The newly released Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2017 shows 291 people died as a result of drowning in Australia in the 2016/17 financial year. This is a 3% increase on the 282 drowning deaths in 2015/16.

The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2017 was launched by the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, Minister for Sport at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 12th September.

The 2017 report is the first to examine the impact of both fatal and non-fatal drowning. Royal Life Saving estimates that there were an additional 685 non-fatal drowning incidents requiring hospitalisation in 2016/17. Many of these people will require long term medical assistance.

The nation’s inland waterways continue to be the leading location for fatal drowning, accounting for 97 deaths in 2016/17, almost one third of the total. This included 68 at rivers and creeks, and 29 at lakes and dams.

“Australians love the water. It’s an important part of our culture. That’s why the Turnbull Government provides significant funding for water safety education. The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report reveals the sad fact that 291 people drowned last year. This is asobering reminder to always actively supervise children around water, for people young and old to learn to swim and survive, to increase lifejacket use, reduce alcohol consumption around water and to always Respect the River,” said the Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, Minister for Sport.

Drowning in children under five increased last year. Tragically 29 children aged 0-4 years drowned in 2016/17, a 38% increase on the previous year, serving as a sobering reminder to parents and pool owners of the need to constantly Keep Watch around water.

“Kids and families love pools, but they can pose a significant drowning risk to toddlers. Royal Life Saving urges pool owners to actively supervise young children around water and check that the pool fence and gate is in good working order,” says Justin Scarr, Royal Life Saving CEO.

Source
Royal Life Saving Society Australia