAGE

0.51/100,000 POP. DROWNING RATE

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

MALE

37%

20-29 YEAR OLDS

22%

52% BEACH

33% OFFSHORE

60-69 YEAR OLDS

52% MAJOR CITIES

70%

>1KM FROM SLS

33% RIP CURRENTS

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

QUEENSLAND 2013-23 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

­

19%

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

20-29 YEAR OLDS

18%

30-39 YEAR OLDS

85% MALE

>1KM AWAY FROM SLS

77%

22% RIP-RELATED

36% MEDICAL/INJURY

62% REGIONAL/REMOTE

Figure 83

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=261) Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above.

27 coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23, above the 10-year average (n=26). However, the 2022/23 coastal drowning rate (0.51/100,000 pop.) was below the 10-year average (0.52/100,000 pop.).

­­

­­

Figure 85 Figure 84

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Since 2013, swimming/ wading has recorded the most coastal drowning deaths (32%, n=84), followed by boating & PWC (26%, n=68), then Snorkelling (16%, n=41).

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Beaches are the leading drowning location (50%, n=131), followed by offshore (35%, n=92), then port/marina locations (4%, n=10).

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VICTORIA

2022/23 COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT

19 84%

6%

INCREASE FROM 10-YEAR AVERAGE

0.29/100,000 POP. DROWNING RATE

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

MALE

32%

60-69 YEAR OLDS

21%

74% BEACH

MAJOR CITIES

11% ROCK/CLIFF

15-24 YEAR OLDS

53%

42%

>1KM FROM SLS

26% RIP CURRENTS

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

VICTORIA

2013-23 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

­

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

22%

17%

35-44 YEAR OLDS

60-69 YEAR OLDS

85% MALE

>1KM AWAY FROM SLS

69%

24% RIP-RELATED

27% MEDICAL/INJURY

55% REGIONAL/REMOTE

Figure 86

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=178) Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above. 19 coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23, above the 10-year average (n=18). Similarly, the 2022/23 coastal drowning rate (0.29/100,000 pop.) was above the 10-year average (0.28/100,000 pop.).

­

Figure 87

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Since 2013, swimming/wading has recorded the most coastal drowning deaths (34%, n=60), followed by boating (19%, n=34), then snorkelling (10%, n=17).

Figure 88

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Beaches are the leading drowning location (53%, n=95), followed by rock/cliff (16%, n=28), then equally by offshore and bay locations (12%, n=21 each).

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2022/23 COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT

21 90%

17%

INCREASE FROM 10-YEAR AVERAGE

0.75/100,000 POP. DROWNING RATE

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

MALE

29%

65-74 YEAR OLDS

29%

52% BEACH

19% OFFSHORE

55-64 YEAR OLDS

43% REMOTE AREAS

90%

>1KM FROM SLS

48% MEDICAL/INJURY

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2013-23 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

­

18%

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

25-34 YEAR OLDS

17%

65-74 YEAR OLDS

89% MALE

>1KM AWAY FROM SLS

88%

9% RIP-RELATED

37% MEDICAL/INJURY

67% REGIONAL/REMOTE

Figure 89

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=181) Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above.

21 coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23, above the 10-year average (n=18). Similarly, the 2022/23 coastal drowning rate (0.75/100,000 pop.) was above the 10-year average (0.69/100,000 pop.).

­

Figure 91 Figure 90

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Since 2013, boating & PWC has recorded the most coastal drowning deaths (25%, n=46), followed by swimming/wading (22%, n=40), then snorkelling (12%, n=22).

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Beaches are the leading drowning location (44%, n=79), followed by offshore (27%, n=49), then rock/cliff locations (21%, n=38).

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2022/23 COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT

6 67%

25%

DECREASE FROM 10-YEAR AVERAGE

0.33/100,000 POP. DROWNING RATE

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

MALE

83%

50% BEACH

33% OFFSHORE

55+ YEAR OLDS

50% REMOTE AREAS

83%

>1KM FROM SLS

17% MEDICAL/INJURY

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2013-23 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

­

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

21%

17%

55-64 YEAR OLDS

45-54 YEAR OLDS

85% MALE

>1KM AWAY FROM SLS

81%

19% RIP-RELATED

22% MEDICAL/INJURY

70% REGIONAL/REMOTE

Figure 92

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=81) Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above.

Six coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23 (0.33/100,000 pop.), below the 10-year average (n=8, rate=0.46/100,000 pop.).

­

Figure 93

Figure 94

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY

Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Since 2013, swimming/ wading has recorded the most coastal drowning deaths (37%, n=30), followed by boating & PWC (23%, n=19), then equally by scuba diving, land-based fishing, snorkelling, and fatal bystander rescues (6%, n=5 each).

Beaches are the leading drowning location (56%, n=45), followed by offshore (29%, n=23), then rock/cliff locations (11%, n=9).

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TASMANIA

2020-23 THREE-YEAR COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT

18 89%

20%

INCREASE FROM 10-YEAR AVERAGE

1.06/100,000 POP. DROWNING RATE

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

MALE

28%

60-69 YEAR OLDS

22%

56% OFFSHORE

22% BEACH

15-24 YEAR OLDS

89% REGIONAL AREAS

94%

>1KM FROM SLS

28% MEDICAL/INJURY

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

TASMANIA

2013-23 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

­

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

20%

19%

35-44 YEAR OLDS

25-34 YEAR OLDS

87% MALE

>1KM AWAY FROM SLS

91%

28% ALCOHOL/DRUGS

35% MEDICAL/INJURY

93% REGIONAL/REMOTE

Figure 95

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=54) Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above.

Between 2013 and 2023, 54 unintentional coastal fatalities were recorded, an average of five deaths per year and a drowning rate of 1.00/100,000 pop.

Three coastal drowning deaths were recorded in 2022/23 (0.52/100,000 pop.), below the 10-year average.

­

Figure 96

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Since 2013, boating has recorded the most coastal drowning deaths (37%), followed equally by swimming/wading, falls, and watercraft (13% each).

Figure 97

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Offshore is the leading location for coastal drowning deaths (37%), followed by beaches (26%), then bay locations (16%).

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NORTHERN TERRITORY 2018-23 FIVE-YEAR COASTAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT

7 86%

30%

INCREASE FROM 10-YEAR AVERAGE

0.56/100,000 POP. DROWNING RATE

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

MALE

43%

55-64 YEAR OLDS

29%

71% BEACH

29% PORT/MARINA

20-24 YEAR OLDS

29% LOCAL RESIDENTS

86%

>1KM FROM SLS

71% MEDICAL/INJURY

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

NORTHERN TERRITORY 2013-23 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

20%

19%

35-44 YEAR OLDS

25-34 YEAR OLDS

87% MALE

>1KM AWAY FROM SLS

91%

28% ALCOHOL/DRUGS

35% MEDICAL/INJURY

93% REGIONAL/REMOTE

Figure 98

2013-23: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=20) Annual trends of coastal drowning deaths and rates are illustrated above.

Between 2013 and 2023, 20 unintentional coastal fatalities were recorded, an average of two deaths per year and a drowning rate of 0.81/100,000 pop.

One coastal drowning death was recorded in 2022/23 (0.40/100,000 pop.), below the 10-year average.

Figure 100 Figure 99

2013-23: DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY Drowning prevalence varies by activity and over time. Since 2013, swimming/ wading has recorded the most coastal drowning deaths (35%), followed by boating (25%), then falls (15%).

2013-23: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY Beaches are the leading drowning location (35%), followed equally by offshore and port/ marina locations (20% each).

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GLOSSARY Adult For the purpose of this report, adult refers to a person 16 years of age and over.

submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified as death, morbidity, and no morbidity.

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques A certification providing the skills and knowledge required to use specialised equipment in the provision of resuscitation in line with the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.

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

ALS Australian Lifeguard Service.

Drowning rate A comparative rate of drowning deaths to the size of the population for a given area or activity.

Apply First Aid A certification providing the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty.

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.

Aquatic fatality Refers to non-drowning related incidents which have occurred in the water at a coastal location.

Emergency response An action taken by an SLS entity in response to a call for assistance from an emergency management organisation.

Attempting a rescue Trying to retrieve a person in distress and deliver them to a place of safety.

Estuary A dynamic coastal water body where freshwater runoff from land transitions to saltwater from the ocean environments.

AWSC Australian Water Safety Council also Australian Water Safety Conference.

Falls (trips/slips) Events that result in a person coming to rest inadvertently in the water, on the ground or other lower level.

AWSS

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

Australian Water Safety Strategy.

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 –

Fatality Rate A comparative rate of fatality to the size of the population for a given area or activity.

usually sand, but ranging in size up to boulders, deposited between the upper swash limit and wave base.

First Aid Assessments and interventions that can be performed by a bystander (or by the patient) with minimal to no equipment.

Blackspot An area with a concentration of coastal/ocean incidents and a high probability/risk of ongoing recurrence.

Fishing The act of attempting to catch fish from anywhere except coastal rock platforms

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

Hazard

Bystander initially.

Incident

A person who is present at an incident but not part of it

Coastal Describes the foreshore, seabed, coastal water, and air space above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including areas up to 3nm 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).

COD Cause of death.

Co-morbidity A term that refers to the occurrence of more than one disorder, disease, injury, or medical condition at the same time.

Dangerous surf warning An alert issued by the Bureau of Meteorology indicating that surf conditions in an area are unsafe for coastal activities.

The warnings are calculated based on wave height, swell direction, and swell period and must exceed the predetermined limitations to be in effect.

Decedent

A deceased person.

Drowning

The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from

A source of potential harm.

ILS International Life Saving Federation.

Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving services intervention.

Inland An area that is beyond the line of mean high water or within a landward distance of five times the width of the coastal inlet/river mouth.

Intentional fatality Any intentional incident, including homicide and selfharm related incidents.

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

IRB Inflatable rescue boat.

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

Jetty

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

JRB Jet rescue boat.

Jump(ing) The activity of launching off a cliff, rock platform, pier, jetty. Aka tombstoning (UK/Europe/North America).

Lifeguard An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach or another aquatic environment. He/she is typically a salaried member, qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue.

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NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

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

Resuscitation Prevention or restoration of life by establishing and maintaining a person’s airway, breathing and circulation.

Lifesaving Service A coordinated group that exists to provide aquatic safety services to the public. This includes Surf Life Saving Clubs, Lifeguards, SurfCom, RWCs, RIBs, JRBs, ORBs, Rescue Helicopters and 4WD units.

RIB Rigid-hull inflatable boat.

Local Government Area (LGA) Also known as local councils, LGAs include cities, towns, shires, municipalities, or boroughs.

River A natural stream of water flowing into an ocean, lake, or other body of water.

Marina A man-made boat basin having sea walls or breakwaters and offering dockage and other services for water vessels.

Rock/Cliff A rock platform or shelf that may project out from the coast or may have a high steep face.

Marine fauna Macro-organisms (mostly animals) that live within marine systems (eg., fish species including sharks and rays, estuarine crocodiles, blue-ringed octopus, jellyfish species, sea snakes, etc.).

Rock fishing The act of attempting to catch fish from a coastal rock platform.

Rip current zone.

A seaward flowing current of water moving through a surf

RWC Rescue watercraft.

Medical For the purpose of this report, medical refers to an aquatic Scuba diving Swimming underwater with the aid of scuba equipment for incident that was caused by a medical episode, e.g., a heart attack or epileptic recreational or commercial purposes. seizure.

Service season and hours Vary between states due to climatic factors, NCIS National Coronial Information System. but in the context of this report, the season is for the period July 2022 to June NCSS The National Coastal Safety Survey conducted annually to gather 2023. information about Australian coastal participation, swimming ability, risk Snorkelling Swimming with a snorkel and face mask. Includes freediving perception, behaviours, and attitudes to coastal safety. and spearfishing.

Non aquatic fatality Non aquatic fatalities refer to non-drowning related SurfCom SLS radio communications centre that assists in managing the incidents which have occurred at a coastal location but not in the water. communications of lifesaving operations and data collection.

Non aquatic transport Any form of transport that is not meant for the Surf lifesaver An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach or other water such as airplanes, bicycles, and motor vehicles. aquatic environment. They are typically a nonsalaried member qualified in Ocean The seabed, water, and air space above the water between 3nm and public safety and aquatic rescue.

12nm (the Australian Territorial Sea) offshore.

Support Operations Rapid response rescue units not affiliated to any one Offshore Describes the coastal water area beyond the surf zone and Surf Life Saving Club. inshore area from 500m to 200nm.

Surf Life Saving Club A SLS affiliated not-for-profit organisation that has ORB Offshore rescue boat. volunteer members who provide coastal safety services to the community.

Patrol Service undertaken to monitor activities in/around an aquatic Swimming Moving through water by moving the body or parts of the body. environment and respond accordingly through either preventative actions or Total Service Plan An assessment of current and future lifesaving rescue operations. resources, trends, national blackspots, and coastal safety issues combined Patrol flags Red and yellow horizontally divided flags which are set with evidence-based mitigation strategies to address these issues. after performing a risk assessment to determine the most suitable area for Toxicology The measurement and analysis of potential toxins, intoxicating swimming. The flags identify a zone for swimming and bodyboarding within a or banned substances, and prescription medications present in a person’s patrolled location. body.

Patrolled location A location supervised by a lifesaving service.

Unintentional fatality Deaths other than drowning deaths (such as Preventative action Direct action taken to reduce or eliminate the medical incidents, injury, accidents, or marine creature), excluding homicide probability of a specific rescue, first aid or other reportable incident from and self-harm related incidents. happening in the future.

Wading Walking through water while partially immersed.

PWC Personal watercraft, also known as jet ski.

Watercraft A piece of non-powered recreational equipment used in Rescue The retrieval of a person in distress, delivering them to a place water. Examples include surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, bodyboards, of safety and the application of first aid and basic life support as may be windsurfers or kayaks. required.

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REFERENCES METHODOLOGY The National Coastal Safety Report 2023 contains information on Australian community behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS capability and membership capacity; rescues and emergency response; and coastal drowning deaths and other fatalities that occurred along the Australian coast during the period of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. This information is correct as of 15 August 2023. 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 update their operational information, this data may be amended. Data in figures may not always add up to 100% due to rounding. Total mortality rates were calculated using the number of deaths divided by the population (per head of 100,000) from Australian Bureau of Statistics.

THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY ANALYSIS Information about community swimming ability, behaviours, and attitudes to coastal safety, risk perceptions, safety strategies and rescues was gathered from the SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey. Conducted by Omnipoll Market Research, the latest survey was run online over the period 6 - 30 April 2023 among a national sample of 3,118 respondents aged 16 and above. The study was carried out in compliance with AS-ISO 20252 - Market, Social and Opinion Research. To reflect the population distribution, results were post-weighted (on age, gender, geographic strata, and education) and projected to Australian Bureau of Statistics data (Census 2021). The Australian population aged 16 and above (the reference population for this survey) is 20,434,000.

CAPABILITY & RESCUE ANALYSIS SurfGuard, the Incident Report Database (IRD), and SurfCom management system (SurfCom) are web-based applications and part of a suite of applications that enable members, clubs, branches, state offices and SLSA to enter and access SLS operational (including rescues and first aids), capability (including assets and services), educational and administrative data. Information was extracted from

SurfGuard to identify how many rescues were performed by volunteers, lifeguards and lifesaving services during 2022/23; and how many active surf lifesavers and award holders there were during 2022/23. The data was verified

by SLS state/territory entities. Information about assets and services were gathered from each state/territory entity.

DROWNING & FATALITY DATA ANALYSIS SLSA collects incident data from SurfGuard, the IRD, SurfCom, the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) and by monitoring media reports for coastal and ocean incidents. The information is verified with the assistance of SLS state/territory entities and compiled for analysis by SLSA’s Coastal Safety Department. The following variables are used to match fatal incidents from more than one data source: incident date; location; age; gender; and incident description. The NCIS is considered the ‘gold standard’ when there is a discrepancy in the detail collected from different data sources. Deaths are excluded as a coastal drowning if they are reported as ‘intentional deaths’, they occur at inland locations, or ‘drowning/ immersion’ is not a contributory factor as noted by the coroner.

Coastal incidents that are deemed intentional or not due to drowning/immersion are logged as coastal fatalities instead. This report presents information on drowning deaths and other non-drowning fatalities that have occurred along the Australian coast. We explore incidents that have occurred between 1 July 2004 – 30 June 2023.

The authors are responsible for the use made of the data in this report.

DROWNING & FATALITY DATA LIMITATIONS Over years of coronial investigation, some NCIS cases are amended prior to their closure, resulting in changes to the classification of cases in our datasets. Therefore, the number of coastal drowning deaths published in this report may be different from annual totals previously reported. In an effort to produce a timely report on our current year’s data we acknowledge that these figures will change. Each year, the changes that occur in the previous year’s report will be made transparent. The data in this current report are not the final figures as 93% of 2022/23 coastal drowning

75

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2023

deaths and 83% of 2022/23 coastal fatalities recorded remain open cases and 62% of 2022/23 cases do not yet have a cause of death (COD) listed. Once a case is closed in NCIS, SLSA modifies those with unknown intent and those where the cause of death is not drowning, from ‘coastal drowning’ to ‘coastal fatality’. The incidents are included in our annual totals and analysis, and they will remain so until a COD is listed other than drowning/immersion.

CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS As part of the NCIS coding process, some cases are amended prior to their closure and have resulted in changes to our datasets. This year SLSA has commenced a thorough review of its coastal and ocean fatality database to update all cases to the same inclusion standards.

See the below table for annual case numbers

2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23

NCSR19 82 105 128 119 107 122

NCSR20 84 105 130 116 110 122 125

NCSR21 84 117 137 120 110 121 120 136

NCSR22 84 117 137 119 110 121 122 136 141

NCSR23 84 117 137 118 110 121 120 136 137 125

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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS SLSA wishes to thank the following people and organisations for their contribution to the National Coastal Safety Report 2023: the Australian Government: Department of Health; National Coronial Information System: Jessica Bryan; Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety; Omnipoll: Frederic Anne; Royal Life Saving Australia: Justin Scarr, William Koon, Dr Katrien Pickles, & Lauren Miller; SLS State Centers, branches, clubs, support operations and ALS; SLSA major national corporate partners: Ampol, DHL, Isuzu and Westpac.

This report was compiled by Shane Daw, General Manager Coastal Safety; Dr Jasmin Lawes, Researcher; Sean Kelly, Research Assistant; Belinda Cooper, Project Coordinator Coastal Safety; Rhiannon Brinckman, Project Officer Coastal Safety; Jamie Findlay, Lifesaving Operations Manager; Kirk Patton, Coastal Safety Support Officer.

Design: Melissa Conchar. Maps: John Frith, Flat Earth Mapping.

SUGGESTED CITATION: Surf Life Saving Australia (2023) National Coastal Safety Report 2023. SLSA: Sydney.

REFERENCES 1. Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (2023) National Drowning Report 2023, Sydney Australia.

• Australian Bureau of Statistics. National, state and territory population [Internet]. Canberra: ABS; 2022 December [cited 2023 August 15]. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/ national-state-and-territory-population/latest-release.

• Australian Bureau of Statistics. Population: Census [Internet]. Canberra: ABS; 2021 [cited 2023 August 24]. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/ people/population/population-census/latest-release.

• SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey 2023 • © 2023 SURF LIFE SAVING 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 systems or transmitted by any means (including electronic, mechanical, microcopying,

CONTACT INFORMATION SLSA receives Government funding to commence valuable initiatives and programs. However, we rely on the generosity of the community and corporate support to ensure they continue.

For more information: Surf Life Saving Australia sls.com.au Surf Life Saving New South Wales surflifesaving.com.au Surf Life Saving Northern Territory lifesavingnt.com.au Surf Life Saving Queensland lifesaving.com.au Surf Life Saving South Australia surflifesavingsa.com.au Surf Life Saving Tasmania slst.asn.au Life Saving Victoria lsv.com.au Surf Life Saving Western Australia mybeach.com.au

COASTAL DROWNING & FATALITY SNAPSHOT 2022/23 KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

221

COASTAL 57% DEATHS

55%

21%

DUE TO DROWNING

LOCATION

BEACH

63%

> 1KM FROM SLS SERVICE

ACTIVITY

ROCK/CLIFF

23%

11%

SWIMMING/WADING

FALL

NB: Intentional fatalities account for 19%

SURF LIFE SAVING & AUSTRALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICE

41,504 PATROLLING MEMBERS

GOVERNMENT PARTNER

1,921,916

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS

9,297

40,547

RESCUES

MAJOR NATIONAL PARTNERS

FIRST AID TREATMENTS