Image: Swimmers encouraged to be swim-safety aware ahead of a busy Summer period. Image: Surf Life Saving NSW/Facebook.
By JUSTIN COOPER.
A new report identifies the alarming rate of drowning deaths among adults in NSW last year, with the state government and Royal Life Saving advising on swimmer-safety ahead of Summer.
The National Drowning Report 2023 by Royal Life Saving Australia reveals a national increase in drowning deaths in comparison to the average from the past decade. Additionally, NSW reports a significant increase in drowning deaths, with adults aged over 45 representing a majority of the reported deaths.
Increases in drowning
From July 2022 and June 2023, there were 281 drowning deaths recorded nationally. This is a 1 percent increase in comparison to the 10-year-average.
NSW recorded a total of 107 drowning deaths, which was a 13 percent increase from the decade average. This result makes the state the third highest increase across Australia, following Victoria and South Australia.
Adults aged over 45 represented over 50 percent of drowning deaths in NSW. Furthermore, people over the age of 65 made up a majority of deaths among adults (32 percent) within NSW.
With the summer period encouraging swimming and recreational activity, being the leading factor of drowning deaths, CEO of Royal Life Saving NSW Michael Ilinsky expressed the necessity for elderly swim safety.
“Participation rates show older Australians are highly motivated to stay connected with their communities, however 75 percent of people over 65 are under-active,” explained Ilinsky.
“Preventing drowning in older people is a priority because Australians are remaining more active into their later years and are well-placed to realise the benefits of fun fitness and recreation activities,” they continued.
Active Adults campaign
Following the report, Ilinsky and Government Ministers, Jodie Harrison and Jihad Dib, highlighted the significance of the Active Adults program.
Encouraging awareness around adult swimming behaviours, the program provides safety tips for swimming within various locations and within certain conditions.
“With a hot summer expected, there was a need for older people to keep water safety top of mind when planning a day in, on or near the water,” said Harrison, Minister for Seniors.
“We know that when we focus on water safety in young people, we get results, with a 33% decrease in drowning deaths in 0-4 year olds.”
Some campaign’s recommendations include adults being aware of slipping hazards in their chosen swimming area. Drowning deaths from falls represent 13% of NSW deaths last year.
Swimmers should also acknowledge their own swimming abilities, with the campaign noting that people should swim with friends or wherever there is professional supervision.
Adults should also understand the influences of alcohol and prescribed medication which an individual is taking, which can potentially effect swimming ability.
“Australia is lucky to have great beaches, lakes and rivers that many enjoy spending time at,” said Dib, Minister for Emergency Services.
“Raising awareness of the dangers for older people, such as watching out for trip and fall hazards near water, is important for making sure everyone can enjoy a day out at the beach.”
