National Coastal Safety Report 2012
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Transcript of National Coastal Safety Report 2012
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012A Summary of Coastal Drowning Deaths in Australia
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2 | Contents National Coastal Safety Report 2012
Introduction 3
Coastal Drowning Deaths 2011-12: National Overview 4
Case Study 1: Putting Sharks in Perspective 5
Case Study 2: Health and Injury 7
Queensland 8
New South Wales 10
Victoria 12
South Australia 14
Western Australia 16
Tasmania 18
Northern Territory 20
Case Study 3: Foreign Ethnicity & International Tourists 20
Case Study 4: Alcohol and Drugs 21
Case Study 5: Rock Fishing 21
Glossary 22
Why do people drown? 24
Methodology 25
References 27
Contents
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Introduction | 3
Preventing Coastal Drowning around Australia
For more than 100 years, Australians and visitors to Australia have been drawn to our coastline. With over an estimated 100 million beach visitations each year, the task of ensuring the safety of everyone who visits Australias 11,912 beaches and 36,000km coastline is an extremely challenging one, and one that Surf Life Saving (SLS) has been dedicated to for over 100 years.
Since 1907, when a group of surf life saving clubs on Sydneys beaches first emerged, the network of services protecting our coastline has grown rapidly. Today, volunteer surf lifesavers, ALS and council employed lifeguards, rescue helicopters, rescue boats, surveillance systems and radio control and coordination centres all work together to ensure that our beaches are the safest in the world. This collaborative approach to coastal safety is essential in preventing drowning along our coastline.
Despite this extensive network of services, coastal drowning deaths are still at unacceptable levels. In the year 2011-2012, there were 119* coastal drowning deaths in Australia. This figure is significantly higher than last years 70 coastal drowning deaths, indicating that there is significant work ahead of us to reduce the drowning toll every life lost is one life too many.
SLSA produces the National Coastal Safety Report to assist and support evidence-based decision making by all coastal safety service providers. This report highlights some of the key initiatives Surf Life Saving together with our partners in coastal safety services has developed and implemented to help reduce coastal drowning and injuries on the Australian coastline. We are committed to achieving the goal outlined in the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2012-2015: to reduce drowning deaths by 50% by 2020.
This is an ambitious undertaking, but one that is achievable through a strong, collaborative and evidence-based approach. I commend this report to you as part of that process.
Brett Williamson OAM Chief Executive Officer Surf Life Saving Australia
* Refer to Methodology
Introduction
2011-12 National Coastal Drowning Snapshot Table 1
Overall
119coastaldrowningdeaths Abovetheeightyearaverageof92
Demographics
106(89%)weremales 35(29%)wereagedbetween15-29years;individuals
70-74hadthehighestdrowningrateof1.2per100,000population
33(28%)wereknowntobeofaforeignethnicity;13(11%)wereinternationalvisitors
Time
38(32%)occurredbetween12pm4pm 79(66%)occurredoutsideofthesummermonths
Activity
32(27%)wereattributedtoswimming/wading 20(17%)wereattributedtoboating 16(13%)wereattributedtorockfishing
Contributory Factors
22(19%)wereattributedtoripcurrents 12(10%)wereattributedtoamedicalconditionorinjury 8(7%)wereattributedtoalcoholand/ordrugtoxicity
Location
53(45%)occurredatabeach 50(42%)ofindividualslivedmorethan50kmfromthe
drowninglocation 67(56%)ofindividualsdrownedwithin5kmfromthe
nearestlifesavingservice
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4 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: National National Coastal Safety Report 2012
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
Unknown
Other
Rock/Cliff Related
Snorkelling
Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Boating
Swimming/Wading
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
Rat
e (p
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Coastal Drowning DeathsNationalOverview
2004-12Eight year coastal drowning deaths by activityFigure 2
Theratesofactivitytypesbeingundertakenwhencoastaldrowningdeathsoccurvariesovertime.Swimmingandwadingdeathsarebackuptotheeightyearaveragerateof0.14.Boatingdeathscontinuedtoincreaseoverthelastfiveyears.Rockfishingdeathshavepassedtheeightyearaveragerateof0.05to0.07per100,000populationthisyear.
2004-12Eight year trend of national coastal drowning deathsFigure 1
Nationalcoastaldrowningdeathnumbersandcrudedrowningrates2004-12.Theeightyearaveragerateper100,000populationis0.43andnumberis92,theratefor2011-12is0.53andnumberis119.
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COD is listed by coronerCOD is not listed by coroner
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
119
83
70
89
9889
95
89
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: National | 5
2011-12Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity (n=119)Figure4
Themajorityofcoastaldrowningdeathsoccurredwhenanindividualwasparticipatinginswimmingorwading(32),boating(20),orrockfishing(16).
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by state (n=119)Figure3
Ofthe119coastaldrowningdeaths,47(40%)occurredinNSW,30(25%)inQld,10(8%)inVic,15(13%)inWA,six(5%)inTas,four(3%)inNT,andseven(6%)inSA.
26.9%
7.6%
6.7%3.4%
3.4%0.8%
16.8%
13.4%
12.6%
8.4%
Unknown
Other
Rock/Cliff Related
Attempting a Rescue
Diving
Snorkelling
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Coastal Drowning DeathsNationalOverview
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SANTTASWAVICQLDNSW 0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
Case Study 1PuttingSharksinPerspective
2004-12
Number of coastal drowning deaths, those known to be rip current related, and the number of shark related deaths
Figure5
Therearemanyhazardstobeawareofatthebeach.Sharkattackssometimesresultinafatality;theyalmostalwaysresultinmediafrenzy.Deathsduetodrowningandspecificallyinripcurrentsdonotmaketheheadlinesasfrequently.
Therehavebeenatleast732deathsduetodrowningonAustraliancoastssince2004.Ripcurrentshavecausedatleast164ofthesedeaths;anaverageof21peryear.Thisislikelyavastunderestimatebecauseawitnesswouldhavetodescribethedeceasedbeingsweptawayfromshoreinacurrentforthecausationtoberecordedasaripcurrent.Thedescriptionwouldalsohavetomakeittothecoronersreport.Theunderestimatedtotalstilldescribesripcurrentsasthecauseinatleast25%ofallcoastaldrowningdeathsandover50%ofallcoastalswimmingandwadingdrowningdeaths.
In2011-12wehaverecordedninesharkfatalitiesinAustralia.Thisiswellabovetheaverageof2.5deathsperyearsince2004.Inthe7previousyearstherangehasbeen0to4sharkrelatedfatalitiesannually.
Marinecreaturesremainahazardinourcoastalenvironments,whenfatalitiesoccurtherewilltypicallymediareportstoalertthepublic.Ripcurrentscauseatleast8timesasmanydeathsandarepresentinallsevenstates/territories.Thepublicneedstobealertedtothemainhazardatsurfbeachesandbetaughttoidentifyandavoidthem.
Lifesaversandlifeguardsareinvaluableresources;theyareconstantlyevaluatingallhazardsinpatrolledareasandmarkingthesupervisedareaswithflags.
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120DrowningRipsSharks
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6 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: National National Coastal Safety Report 2012
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by month (n=119)Figure8
ThehighestpercentagesofcoastaldrowningdeathsoccurredinthemonthsofFebruaryandApril(17,14%).40(34%)occurredduringthesummermonths.Shadingdenotesseason.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by time (n=94*)Figure9
Mostfatalitieswithknowntimesoccurredbetween12:01pmand4pm(38,32%),shaded.
*Onlyincidentswithknowntimesarerepresented.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by age group and sex (n=119)Figure6
The age groups representing the highest rates of fatalities are 70-74(1.2),20-24(0.8)and25-29(0.8).106(89%)offatalitiesweremale.
2011-12Location of coastal drowning deaths (n=119)Figure 7
53coastaldrowningdeathsoccurredatabeachlocation.
Marina/Jetty
Bay
Rock/Cliff
Offshore
Beach
44.5%
20.2%
20.2%
10.9%
4.2%
Coastal Drowning DeathsNationalOverview
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Jun
e
May
Ap
ril
Mar
ch
Feb
ruar
y
Jan
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Dec
emb
er
Nov
emb
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Oct
ober
Sep
tem
ber
Aug
ust
July
Perc
enta
ge
(%)
Perc
enta
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(%)
0
2
4
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10
12
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11:0
1pm
-12a
m
10:0
1pm
-11p
m
9:01
pm
-10p
m
8:01
pm
-9p
m
7:01
pm
-8p
m
6:01
pm
-7p
m
5:01
pm
-6p
m
4:01
pm
-5p
m
3:01
pm
-4p
m
2:01
pm
-3p
m
1:01
pm
-2p
m
12:0
1pm
-1p
m
11:0
1am
-12p
m
10:0
1am
-11a
m
9:01
am-1
0am
8:01
am-9
am
7:01
am-8
am
6:01
am-7
am
5:01
am-6
am
4:01
am-5
am
3:01
am-4
am
2:01
am-3
am
1:01
am-2
am
12:0
1am
-1 a
m
Nu
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MalesFemales
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Un
know
n
85+
80-8
4
75-7
9
70-7
4
65-6
9
60-6
4
55-5
9
50-5
4
45-4
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40-4
4
35-3
9
30-3
4
25-2
9
20-2
4
15-1
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10-1
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5-9
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0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: National | 7
2011-12Distance from drowning location to lifesaving service (n=119)Figure 10
52ofindividualsdrownedgreaterthanfivekilometresfromthenearestlifesavingservice.
2011-12Distance from residence to drowning location (n=119)Figure 11
50ofindividualslivedgreaterthan50kilometresfromthedrowninglocation.
1km to 5km
Less than 1km
Greater than 5km
43.7%
42.9%
13.4%
Unknown
International
Less than 10km
10km-50km
Greater than 50km
42.0%
21.8%
21.8%
10.9%
3.4%
Coastal Drowning DeathsNationalOverview
Case Study 2HealthandInjury
2004-11
Percentage of coastal drowning deaths with contributory health issues or injury, (n=613)*
Figure 12
Itisrarethatanindividualdiesfromdrowninginacoastallocationwithoutsomecontributoryfactor.Awavecould
washarockfishermanoffarockledge,aripcurrentcouldsweepaswimmerfromshore,oranunderlyingmedicalconditioncouldmanifestitselfwhenanindividualisimmersedinwater.
Sevenyearsofcoastaldrowningdeathautopsyresultshavebeenanalysed.Therewere184fatalitiesassociatedwithmedicalconditionsand/orinjury.Atleast30%ofthedeceasedhavehadanunderlyingmedicalconditionoraninjurythecoronerhasrecordedascontributory.Only30%havebeenlistedassimplydrowningorimmersionwithoutanadditionalmedicalcause.Therearestillover40%ofcasesthathavenotresultedinanautopsyoranautopsyreportthatiselectronicallyavailable.
Itisimportanttonotethattheseadditionalfactorsarecontributorytodrowningdeaths.Ifthemedicalconditionssuchasheartattacksorepilepticseizures;theinjuriessuchasheadwoundsfromfallsorwatercraft,hadhappenedonlandtheymaynothaveresultedinafatality.Theadditionofwatertoanyrecreationalactivityaddssomeelementofdangerthatshouldnotbeoverlooked.
*2011-12numbersareexcludedduetotheunavailabilityofautopsyreportsatthistime.
None ContributingMedical/Injury
Unknown
30.0%
40.5%
29.5%
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8 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: Queensland National Coastal Safety Report 2012
2004-12 Eight year trend of Qld coastal drowning deathsFigure14
Therehasbeenanaveragenumberof16coastaldrowningdeathsinQldfrom2004-12.Thisisanaveragerateof0.37per100,000population.
2004-12 Coastal drowning deaths by activityFigure13
TheratesofactivitytypesbeingundertakenwhencoastaldrowningdeathsoccurvariesovertimeinQueensland(Qld).In2011-12therewere30coastaldrowningdeaths;theswimmingandwading,boating,snorkellingandwatercraftactivityratesareallwellabovetheeightyearaverages.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by activity (n=30) Figure15
ThemajorityofcoastaldrowningdeathsinQldoccurredwhenanindividualwasparticipatinginswimmingandwading(10),boating(6),orsnorkelling(5)activities.
Coastal Drowning DeathsQueensland
Unknown
Other
Snorkelling
Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Rat
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0.00
0.05
0.10
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2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
Nu
mb
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5
10
15
20
25
30
35
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0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
18
11
17
12
9
1517
30
Unknown
Other
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Snorkelling
Boating
Swimming/Wading
33.3%
16.7%
13.3%
3.3%
6.7%
6.7%
20.0%
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: Queensland | 9
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by age group and sex (n=30) Figure16
The age groups representing the highest rates of fatalities are 70-74years(1.45)and15-19years(1.32).26(87%)offatalitiesweremale.
2011-12Distance from residence to drowning location (n=30) Figure18
12individualslivedgreaterthan50kilometresfromthedrowninglocation.
2011-12Distance from drowning location to lifesaving service (n=30) Figure19
16individualsdrownedgreaterthanfivekilometresfromthenearestlifesavingservice.
2011-12Location of coastal drowning deaths (n=30) Figure 17
17coastaldrowningdeathsoccurredatabeachlocation.
Coastal Drowning DeathsQueensland
Nu
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Age Group (Years)
0
1
2
3
4
85+
80-8
4
75-7
9
70-7
4
65-6
9
60-6
4
55-5
9
50-5
4
45-4
9
40-4
4
35-3
9
30-3
4
25-2
9
20-2
4
15-1
9
10-1
4
5-9
0-4
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
Bay
Marina/Jetty
Offshore
Beach
56.7%
20.0%
13.3%
10.0%
Unknown10km - 50kmInternationalLess than 10kmGreater than 50km
40.0%
26.7%
16.7%
13.3%
3.3%
36.7%
10.0%
1km - 5km
Greater than 5km
Less than 1km
53.3%
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10 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: New South Wales National Coastal Safety Report 2012
Coastal Drowning DeathsNew South Wales
2004-12 Eight year trend of NSW coastal drowning deathsFigure 21
Therehasbeenanaveragenumberof37coastaldrowningdeathsinNSWfrom2004-12.Thisisanaveragerateof0.5per100,000population.
2004-12 Coastal drowning deaths by activityFigure 20
TheratesofactivitytypesbeingundertakenwhencoastaldrowningdeathsoccurvariesovertimeinNewSouthWales(NSW).In2011-12therewere47coastaldrowningdeaths;theswimmingandwadingactivityrateshaveincreasedbackuptotheaveragerateof0.19andtherockfishingrateis0.15,27%overtheaveragerateof0.11.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by activity (n=47) Figure 22
ThemajorityofcoastaldrowningdeathsinNSWoccurredwhenanindividualwasparticipatinginswimmingandwading(14)orrockfishing(11)activities.
2.1%2.1%
2.1%
Unknown
Other
Snorkelling
Rock/Cliff Related
Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Boating
Rock Fishing
Swimming/Wading
29.8%
23.4%8.5%
10.6%
4.3%
6.4%
10.6%
Unknown
Other
Rock/Cliff Related
Snorkelling
Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Rat
e (p
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00,0
00 p
op.)
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
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mb
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Rat
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30
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0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
35 35
45
29
39 39
23
47
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: New South Wales | 11
Coastal Drowning DeathsNew South Wales
2011-12Location of coastal drowning deaths (n=47)Figure24
21coastaldrowningdeathsoccurredatabeach and19atrock/clifflocations.
2011-12Distance from residence to drowning location (n=47) Figure25
16individualslivedgreaterthan50kilometresfromthedrowninglocation.
2011-12Distance from drowning location to lifesaving service (n=47) Figure26
27individualsdrownedgreaterthanfivekilometresfromthenearestlifesavingservice.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by age group and sex (n=47) Figure23
The age groups representing the highest rates of fatalities are 20-24years(1.40)and25-29years(1.34).42(89%)offatalitiesweremale.
Offshore
Bay
Rock/Cliff
Beach
44.7%
40.4%
8.5%
6.4%
Unknown
International
Less than 10km
10km-50km
Greater than 50km
34.0%
27.7%
25.5%
8.5%4.3%
1km - 5km
Greater than 5km
Less than 1km
57.4%23.4%
19.1%
Nu
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Age Group (Years)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Un
know
n
85+
80-8
4
75-7
9
70-7
4
65-6
9
60-6
4
55-5
9
50-5
4
45-4
9
40-4
4
35-3
9
30-3
4
25-2
9
20-2
4
15-1
9
10-1
4
5-9
0-4
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
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12 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: Victoria National Coastal Safety Report 2012
2004-12 Eight year trend of Vic coastal drowning deathsFigure28
Therehasbeenanaveragenumberof13coastaldrowningdeathsinVicfrom2004-12.Thisisanaveragerateof0.24per100,000population.
2004-12 Coastal drowning deaths by activityFigure 27
TheratesofactivitytypesbeingundertakenwhencoastaldrowningdeathsoccurvariesovertimeinVictoria(Vic).In2011-12therewere10coastaldrowningdeaths;theswimmingandwading,boatingandrockfishingactivityratesareallbelowtheeightyearaverages.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by activity (n=10)Figure29
ThemajorityofcoastaldrowningdeathsinVicoccurredwhenanindividualwasparticipatinginswimmingandwading(4)orboating(2)activities.
Coastal Drowning DeathsVictoria
Unknown
Other
Rock/Cliff Related
Snorkelling
Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Rat
e (p
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00,0
00 p
op.)
0.00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
Nu
mb
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Rat
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0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
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0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
1415
11 1112
10 10
17
40%
20%
10%
10%
10%
10%
Snorkelling
Rock Fishing
Diving
Boating
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: Victoria | 13
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by age group and sex (n=10)Figure30
The age group representing the highest rates of fatalities is 35-44years(0.50).Nine(90%)offatalitiesweremale.
2011-12Distance from residence to drowning location (n=10)Figure32
Fourindividualslivedgreaterthan50kilometresfromthedrowninglocation.
2011-12Distance from drowning location to lifesaving service (n=10)Figure33
Sixindividualsdrownedlessthanonekilometrefromthenearestlifesavingservice.
2011-12Location of coastal drowning deaths (n=10)Figure31
Fourcoastaldrowningdeathsoccurredatabeachlocation.
Coastal Drowning DeathsVictoria
Nu
mb
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Rat
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,00
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Age Group (Years)
85+
80-8
4
75-7
9
70-7
4
65-6
9
60-6
4
55-5
9
50-5
4
45-4
9
40-4
4
35-3
9
30-3
4
25-2
9
20-2
4
15-1
9
10-1
4
5-9
0-4
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0
1
2
Rock/Cliff
Offshore
Bay
Beach
40%
30%
20%
10%
40%
30%
10%
10%
10%
Unknown
International
Less than 10km
10km - 50km
Greater than 50km
60%
30%
10%
1km - 5km
Greater than 5km
Less than 1km
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14 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: South Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2012
2004-12 Eight year trend of SA coastal drowning deathsFigure35
TherehasbeenanaverageofsevencoastaldrowningdeathsperyearinSAfrom2004-12.Thisisanaveragerateof0.50per100,000population.
2004-12 Coastal drowning deaths by activityFigure34
TheratesofactivitytypesbeingundertakenwhencoastaldrowningdeathsoccurvariesovertimeinSouthAustralia(SA).In2011-12thereweresevencoastaldrowningdeaths;theboatinganddivingactivityratesarewellabovetheeightyearaverage,butswimming/wadingandwatercraftactivityratesarebelowtheaverage.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by activity (n=7)Figure36
ThemajorityofcoastaldrowningdeathsinSAoccurredwhenanindividualwasparticipatinginboating(4)activity.
Unknown
Other
Rock/Cliff Related
Snorkelling
Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Rat
e (p
er 1
00,0
00 p
op.)
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-050.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
9
4
9
3
7
2
13
11
14.3%
57.1%
14.3%
14.3%
Other
Swimming/Wading
Diving
Boating
Coastal Drowning DeathsSouth Australia
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: South Australia | 15
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by age group and sex (n=7)Figure37
Theagegrouprepresentingthehighestrateoffatalitiesis50-54years(1.75).Six(86%)offatalitiesweremale.
2011-12Distance from residence to drowning location (n=7)Figure39
Fourindividualslivedgreaterthan50kilometresfromthedrowninglocation.
2011-12Distance from drowning location to lifesaving service (n=7)Figure40
Fiveindividualsdrownedgreaterthanfivekilometresfromthenearestlifesavingservice.
2011-12Location of coastal drowning deaths (n=7)Figure38
Fourcoastaldrowningdeathsoccurredatanoffshorelocation.
Coastal Drowning DeathsSouth Australia
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
Age Group (Years)
0
1
2
3
85+
80-8
4
75-7
9
70-7
4
65-6
9
60-6
4
55-5
9
50-5
4
45-4
9
40-4
4
35-3
9
30-3
4
25-2
9
20-2
4
15-1
9
10-1
4
5-9
0-4
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
14.3%
Beach
Marina/Jetty
Offshore
57.1%28.6%
42.9%
10km - 50km
Greater than 50km
57.1%
28.6%
Less than 1km
Greater than 5km71.4%
-
16 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: Western Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2012
2004-12 Eight year trend of WA coastal drowning deathsFigure42
Therehasbeenanaverageof12coastaldrowningdeathsinWAfrom2004-12.Thisisanaveragerateof0.54per100,000population.
2004-12 Coastal drowning deaths by activityFigure41
TheratesofactivitytypesbeingundertakenwhencoastaldrowningdeathsoccurvariesovertimeinWesternAustralia(WA).In2011-12therewere15coastaldrowningdeaths;theswimming/wadingandboatingactivityratesarebelowaverage,butrockfishing,watercraft,andsnorkellingactivitiesarewellabovetheeightyearaverages.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by activity (n=15)Figure43
ThemajorityofcoastaldrowningdeathsinWAoccurredwhenanindividualwasparticipatinginrockfishing(4)orusingnon-poweredwatercraft(4).
Coastal Drowning DeathsWestern Australia
Unknown
Other
Rock/Cliff Related
Snorkelling
Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Rat
e (p
er 1
00,0
00 p
op.)
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-050.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
8
15 15
13
12 12
11
10
26.7%
26.7%20.0%
13.3%
13.3%
Diving
Swimming/Wading
Snorkelling
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
-
National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: Western Australia | 17
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by age group and sex (n=15)Figure44
Theagegrouprepresentingthehighestrateoffatalitiesis70-74years(4.39).Fourteen(93%)offatalitiesweremale.
2011-12Distance from residence to drowning location (n=15)Figure46
Eightindividualslivedgreaterthan50kilometresfromthedrowninglocation.
2011-12Distance from drowning location to lifesaving service (n=15)Figure47
Eightindividualsdrownedgreaterthanfivekilometresfromthenearestlifesavingservice.
2011-12Location of coastal drowning deaths (n=15)Figure45
Sixcoastaldrowningdeathsoccurredatabeachlocation.
Coastal Drowning DeathsWestern Australia
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
Age Group (Years)
0
1
2
3
85+
80-8
4
75-7
9
70-7
4
65-6
9
60-6
4
55-5
9
50-5
4
45-4
9
40-4
4
35-3
9
30-3
4
25-2
9
20-2
4
15-1
9
10-1
4
5-9
0-4
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
40.0%
26.7%
20.0%
13.3%
Bay
Offshore
Rock/Cliff
Beach
53.3%
26.7%
20.0%
International
Less than 10km
Greater than 50km
53.3%
26.7%
20.0%
1km - 5km
Less than 1km
Greater than 5km
-
18 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: Tasmania National Coastal Safety Report 2012
2004-12 Eight year trend of Tas coastal drowning deathsFigure49
TherehasbeenanaverageoffivecoastaldrowningdeathsinTasfrom2004-12.Thisisanaveragerateof1.05per100,000population.
2004-12 Coastal drowning deaths by activityFigure48
TheratesofactivitytypesbeingundertakenwhencoastaldrowningdeathsoccurvariesovertimeinTasmania(Tas).In2011-12thereweresixcoastaldrowningdeaths;theboatinganddivingactivityratesarewellabovetheeightyearaverage,buttherewerenoswimmingandwadingdeaths.
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by activity (n=6)Figure50
ThecoastaldrowningdeathsinTasoccurredwhenanindividualwasparticipatinginboating(4)ordiving(2)activities.
Coastal Drowning DeathsTasmania
UnknownOther
Rock/Cliff Related
SnorkellingDiving
Attempting a Rescue
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
BoatingSwimming/Wading
Rat
e (p
er 1
00,0
00 p
op.)
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-050.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
5 5
2
8 8
3
5
6
33.3%
Diving
Boating
66.7%
-
National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Coastal Drowning Deaths: Tasmania | 19
2011-12Coastal drowning deaths by age group and sex (n=6)Figure51
Theagegrouprepresentingthehighestrateoffatalitiesis55-59years(5.73).Allsix(100%)offatalitiesweremale.
2011-12Distance from residence to drowning location (n=6)Figure53
Fourindividualslivedgreaterthan50kilometresfromthedrowninglocation.
2011-12Distance from drowning location to lifesaving service (n=6)Figure54
Allsixindividualsdrownedgreaterthanfivekilometresfromthenearestlifesavingservice.
2011-12Location of coastal drowning deaths (n=6)Figure52
Fivecoastaldrowningdeathsoccurredatanoffshorelocation.
Coastal Drowning DeathsTasmania
16.7%
Bay
Offshore83.3%
33.3%
10km - 50km
Greater than 50km
66.7%
Greater than 5km
100%
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
Age Group (Years)
0
1
2
85+
80-8
4
75-7
9
70-7
4
65-6
9
60-6
4
55-5
9
50-5
4
45-4
9
40-4
4
35-3
9
30-3
4
25-2
9
20-2
4
15-1
9
10-1
4
5-9
0-4
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
-
20 | Coastal Drowning Deaths: Northern Territory National Coastal Safety Report 2012
2004-12 Eight year trend of NT coastal drowning deathsFigure55
TherehasbeenanaverageoftwocoastaldrowningdeathsperyearinNorthernTerritory(NT)from2004-12.Thisisanaveragerateof0.84per100,000population.In2011-12therewerefourcoastaldrowningdeathsinNT.
Further analysis of the 2011-12 coastal drowning deaths in the Northern Territory will not be published because there were less than five fatalities this past year.
Coastal Drowning DeathsNorthern Territory
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-050.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
0 0
1 1 1
4
6
2
Case Study 3ForeignEthnicityandInternationalTourists
2004-12
Foreign ethnicity and international tourist coastal drowning deaths
Figure56
Thenumberofcoastaldrowningdeathsthatoccurtopersonsofforeignethnicityremainsasignificantproportionofthetotaldrowningtoll.Therehavebeen262fatalitiesofpersonsofknownforeignethnicityfrom2004-2012,representing36%ofallcoastaldrowningdeaths.79(30%)ofthesewereinternationaltouristswhorepresent11%ofallcoastaldrowningdeaths.
Therewere33(28%)deathsofpersonsofknownforeignethnicityin2011-12,13(39%)wereinternationaltourists.TworegionsmostrepresentedinthesestatisticsareChina(15%)andtheUnitedKingdom(12%).MostofthedrowningdeathsoccurredinNSW(52%),whileswimmingandwading(33%)orrockfishing(24%),inabeach(42%)orrock/cliff(33%)location.
Thisover-representationofpersonsofaforeignethnicityinourdrowningdataremainsconsistentandwillcontinuetobeaninterventionpriority.
Num
ber
(n)
Foreign EthnicityInternational Tourists
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-050
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
-
National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Case Studies | 21
Case Study 4AlcoholandDrugs
2004-11
Percentage of coastal drowning deaths with contributory alcohol or drug use, (n=613)*
Figure57
TheAustralianWaterSafetyCouncilhasidentifiedfourkeydrowningchallengesintheirrevisedstrategylaunched
thisyear(AWSC,2012).OneofthesechallengesisAlcoholandDrugRelatedDrowningDeaths.Therewere136coastaldrowningdeathsassociatedwithalcoholand/ordrugtoxicitybetween2004and2011*.Theserepresentover22%ofallcoastaldrowningdeaths.Thisislikelyanunderestimateas33%ofthecasesdonotincludeatoxicologyreport.
Atleast35%ofthedeceasedwereswimmingorwadingatthetimeoftheincident,20%wereboatingand8%wererockfishing.Malesrepresent85%ofthealcohol/drugrelateddeaths;theagegroupmostrepresentedis45-49years(15%).
Intoxicatedindividualsaremoreatriskfordrowningduetotheirimpairedjudgementandcoordination.Alcoholanddrugsshouldbeavoidedwhenrecreationalactivitiesincludewater.Interventionstrategiesshouldtargetmenintheir40swhointendtoswimorengageinboatingactivitiesundertheinfluence.
*2011-12numbersareexcludedduetotheunavailabilityoftoxicologyreportsatthistime.
Unknown
ToxicityNo toxicity
22.2%
33.4%
44.4%
Case Study 5RockFishing
2004-11
Rock fishing related coastal drowning deaths
Figure58
Anaverageof12coastaldrowningdeathsperyearhaveoccurredduringrockfishingactivitiesinAustraliafrom2004-12.Thispastyear,2011-12,therewere16,25%abovetheeightyearaverage.
Rockfishingremainstheactivitywiththethirdhighestrateofcoastaldrowningnationally,afterswimming/wadingandboating.
SLSAwascontractedbytheNSWDepartmentofPrimaryIndustriestoconductaresearchreviewofrockfishingsafetyinNSWfollowingrecommendationsbytheCoroner.Thereport(Bradstreetetal.,2012)madethreemainrecommendationstoaddressthishazardousrecreationalactivity.Therecommendationsare:todevelopastrategicplanforrockfishingsafetyunderanyproposedcomprehensivewatersafetystrategies;develop,implementandassessapubliceducationandcommunicationscampaign;andtolegislatethemandatorywearingofPersonalFlotationDevices(PFDs)whilerockfishingatcoastallocations.
Therehavebeenatotalof94rockfishingdeathsinthelasteightyears,91(97%)havebeenmaleindividuals;theaverageageis45years.Themajority,59(63%),havebeenindividualsofforeignethnicity,28(47%)ofthesehavebeenofChinesedecent.Rockfishingsafetymaterialshavebeendevelopedinseveraldifferentlanguages.Thereductionofrockfishingrelateddrowningremainsapriorityforourpubliceducationanddrowningpreventioncampaigns.
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op.)
0
5
10
15
20
25
2011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-050.00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
9
20
4
12 11
16 16
6
-
22 | Glossary National Coastal Safety Report 2012
ALS -AustralianLifeguardService.
Attempting rescue -Anindividualmakesanefforttoremove someonefromadangeroussituation.
AWSC -AustralianWaterSafetyCouncilalsoAustralianWaterSafetyConference.
AWSS -AustralianWaterSafetyStrategy.
Bay -Abodyofwaterpartiallyenclosedbylandbutwithawidemouth,affordingaccesstothesea.
Beach -Anexpanseofsandorpebblesalongashoreline.
Blackspot -Anareawithahighconcentrationofcoastal/oceanincidentsandahighprobability/riskofongoingreoccurrence.
Boating -Individualsusingeitherapoweredvesselorsailingboatforpleasureand/orfishing.
Coastal -Theforeshore,seabed,coastalwater,andairspaceabovealargebodyofwater(harbour/bay/inlet),includingareasupto2NMoffshoreandofwhichthelandwardboundaryisthelineofmeanhighwater,exceptthatwherethatlinecrossesariver/inlet,thelandwardboundaryatthatpointshallbethepointupstreamthatiscalculatedbymultiplyingthewidthoftheriver/inletmouthby5(AdoptedfromtheResourceManagementAmendmentAct1991-NewZealand).
Coastal death -Afatalityarisingfromvariouscircumstances(e.g.heartattack,boatcollision,fall,sharkattack)occurringwherethelocationofthedeathiscoastal.
Coastal drowning death -Wherethelocationofthedrowningisonthecoast,intheoceanupto2NMoff-shoreorinlandupto5timesthewidthoftheinlet/river.
Crude drowning rate -Thecrudedrowningrateisacomparativerateofdrowningtothesizeofthepopulationinthatarea.
Disaster incident -Anexceptionaleventwhichsuddenlykills10ormorepeople;reportedlyaffects100ormoreindividuals;astateofemergencyisdeclared;orthereisacallforinternationalassistance(CRED,2009).Thismaybearesultofanaturaldisastersuchasseverefloodingoratsunami;oratechnologicaldisastersuchasamechanisedmodeoftransportaccident.
Diving -EngaginginrecreationalorcommercialSCUBAdiving.
Drowning -Theprocessofexperiencingrespiratoryimpairmentfromsubmersion/immersioninliquid.
Drowning death -Afatalityarisingfromtheprocessofrespiratoryimpairmentasaresultofsubmersion/immersioninliquid.
First Aid -Immediateoremergencyassistancegivenonthespottopeoplesufferingfromillnessorinjury.
Fishing -Theactofcatchingfish.
Foreign ethnicity -IndividualswhoidentifywithaculturalgroupotherthanAustralianbasedonheritage,language,orsharedcustoms.Thisidentificationisextrapolatedfromreporteddatasuchastheindividualscountryofbirthandthemainlanguagespokenathome.
Hotspot -Anareawithalow/mediumconcentrationofcoastal/oceanincidentscombinedwithahighnumberofrescues/preventativeactions.
HRS -Helicopterrescueservice.
ILS -InternationalLifeSavingFederation.
Inland -Anareathatisbeyondthelineofmeanhighwaterorbeyondalandwarddistanceof5timesthewidthofthecoastalinlet/rivermouth.
Inland death -Afatalityarisingfromvariouscircumstances(e.g.heartattack,boatcollision,fall,sharkattack)occurringwherethelocationofthedeathisnotconsideredcoastal,butoccursinaninlandbodyofwatersuchasariver,lake,creek,ordam.
Inland drowning death - A fatality arising from the
impairmentofrespiratoryfunctionasaresultofimmersioninliquid,wherethelocationofthedrowningisnotconsideredcoastalbutoccursinandinlandbodyofwatersuchasariver,lake,creek,ordam.
International -Anindividualwhoisconfirmedtoresideoverseesand/orisatemporaryvisitortoAustralia.
IRB -Inflatablerescueboat.
JRB -Jetrescueboat.
Lake -Aninlandbodyofwatersurroundedbyland.
Leisure activity -Anactivitycommencedonlandsuchasplay,walking,jogging,orcycling.
Lifeguard -Typicallyapaidemployeeatabeachoranotheraquaticenvironmentwhoseroleistorescuepeopleindangerofdrowningorpreventthemgettingintothatsituation.
Glossary
-
National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Glossary | 23
Lifesaving service -Aservicewhichexiststoprovideaquaticsafetyservicestothepublic.
Marina/jetty -Aboatbasinofferingdockageandotherserviceforsmallcraft,orapier/wharf.
NCIS -NationalCoronersInformationSystem.
Ocean death -Afatalityarisingfromvariouscircumstances(e.g.heartattack,boatcollision,fall,sharkattack)occurringwherethelocationofthedeathisintheoceangreaterthan2NMoffshore,butnogreaterthan12NM.
Ocean drowning death -Wherethelocationofthedrowningisintheoceangreaterthan2NMoffshore,butnogreaterthan12NM.
Open ocean -Theseabed,waterandairspaceabovethewaterbetween2NMand12NM(theAustralianterritorialwaterslimit)offshore.
ORB -Offshorerescueboat.
Patrolled location -Alocationsupervisedconstantlyorperiodicallybyalifesavingservice.
Prevention -Whereinterventionbyalifesavingresourceavertsaperson/sfromgettingintoapotentiallylifethreateningsituation.
Rescue -Whereinterventionbyalifesavingresourceremovesaperson/sfromalifethreateningorpotentiallylifethreateningsituation.
Resuscitation -Preservationorrestorationoflifebyestablishingandmaintainingapersonsairway,breathingandcirculation.
RIB -Rigidinflatableboat.
Rip current -Anarrowseawardflowingcurrentofwatermovingthroughasurfzone(Short,2003).
Rock/cliff -Arockyshorelinethatmayormaynothaveahighsteepface.
Rock/cliff related -Anactivitybesidesfishingthatisperformedonarockyshorelineoroffagroyne.
ROT -RemoteOffshoreTerritory.
River -Anaturalstreamofwaterflowingintoanoceanorbay.
RWC -Rescuewatercraft-sometimescalledapersonalwatercraft.
Rock fishing death - Afatalityarisingfromvariouscircumstancesoccurring(e.g.wavemotion,lossoffooting)wheretheVictimwasparticipatinginfishingactivitiesonarockycoastimmediatelypriortoorduringtheincident.
Service gap -Anareaidentifiedashavinganinadequatelevelofresourcestomeetpublicsafetydemands.
Service season & hours -Varybetweenstatesduetoclimacticfactors,butinthecontextofthisreport,theseasonisfortheperiodJuly2010toJune2011.
Snorkelling -Swimmingwithasnorkelandfacemask.
Support operations -Rapidresponserescueunits,notaffiliatedtoanyonesurflifesavingclub.
Surfcom -SLSradiocommunicationscentrewhichassistsinmanagingthecommunicationsoflifesavingoperationsanddatacollection.
Surf lifesaver -Typicallyavolunteeratabeachoranotheraquaticenvironmentwhoseroleistorescuepeopleindangerofdrowningorpreventthemgettingintothatsituation.
Swimming -Apersonwhoisactivewhileimmersedinwater.
Total service plan -Anassessmentofcurrentandfuturelifesavingresources,nationalblackspots,hotspotsandtrends.
Undetermined -CasesthatarenotassociatedwithaclosedcoronersreportonNCISareoftenleftundetermineduntilanofficialcauseofdeathhasbeendetermined.Someexamplesarecaseswherebodieshavebeenfoundwasheduponthebeachorreportsofindividualsstrugglingincoastalenvironmentsaremadeandthebodiesarenotfound.Thesedeathswillallbefolloweduponandtheincidentcategoryupdatedoncecoronerdeterminationsaremadeaccessible.
Wading -Apersonwhoispartiallyimmersedinwaterwhilestanding.
Watercraft -Apieceofnonpoweredrecreationalequipmentusedinthewaterwhichisnotaboat.Examplesincludesurfboards,boogieboards,andwindsurfers.
Glossary
-
24 | Why do people drown? National Coastal Safety Report 2012
Anunderstandingofwhypeopledrownissignificantwhendevelopingdrowningpreventionstrategies.Fourkeyfactorshavebeenidentifiedthatmayleadtoaccidentaldrowning,knownastheDrowningChain.Anyofthesefactorsalone,oracombination,couldleadtodeathbydrowning(George,2011).
Drowning chain and drowning prevention strategiesTable 2
Why do people drown?
Drowning Chain Drowning Prevention Strategies
Lackofknowledge,disregardormisjudgmentofahazard Educationandinformation
Uninformed,unprotectedorunrestrictedaccesstoahazard Denialofaccess,improvementofinfrastructureand/orprovisionofwarnings
Lackofsupervisionorsurveillance Provisionofsupervision
Inabilitytocopeonceindifficulty Acquisitionofsurvivalskills
REDUCE DROWNING
LACK
OF
KNOW
LEDG
E, DIS
REGARD
FOR
OR M
ISUN
DERS
TAND
ING OF
THE HA
ZARD
RISK
ASSE
SSME
NT
TO IN
CREA
SE K
NOWL
ED
GE TH
ROUGH Q
UALITY
PUBL
IC E
DUCA
TION A
ND AW
ARENESS
TO PROMOTE SAFE AQUATIC
ENVIRONMENTS
TO PROMOTE QUALITY
LIFESAVING SERVICES
TO PROM
OTE T
HE AC
QUIS
ITIO
N
OF SU
RVIVA
L SKI
LLS
EDUC
ATE A
ND
INFO
RM
PROVIDE WARNINGS
AND DENY ACCESSEXTEND
LIFESAVING SERVICESINCR
EASE
SURVIV
AL SK
ILLS
RISK ASSESSMENTRISK ASSESSMENTRIS
K ASS
ESSM
ENT
UNINFORMED OR UNRESTRICTED
ACCESS TO THE HAZARDLACK OF SURPERVISIONOR SURVEILLANCE
INABIL
ITY TO
COP
E
ONCE IN
DIFF
ICUL
TY
-
National Coastal Safety Report 2012 Methodology | 25
The2011-12NationalCoastalSafetyReportcontainsinformationonallcoastaldrowningdeathsfortheperiodof1July2011to30June2012.Thisinformationiscorrectasof16October2012.
Allcareistakentoensurethestatisticalinformationincludedwithinthisreportiscorrect.However,pendingtheoutcomeofongoingcoronialinvestigations,thisdatamaybeamended.
Data Sources
SLSAcollectsincidentdatafromourownSurfGuardIncidentReportDatabase(IRD),theNationalCoronialInformationSystem(NCIS)andbymonitoringmediareportsfordrowningincidents.
TheinformationisverifiedwiththeassistanceofeachstateSurfLifeSavingcentreandcompliedforanalysisbySLSAsLifesavingandResearchDepartments.Thefollowinginformationisrecordedforeachdrowningincident:state;date;drowninglocation;GPScoordinates;time;age;gender;incidenttype;activityinformation;whethertheincidentwasworkrelated;enteredintoIRD;IRDnumber;NCIScasenumber;whetherthecaseisopen/closed;whetherthecasewasreportedbythestate;theoriginalsourceofinformation;drowninglocationsuburb;localgovernmentarea;postcode;associatedSLSclub;month;day;season;quarter;victimsname;address;residencecountry;residencedistancetocoastline;residencedistancetodrowninglocation;victimsbirthcountry;nationality;timeinAustralia;mainlanguage;additionalactivityinformation;thevictimsexperienceintheactivity;whethertheincidentwasripcurrentrelated;detaileddescriptionoftheincident;detailsrelatingtoalcohol;drugs;orhealthconditions;weatherconditions;windconditions;seaconditions/wavesize;wavetype;watersurface;temperature;tides;locationtoalifeguardingservice;whetherornotthelocationwaspatrolledatthetime;personnelwhofirstsightedtheincident;firstrescued;otherservices;andresuscitationdetails.
Thefollowingvariablesareusedtomatchdrowningcasesfrommorethanonedatasource:incidentdate;location;age;gender;andincidentdescription.TheNCISisconsideredthegoldstandardwhenthereisadiscrepancyinthedetailscollectedfromdifferentdatasources.
Verification Process
ThecoastaldrowningdatathathasbeenpublishedinpreviousNCSReditionssince2004-05isconstantlyreviewedtoensurethevalidityofthedata.Eachcasewasanalysedtoensurethatthedescriptionsascoastaldrowningdeath,coastaldeath,inlanddrowningdeath,oceandrowningdeath,andundeterminedmeetbothourcurrentdefinitionsand
theNCISinformationavailable.Deathsthatarereportedasunintentional,unknownintentandunlikelytoknowintentareincluded.Deathsareexcludediftheyarereportedasintentionaldeaths,theyareinland/oceanlocationsdrowningordrowning/immersionisnottheprimarycauseofdeath.
Thenewlistiscomparedtotheoriginalworkbookandanynecessaryinclusionsaremade.AlldetailsarealsomatchedwiththeNCISreports.WhenincidentsonourworkbookarenotfoundonNCISweliaisewithNCISpersonnelforhelp.CaseswithdetailedIRDandmediareportsareinvestigatedandincludedwhetherpersonnelcanfindanNCIScasenumberornot.
Limitations
OveryearsofinvestigationaspartoftheNCISprocess,somecasesareamendedpriortotheirclosure,resultinginchangestotheclassificationofcasesinourdatasets.Therefore,thenumberofcoastaldrowningdeathspublishedinthisreportmaybedifferentfromannualtotalspreviouslyreported.Inanefforttoproduceatimelyreportonourcurrentyearsdataweacknowledgethatthesefigureswillchange.Eachyear,thechangesthatoccurinthepreviousyearsreportwillbemadetransparent.Thedatainthiscurrentreportarenotthefinalfiguresas68%of2011-12coastaldrowningdeathsreportedremainopencasesand31%ofcasesdonothaveacauseofdeath(COD)listedyet.OnceaclosureoccurstoNCIScaseswecanmodifyundeterminedcases,thosewithunknownintent,andthosewherethecauseofdeathisnotdrowning.
Alldeathsknowntohaveoccurredincoastalwatershavebeenincludedascoastaldrowningdeaths,unlesstheCODislistedasotherwise.BarsoftwodifferentcoloursareusedtoillustratetheeventswhereaCODhasnotbeenlistedonNCIS.Theincidentsareincludedinourannualtotalsandanalysis,theywillremainsountiltheeventaCODislistedotherthandrowning/immersion.
What is a coastal drowning death?
SLSAdefinesacoastaldrowningdeathasafatalityarisingfromtheprocessofrespiratoryimpairmentfromsubmersion/immersionintheforeshore,seabed,coastalwater,andairspaceabovealargebodyofwater(harbour/bay/inlet),includingareasupto2nauticalmilesoffshoreandofwhichthelandwardboundaryisthelineofmeanhighwater,exceptthatwherethatlinecrossesariver/inlet.Inthiscasethelandwardboundaryatthatpointshallbethepointupstreamthatiscalculatedbymultiplyingthewidthoftheriver/inletmouthby5.Theseunambiguouscoastal/inlandboundarieshavebeenadoptedfromNewZealandsResourceManagementAmendmentAct1993.
Methodology
-
26 | Methodology National Coastal Safety Report 2012
Changes from previous reports
OveryearsofinvestigationaspartoftheNCISprocess,somecasesareamendedpriortotheirclosureandhaveresultedinchangestoourdatasets.Thenewnumbersofcoastaldrowningdeathsaredifferentfromtheannualtotalsthathavebeenpreviouslyreportedascaseshaveclosed.
Changes in the number of coastal drowning deaths per year
as reported in 2011
Welookforwardtocontinuingourverificationprocessesinthefuturetoensurethemostcorrectdataisbeingreported.
Suggested Citation
SurfLifeSavingAustralia(2012)NationalCoastalSafetyReport2012.SLSA:Sydney.
Table3
2011 NCSR 2012 NCSR
2004 - 05 92 89
2005 - 06 103 95
2006 - 07 103 98
2007 - 08 92 89
2008 - 09 91 89
2009 - 10 84 83
2010 - 11 61 70
Methodology
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National Coastal Safety Report 2012 References | 27
Withthanks
SurfLifeSavingAustraliawishestothankthefollowingpeopleandorganisationsfortheircontributiontothe2012NationalCoastalSafetyReport:
TheAustralianGovernment,principallytheDepartmentofthePrimeMinisterandCabinet;SLSApartners,includingDHL,TelstraandWestpac;SurfLifeSavingstatecentres,branches,clubsandsupportoperations;SLSAsResearchDepartment,Dr.ShaunaSherker,BarbaraBrightonandtheSLSAResearchAdvisoryCommittee;RoyalLifeSavingSocietyAustralia,AmyPeden;NationalCoronialInformationSystempersonnel,JoCotsonisandLeanneDaking.
AustralianWaterSafetyCouncil(2012).Australian Water Safety Strategy 2012-2015.AustralianWaterSafetyCouncil:Sydney.
Bradstreet,A.,Sherker,S.,Brighton,B.,Weir,A.,Thompson,M.(2012)Research Review of Rock Fishing in New South Wales. SurfLifeSavingAustralia:Sydney.
CentreforResearchontheEpidemiologyofDisasters-CRED(2009)Explanatory Notes: Criteria and Definition. Retrievedfromhttp://www.emdat.be/criteria-and-definitionon05/09/2011
George,P.(2011)Drowning Prevention Strategies 2011.WorldConferenceonDrowningPrevention. InternationalLifeSavingFederation,Danang.
NewZealand,MinistryfortheEnvironment(1991)Resource Management Act 1991. Retrievedfromhttp://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1991/0069/latest/DLM230265. html?search=ts_act_Resource+Management+Act_resel&p=1&sr=1on05/09/2011
Short,A.D.(2003)Australia beach systems - the morphodynamics of wave through tide-dominated beach-dune systems.JournalofCoastalResearchSI35,7-20.
References
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28 | Contents National Coastal Safety Report 2012
SurfLifeSavingreceivesvaluableGovernmentfundingtocommencevaluableinitiativesandprograms.However,werelyonthegenerosityofthecommunityandcorporatesupporttoensuretheycontinue.
To help Surf Life Saving, please donate to the
Surf Life Saving Foundation
www.sls.com.au
For more information
Surf Life Saving Australia
www.sls.com.au
Surf Life Saving New South Wales
www.surflifesaving.com.au
Surf Life Saving Northern Territory
www.lifesavingnt.com.au
Surf Life Saving Queensland
www.lifesaving.com.au
Surf Life Saving South Australia
www.surfrescue.com.au
Surf Life Saving Tasmania
www.slst.asn.au
Life Saving Victoria
www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au
Surf Life Saving Western Australia
www.mybeach.com.au
2011-12 National Coastal Drowning Snapshot Overall
119coastaldrowningdeaths Abovetheeightyearaverageof92
Demographics
106(89%)weremales 35(29%)wereagedbetween15-29years;individuals
70-74hadthehighestdrowningrateof1.2per100,000population
33(28%)wereknowntobeofaforeignethnicity;13(11%)wereinternationalvisitors
Time
38(32%)occurredbetween12pm4pm 79(66%)occurredoutsideofthesummermonths
Activity
32(27%)wereattributedtoswimming/wading 20(17%)wereattributedtoboating 16(13%)wereattributedtorockfishing
Contributory Factors
22(19%)wereattributedtoripcurrents 12(10%)wereattributedtoamedicalconditionorinjury 8(7%)wereattributedtoalcoholand/ordrugtoxicity
Location
53(45%)occurredatabeach 50(42%)ofindividualslivedmorethan50kmfromthe
drowninglocation 67(56%)ofindividualsdrownedwithin5kmfromthe
nearestlifesavingservice