Leslie Massey
Drowning is a persistent issue in Australia, with the activity claiming the lives of 281 people in the country between 2022 and 2023. The National Drowning Report 2024 revealed a 16% increase in drowning deaths over the past 12 months, with 323 fatalities. The majority of drowning incidents in Australia occur in natural bodies of water, including beaches, rivers, and creeks. People aged 65 and above, as well as children, are among the most vulnerable to drowning. Additionally, regional and disadvantaged areas experience higher drowning rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 46% at coastal locations, 34% at inland waterways, 11% in swimming pools |
| Specific places | Beaches (32%), rivers (30%), backyard pools (51%) |
| Age | 92 adults aged 65+, 15 children under 5 |
| Gender | Males (81%) |
| State | New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia |
| Time of year | December and March |
| Time of day | N/A |
| Socioeconomic status | People from disadvantaged and regional areas |
| Activity | Swimming and bathing |
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What You'll Learn
- Beaches and natural bodies of water are the most common places for drowning
- Males are over-represented in drowning statistics
- Drowning rates increase ten-fold from age 10 to 20, likely due to increased risk-taking
- People from disadvantaged areas drown at a higher rate
- Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia have the highest rates of drowning
Beaches and natural bodies of water are the most common places for drowning
In the past decade, the rate of drowning and submersion injuries has decreased, with age-standardised rates ranging from 2.5 per 100,000 in 2013-14 to 2.2 per 100,000 in 2022-23. However, death rates have remained similar, with around 1 death per 100,000 persons in both 2013-14 and 2022-23. Beaches and bodies of water were the most commonly specified places of drowning (48%).
Rivers are a leading location for drowning in Australia, with a higher proportion of males (80.4%) and adults (85.3%) drowning in rivers compared to other locations. The mean age of river drowning victims was 42 years. Children were more likely to drown in rivers as a result of a fall, while adults were more likely to drown due to watercraft incidents.
Drowning rates are also higher in disadvantaged and regional areas, with a higher rate of drowning hospitalisations in the most disadvantaged areas compared to the least disadvantaged areas. This may be due to reduced access to safe swimming places and a lack of swimming and water safety skills. In Western Australia, over half (56%) of all people who drowned resided in disadvantaged and low socio-economic areas.
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Males are over-represented in drowning statistics
In Australia, males are over-represented in drowning statistics. From 2010 to 2019, there were seven times as many male drowning deaths in the 15-29 age group compared to females of the same age. In the 2020-21 financial year, 80% of drowning deaths were male. This trend has continued over the years, with almost 300 Australians drowning each year, the vast majority being male.
There are several factors that contribute to the high number of male drowning deaths. Firstly, risk-taking behaviours such as alcohol and drug use, overestimation of abilities, and the absence of appropriate safety precautions, including life jackets, are common among young men. A 2022 study found that nearly half of male participants (48%) admitted to swimming after drinking alcohol, compared to 38% of female participants. While both groups understood the dangers, males tended to downplay the risks, influenced by a desire for social approval and excitement.
Secondly, the presence of a romantic partner has been found to reduce the likelihood of young men taking risks. This suggests that social dynamics and relationships can play a role in influencing risk-taking behaviours among males.
Additionally, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has reported that older men have the highest rates of suicide by drowning. As Australian men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, this may also contribute to their over-representation in drowning statistics.
It is important to note that drowning rates are also influenced by geographical and socio-economic factors. People from disadvantaged and regional areas, particularly children aged 5-14, have higher drowning rates. This is due to increased exposure to natural waters and reduced access to safe swimming locations. The highest rates of drowning hospitalisations and deaths in 2022-23 were in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
To address the issue of male over-representation in drowning statistics, organisations like Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving Australia are implementing strategies to improve water safety and reduce drowning incidents. These include urging Australians to supervise children at all times when they are in, on, or around water. Additionally, the Australian Water Safety Strategy has set priority areas such as young males, alcohol and drug use, and risk-taking, with targets to be achieved by 2030.
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Drowning rates increase ten-fold from age 10 to 20, likely due to increased risk-taking
Drowning is a significant cause for concern in Australia, with the country's highest rates of drowning and submersion injuries and deaths recorded in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Alarmingly, drowning rates increase tenfold from age 10 to 20, likely due to a combination of factors, including increased risk-taking behaviour and a lack of water safety skills.
Young people aged 10 to 20 are at a critical juncture in terms of drowning risk. As they seek more independence and engage in risk-taking behaviours, they may underestimate the dangers associated with water activities. This age group tends to have a higher exposure to water, and their willingness to take risks can lead to hazardous situations. For example, swimming alone, consuming alcohol before swimming, and boating are all risk factors that can increase the likelihood of drowning.
Additionally, a lack of swimming ability, water safety knowledge, and lifesaving skills among this age group contributes to the heightened risk. Formal swimming lessons have proven to be highly effective in reducing the risk of drowning, yet many young people in this age bracket may not have had adequate opportunities to develop these crucial skills. This gap in knowledge and ability can leave them vulnerable in aquatic environments.
The impact of social and economic disadvantage on drowning rates cannot be overstated. People from disadvantaged and regional areas are at a significantly higher risk of drowning. This disparity is evident in both children aged 5–14 and adults, with drowning rates reflecting the socioeconomic divide. Disadvantaged communities often have reduced access to safe swimming areas and higher exposure to natural water sources, exacerbating the risk.
To address this pressing issue, long-term investments in drowning prevention measures are essential. Initiatives such as providing swimming lessons, promoting water safety education, and improving access to safe swimming locations can play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of drowning for young people aged 10 to 20. By empowering this age group with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make safer choices around water, we can significantly reduce the incidence of drowning and its devastating consequences.
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People from disadvantaged areas drown at a higher rate
People from disadvantaged areas in Australia drown at a higher rate than those from more advantaged areas. This disparity is especially evident in children aged 5-14 years old, with drowning rates increasing tenfold from age 10 to age 20. The higher drowning rates in disadvantaged communities are attributed to factors such as greater exposure to natural waters, reduced access to safe swimming locations, and a lack of swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills.
Regional communities in Australia experience higher drowning rates, with two-thirds of drowning deaths occurring in these areas. This is due in part to their proximity to natural waters, such as rivers and creeks, which are among the leading locations for drowning incidents. Additionally, the rates of drowning and submersion injuries requiring hospitalisation are higher in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia, with these states also recording the highest numbers of drowning deaths.
The Royal Life Saving Society has expressed concern over the increase in drowning deaths during the summer months, emphasizing the need for long-term investments in drowning prevention measures. Their National Drowning Report highlights that rivers and creeks are the leading locations for drowning, followed by beaches, with alcohol consumption and pre-existing medical conditions also playing significant roles in drowning incidents.
Drowning is a significant issue in Australia, affecting people of all ages and locations. To meet the Australian Water Safety Strategy goal of halving drowning deaths by 2030, investments in localized solutions, addressing substance use, tackling disadvantage, and improving data collection are crucial to reducing drowning deaths.
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Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia have the highest rates of drowning
Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia have the highest rates of drowning-related deaths and hospitalisations in Australia. According to the National Drowning Report 2023, 281 people lost their lives to drowning in Australia between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. The report also revealed that drowning fatalities among children aged 0-4 years had decreased by 33% compared to the ten-year average. However, drowning rates for all age groups 45 and older were above the ten-year average.
New South Wales recorded the highest number of drowning deaths, with 107 fatalities during the 2022-23 period. This is nearly double the rates of Queensland and Victoria, and triple that of Western Australia. Queensland and Victoria each had 22 drowning deaths, while Western Australia recorded 15. These figures highlight the significant risk of drowning in these states.
The high drowning rates in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia can be attributed to various factors. One significant factor is the higher proportion of regional and disadvantaged areas in these states. Drowning rates are significantly higher in regional communities due to increased exposure to natural waters and limited access to safe swimming locations. Additionally, disadvantaged areas often lack adequate water safety education and resources, increasing the risk of drowning incidents.
Furthermore, the warm climate in these states contributes to higher drowning rates. Warmer temperatures extend the swimming season, resulting in increased recreational water activities and swimming in natural bodies of water. This is particularly true during the summer months, when drowning incidents tend to spike. The combination of higher water usage and unpredictable environmental conditions during summer creates a more hazardous environment for swimmers.
To address the high drowning rates in these states, long-term investments in drowning prevention measures are crucial. This includes improving water safety education, especially among youth and young adults, who are at a higher risk due to increased risk-taking behaviours and a lack of swimming skills. Additionally, developing and maintaining safe swimming locations in regional areas can help reduce the number of drowning incidents. By implementing effective prevention strategies, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia can work towards reducing the devastating impact of drowning on individuals, families, and communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Beaches and bodies of water are the most common places for drowning deaths in Australia, accounting for 48% of occurrences.
Yes, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia have the highest rates of drowning deaths and injuries.
Yes, December and March typically record the highest numbers of drowning deaths. Drowning and submersion hospitalisations and deaths also tend to increase during the summer months.
Yes, children aged 5-14 and adults over 65 are at a higher risk of drowning. The crude rate for those aged 0-4 is 12.0 hospitalisations per 100,000, while for those 65 and older, it's 1.9 deaths per 100,000.
Males are more likely to drown than females in Australia. The age-standardised rate for males is almost double that of females, with males aged 0-4 having the highest rate of 14.1 per 100,000.
