276 people died from drowning in 2019 and 70% were NOT visitors.
It wasn’t beaches (at 26%) that rated the highest locations either – it was rivers which accounted for 29% of all drowning deaths in Australia.
Another interesting fact is that the highest age group for the total number of drowning deaths was people aged 45 – 55 years and 81% were males.
The Royal Life Saving Australia, National Drowning Report, 2019 provides many insights into the high-risk activities, age groups and contributors to the annual figures. (click the link to view report) https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/25833/rlssa-ndr-2019-digital.pdf
Boating makes up 11% and is in the top 3 activities. So, what can we surmise from this data?
Perhaps we think we are safe in our tinnie whilst in calm waters such as a river and we don’t take enough precautions. Always follow the guidelines for wearing suitable lifejackets and consider the weather conditions.
Take a look at the report and consider the recommendations for additional ways to protect yourself and your family when boating.
