COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF BOATING - Surf Life Saving NSW · surf life saving australia 6 coastal safety brief – boating causal analysis drowning death 2004-19 51 years 21% aged 60-69

C OA S TA L S A F E T Y B R I E F

B OAT I N G S U R F L I F E S AV I N G A U S T R A L I A

SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING2

N A T I O N A L O V E R V I E W

SECTION SECTION NAME

B O A T I N G S N A P S H O T2 0 0 4 -1 9

ANALYSISOn average, at least 23 people drown per year as a result of boating.

It’s the second highest number of deaths for an individual activity.

2016

-17

2015

-16

2014

-15

2013

-14

2012

-13

2011

-12

2010

-11

2009

-10

2008

-09

2007

-08

2006

-07

2005

-06

2004

-05

2018

-19

2017

-18

20 22 28 15 28 25 25 23 22 16 21 31 21 28 15

0.090.100.11

0.13

0.07

0.13

0.11 0.110.10 0.09

0.07

0.09

0.130.11

0.06

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS TREND

69

76

4737

29

65

17

DROWNING DEATHS

34093%

MALE

AVERAGE AGE

51

DROWNING DEATH LOCATION

PARTICIPATION3

• 2.7 million boaters in 2019

• 0.7 million frequent users (at least once a month)

• Occasional boaters average 10 hours per year

• Frequent boaters average 150 hours per year

3%

22%

20%

19%

14%

11%

9%

NT

TASSA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW

QLD22%

5%

53%

14%

20%

32%

NoYesUnknown

No Lifejacket53%

LIFEJACKET USE AT TIME OF INCIDENT

AVERAGE DEATHS PER YEAR

23

RANK

2ndAVERAGE FATALITY RATE

0.10PER 100,000 POPULATION

KEY DEMOGRAPHIC

MALES AGED

Australian residents, Australian born

60–75

Rate per 100,000 pop.

Total drowning deaths

Boating is an extremely popular activity in and around Australian coastal waterways. There are 2.7 million coastal boaters in Australia, of which 700,000 are frequent participants. An estimated 18% of Australians go boating each year, with the majority from Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales.

Behavioural research revealed that the most common reasons for boating are for fun and enjoyment (73%), relaxation (71%), being with friends and family (68%) and being outdoors or in the natural environment (65%). Furthermore, the most popular boating activities are reported as fishing (69%) and touring or cruising (58%). While many Australians enjoy recreating on the water, unfortunately there are too many incidents that end in injury and death.

There have been 340 coastal boating-related drowning deaths between 2004-2019, which is an average of 23 drowning deaths per year. There have been a further 232 fatalities that were not drowning-related, equating to a total of 572 boating fatalities between 2004-19. Recreational boating is consistently the second highest coastal drowning activity nationally (following swimming & wading), however it is ranked first in Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Between 2004-19, more than half (53%) of all coastal boating drowning deaths were known not to be wearing a lifejacket. However, this number could be much higher with 32% remaining unknown.

Lifejackets clearly positively impact the outcome of boating incidents yet are rarely worn as recommended. Currently, legislation is state-based and varies according to each state. Surf Life Saving Australia collaborates with the Australian New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) to develop educational interventions to increase the wear rate of lifejackets. Representing the key stakeholders in recreational boating safety across Australia and New Zealand, ANZSBEG is an excellent example of a cross jurisdictional collaboration working to establish consistency across key educational messages such as the International Lifejacket Principles initiative.

B O A T I N G I N A U S T R A L I A


L O C A T I O N

BRISBANE

SYDNEY

CANBERRA

HOBART

MELBOURNE

ADELAIDE

DARWIN

PERTH

1,000km

SCALE

0

3 4

3

3

2

2

6

2

3

34 34

2

2

3

33

32

2

2

2

614

2

2

42

2

2

22

39

2

2

2

22

2

6

14

4

22

6

3

3

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

2

54

7

23

2

2

2

3

4

2

2

2

2

3

3

2

AshmoreReef

5

2

2

5

2

4

2

2

4

2 3

2

2

243

34

2

3

4

7 23

33

6

34

3

2

3

23

2

3

2

3

3

2

2

4

2

2004 – 2019

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS (n=340) AND FATALITIES (n=232) BY STATE

NSW

Sutherland Shire (10) Port Stephens (9) Shoalhaven (6)

QLD

Gladstone (8) Townsville (8)Whitsunday (7)Redland City (7)

VIC

Mornington Peninsula (5) Hobsons Bay (7)

WA

City of Cockburn (7)Shire of Carnarvon (6)

TAS

Clarence City (6)

2004 – 2019

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS & FATALITIES BY STATE (n=572)

65 | 58BOATING DROWNING BLACKSPOTS

Key to Incident Location

Boating Drowning Deaths

Boating Fatalities

Multiple incidents at the same location

Capital city

4

30%

25% 18%

9%

6%

6%

5%3%

22%

20%

19%

14%

11%

9%

NT

TASSA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW

5%

DROWNING DEATHS FATALITIES

DROWING DEATHS22%

OCCURRED IN QLD

FATALITIES30%


BRISBANE

SYDNEY

CANBERRA

HOBART

MELBOURNE

ADELAIDE

DARWIN

PERTH

1,000km

SCALE

0

3 4

3

3

2

2

6

2

3

34 34

2

2

3

33

32

2

2

2

614

2

2

42

2

2

22

39

2

2

2

22

2

6

14

4

22

6

3

3

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

2

54

7

23

2

2

2

3

4

2

2

2

2

3

3

2

AshmoreReef

5

2

2

5

2

4

2

2

4

2 3

2

2

243

34

2

3

4

7 23

33

6

34

3

2

3

23

2

3

2

3

3

2

2

4

2

17 | 11

76 | 70

29 | 22

69 | 42

47 | 1537 | 14


C A U S A L A N A LY S I S 2 0 0 4 -1 9

93%MALE

2004 – 2019

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES CONTINENT OF BIRTH

2004 – 2019

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES INCIDENT LOCATION

70%

4%

18%

Rock/Cliff

1%

4%

BayBeachJettyOffshorePort/MarinaRiver/Creek

2%

40%

12%

25%

2%

18%


DROWNING DEATH FATALITY

90%MALE

DROWING DEATHS70%

OCCURRED OFFSHORE

FATALITIES40%

24%

51%

6%7%

11%

72%

Latin America/Carribbean

16%

8%

1%

AustraliaEuropeAsiaOceaniaAfricaNorth America

2%<1%


DROWING DEATHS72%

AUSTRALIAN BORN

FATALITIES49%


2004 – 2019

SECONDARY ACTIVITY FOR BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES

2004 – 2019

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES TOXICOLOGY

C A U S A L A N A LY S I S 2 0 0 4 -1 9

Average age of deceased

51YEARS

22%AGED 60-69 YEARS

17%AGED 45-54 YEARS

DROWNING DEATH FATALITYAverage age of deceased

53YEARS

23%AGED 60-69 YEARS

18%AGED 45-54 YEARS

5%2%

78%

10%4%1%

66%

4%7%

6%

17%

AlcoholAlcohol & DrugsDrugsNoneOtherUnknown


DROWING DEATHS7%

ALCOHOL

FATALITIES5%

41%

21%

23%

2%

6%

9%

56%

12%

5%

17%

3%

Fishing (Work)Swimming/WadingAsylum SeekerBoating (Work)OtherUnknown

<1%

Fishing (Rec)Boating (Rec)Fall

1%


DROWNING DEATHS56%

RECREATIONAL FISHING

21%FATALITIES


C A U S A L A N A LY S I S D R O W N I N G D E A T H

2 0 0 4 -1 9

51YEARS

21%AGED 60-69 YEARS

20%AGED 45-54 YEARS 85+80-8475-7970-7465-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-2920-2415-1910-145-90-4

2 13

5

12

18

23

2931

27

32

23

35

40

32

14

10

2

29% DECEMBER-FEBRUARY

26% MARCH-MAY

22% 7-10AM

21% 12-3PM

AGE

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS BY AGE (n=339*)

TIME

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS BY TIME (n=254*)

MONTH

BOATING DROWNING DEATHS BY MONTH (n=340)

11 -

12am

10 -

11pm

9 - 1

0pm

8 - 9

pm

7 - 8

pm

6 - 7

pm

5 - 6

pm

4 - 5

pm

3 - 4

pm

2 - 3

pm

1 - 2

pm

12 -

1pm

11 -

12pm

10 -

11am

9 - 1

0am

8 - 9

am

7 - 8

am

6 - 7

am

5 - 6

am

4 - 5

am

3 - 4

am

2 - 3

am

1 - 2

am

12 -

1am

0

5

10

15

20

25

16

2

4

7

12

6 6

11 11

21

23

14 14

18

21

16

87

6

14

1

4

7

5

JuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuaryDecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJuly

30

15

20

34

26

34

40

26 27

41

21

26

* This number does not include ‘unknown’ age. Age was unknown for one case.

Shading denotes seasons

*This number does not include ‘unknown’ time of death, this is due to under reporting of night-time deaths which are usually not recorded until the morning and have occurred without witnesses. 25% (n=86) of cases occurred at unknown times.


C A U S A L A N A LY S I S F A T A L I T Y

2 0 0 4 -1 9

53YEARS

28%AGED 60-69 YEARS

18%AGED 45-54 YEARS

85+80-8475-7970-7465-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-2920-2415-1910-145-90-4

02 1

4

12 13

7

1714

21 20

31

23

29

18

13

3 4

28% DECEMBER-FEBRUARY

27% SEPTEMBER-NOVBEMBER

19% 7-10AM

20% 3-6PM

AGE

BOATING FATALITIES DEATHS BY AGE (n=232)

TIME

BOATING FATALITIES BY TIME (n=181*)

MONTH

BOATING FATALITIES BY MONTH (n=228*)

11 -

12am

10 -

11pm

9 - 1

0pm

8 - 9

pm

7 - 8

pm

6 - 7

pm

5 - 6

pm

4 - 5

pm

3 - 4

pm

2 - 3

pm

1 - 2

pm

12 -

1pm

11 -

12pm

10 -

11am

9 - 1

0am

8 - 9

am

7 - 8

am

6 - 7

am

5 - 6

am

4 - 5

am

3 - 4

am

2 - 3

am

1 - 2

am

12 -

1am

10

2

8

4

9

1

4

9

13

1011

8

12

8

11

13

1112

8

3

5

34

2

JuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuaryDecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJuly

17

2123

2018

27

2017

19 2017

9

Shading denotes seasons

* This number does not include ‘unknown’ month. 2% (n=4) of cases were unknown.

*This number does not include ‘unknown’ time of death, this is due to under reporting of night-time deaths which are usually not recorded until the morning and have occurred without witnesses. 22% (n=51) of cases occurred at unknown times.


WHERE

WHY

WHEN

80%MORE THAN 5KM TO A LIFESAVING

SERVICE

70%WERE BOATING OFFSHORE

(MORE THAN 500M)

17%AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

53%NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

WHO

71%LIVED MORE THAN 10KM FROM INCIDENT

LOCATION

98%WERE AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

69%BOATING BETWEEN 6AM–6PM

30%DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

DROWNING DEATH FATALITY

76%MORE THAN 5KM TO A LIFESAVING

SERVICE

40%WERE BOATING OFFSHORE

(MORE THAN 500M)

12%AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

78%NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET

73%LIVED MORE THAN 10KM FROM INCIDENT

LOCATION

76%WERE AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

70%BOATING BETWEEN 6AM–6PM

28%DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS


BOATERS BELIEVE THAT BOATING IS SOMEWHAT

HAZARDOUS

H A Z A R D P E R C E P T I O N

Extremely hazardous Somewhat hazardousVery hazardous Not very hazardous Not at all hazardous

5%

15%

38%

33%

8%

47%

35%

9%7%

1% 1%0%

Occasional Frequent

Can't say

2015 – 2019

HAZARD PERCEPTION OF FREQUENT VS OCCASIONAL BOATERS Q. How hazardous do you believe boating to be?

Somewhat hazardous

45%

Very hazardous

10%

Not very hazardous

34%

Not at all hazardous

9%

Can't sayExtremely hazardous

2% 0%

2015 – 2019

HAZARD PERCEPTION OF BOATINGQ. How hazardous do you believe boating to be?

36%

Somewhat hazardous

49%

Very hazardous

13%

Not very hazardous

23%

Not at all hazardous

10%

Can't sayExtremely hazardous

5%

1%

2014 – 2019

COASTAL HAZARD PERCEPTION OF BOATERSQ. How hazardous do you believe the coast to be? (Including the ocean, surfzone and adjacent rocky coast)

BOATERS BELIEVE THE COAST IS SOMEWHAT

HAZARDOUS

49%

45%

FREQUENT BOATERS BELIEVE BOATING IS

EXTREMELY /VERY HAZARDOUS

20%


700,000FREQUENT COASTAL BOATERS (AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH)

2.7 MILLION COASTAL BOATERS

BOATING HOURS PER FREQUENT BOATER

PER YEAR

50+35 - 4925 - 3416 - 24

23%

20%18%

15%

2014 – 2019

AGE OF BOATERS

Cant SayHighy CompetentCompetentAverageWeakUnable to Swim

6%

23%

34%

26%

10%

1%

2014 – 2019

OCEAN SWIMMING ABILITY OF BOATERS

2014 – 2019

NATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN COASTAL BOATING

TASWASA/NTQLDVICNSW/ACTFemaleMaleTotal

18%

21%

15%

20%

13%

20%

17%18%

21%

AUSTRALIANS PARTICIPATE IN

BOATING ACTIVITIES

P A R T I C I P A T I O N P R O F I L E

BOATERS ARE WEAK SWIMMERS OR

UNABLE TO SWIM IN THE OCEAN

18%

142

29%

BOATERS ARE 16-34 YEARS

OF AGE

43%

2019


2016 – 2019

TYPE OF BOAT USED

2019

SELF-REPORTED BOATING EXPERTISE

2016 – 2019

HOW DO BOATERS CHOOSE THEIR LOCATION?

2014 – 2019

WHERE DO BOATERS USUALLY GO?

26%

AdvancedIntermediateBeginner

48%

26%

Offshore >2NMOffshore < 2NMEstuary/MangroveBay/Harbour

40%

23%21%

14%

OtherSail boat on trailerSail boat onmooring/marina

Power boat onmooring/marina

Power boat on trailer

73%

19%14%

6% 3%

Watersportsarea

My club/my boatis there

Hasamenities

Is secluded/uncrowded

Is closeto home

My friendsgo there

Is close towhere I launch

my boat

Is easy topark

Easylaunching

Is safe/protected

Goodfishing

Seaconditions

Weatherconditions

69%62%

57%50% 48%

35%29%

23% 21% 19%12%

8% 8%

BOATERS ARE ADVANCED

USERS

26%

USE POWER BOAT ON A TRAILER

73%

GO BOATING IN THE BAY/HARBOUR

40%

CHOOSE LOCATION BASED ON WEATHER

CONDITIONS

69%


L I F E J A C K E T U S E 2 0 1 6 I P S O S R E P O R T

Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) main goal is to reduce coastal

drowning deaths. Nationally, boating is consistently the second

highest activity drowning victims are participating in when the

fatality occurs. Lifejacket usage plays an important role in the

outcome of boating incidents and where participants survive or

not. In 2016, we commissioned Ipsos Social Research Institute

to conduct a qualitative research project into the conceptions

and behaviours of boaters with regards to lifejacket usage.

This research revealed that wearing a lifejacket is the exception

rather than the norm. The belief that (in non-threatening

situations), lifejackets are only necessary for people who

can’t swim is a clear signal about inadequate or inappropriate

perceptions of risk associated with boating. The survey indicates

that boaters are more likely to report always wearing a lifejacket

when the boat is moving (40%) versus stationary (28%). Only

20% of skippers say they always see other boaters wearing

lifejackets. While 73% of skippers always ensure children wear

a lifejacket, only 41% do so for adult passengers. While 67% of

boaters own a lifejacket (89% of skippers, specifically), boaters

born overseas are less likely to own one (60%).

When asked why they always wear a lifejacket, boaters said

to be safe (58%), to be prepared for unexpected situations or

accidents (25%), because it can save your life (19%) or because

it’s the law (11%). Among those who wear a lifejacket at least

some of the time, common situations were when conditions

become rough (76%), threatening weather is approaching

(66%), or they are in the open ocean (56%), among other

common reasons relating to passengers and conditions.

Boaters who do not always wear a lifejacket say it is because

they are too bulky or uncomfortable (31%), restrict movement

(28%), and are too hot in warm weather (27%), or because they

don’t think they’ll go in (23%), have never really thought about

it (20%), or because no one else wears one (15%). One in five

boaters think lifejackets are for people who cannot swim, but

only one in ten believe those who wear them are being overly

cautious. The majority disagree with the statement ‘lifejackets

are for those who take risks’ (61%). Similar proportions of

boaters believe lifejackets are worn by experienced boaters

(25%) and by inexperienced boaters (24%), highlighting mixed

perceptions.

Nearly two thirds (64%) believe there is lifejacket legislation in

their state, yet there is confusion about the details, with many

assuming there is legislation about the number of lifejackets

to be carried and children’s use of lifejackets (regardless of

whether this was true). More than half (54%) support lifejackets

being made mandatory at all times when boating, with boaters

in Tasmania most likely to support this (74%), and those in

Queensland least likely (44%). However, the vast majority

support lifejackets being mandatory when boating at night

or alone (both 80%), or crossing coastal sandbars or boating

offshore (both 74%).

52%

60%

51%91%

48%

40%

47%*

2016 IPSOS REPORT

LIFEJACKET LEGISLATION AWARENESS BY STATE AND TERRITORY* Caution low base size in NT, treat as indicative only


2016 IPSOS REPORT

IN WHAT SITUATIONS ARE BOATERS MOST LIKELY TO WEAR A LIFEJACKET

OtherCoolerweather

Lots ofboats around

FishingParticipatingin water

sports

Crossingcoastal sandbar

Whitecapson the ocean

When it'swindy

Boatingalone

Boatingwith children

Open ocean

Threateningweather

approaching

Roughcoditions

76%

66%

56%51% 50% 49% 46% 44% 42%

17% 16% 15%

4%

WHEN CONDITIONS GET ROUGH

76%

2016 IPSOS REPORT

WHAT ARE THE MAIN REASONS YOU ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET?

Don't knowOtherSet a goodexample

Poorswimming

ability

Being sensible/

responsible

Gives meconfidence/

peace of mind

It's importantBouyancy and/or

visibility

Always weara lifejacket

It's the lawIt can saveyour life

Be preparedfor accident/

the unexpected

To be safe

58%

25%19%

11%8% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 4% 1%

WEAR A LIFEJACKET TO BE SAFE

58%

2016 IPSOS REPORT

WHAT ARE THE MAIN REASONS YOU DON’T WEAR A LIFEJACKET MORE OFTEN?

OtherBoat isnot

moving

It would domore harmthan good

if I fell in

Boat sizeTooexpensive

I don't likethe way

they look

Lookinexperienced

Difficult toaccess

my pockets

Boat isclose

to shore

No oneelse wears

one

Never reallythoughtabout it

I won’tfall or

get swept in

Too hot inwarm

weather

Restrictsability to

move

Too bulky/not

comfortable

28% 27%23%

20%

15%

8%6%

3% 3% 3% 2%

10%

3% 2%

DON’T WEAR A LIFEJACKET BECAUSE

IT’S TOO BULKY OR UNCOMFORTABLE

31%

76%

58%

31%


OtherBuoyancy aidFlaresRadioTorchBucketAnchorMobile phoneLifejacket

93% 89%81% 77% 75%

69% 66%61%

12%

S A F E T Y P R A C T I C E S

Ensure all passengerswear a lifejacketor buoyancy aid

Wear a lifejacketor buoyancy aid

Avoid boating\fishingunder the influence

of alcohol\drugs

Avoid speeding on thewater in regulated areas

Carry necessarysafety equipment

Check weatherconditions prior to

leaving on your voyage

Use only registeredand seaworthy vessels

81%

10%

6%

Always Most of the time Sometimes Never Can’t say

74%

15%

8%

78%

13%

6%

76%

15%

6%

73%

15%

8%

49%

21%

20%

53%

20%

19%

8% 5%

2%1% 3%2%

2%1%

2%1%

2%1%

2%2%

2014 – 2019

SAFETY PRACTICES OF BOATERS Q. How often do you follow each of these practices when you go boating?

2015 – 2019

SAFETY EQUIPMENT USE BY BOATERSQ. Please indicate what equipment you carry or use when boating?

BOATERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET WHEN

BOATING

93%

BOATERS CHECK THEWEATHER BEFORE

THEIR VOYAGE

74%


None/Can't say

OtherMagazineRegularemail

newsletter

NewspaperRadioTVUsing an appon smartphone

or tablet

Online

75%

26%21%

18%13%

6% 5% 4%9%

Can't say

Other

Swellnet

Beachsafe

Local council

Swimm

ing, s

urfing, fi

shing,

boating, s

norkellin

g,

diving clu

b

State

governm

ent

marit

ime agency

Marin

e rescue

organisatio

n

Weath

erzone

Surf Life

Saving,

lifesavers,

surf life

savers

Coastalw

atch

Lifeguard

s

Coastguard

s

Bureau of

Mete

orology

56%

51% 50%

44%42% 41%

29%27%

20%18%

16%

7%

2% 3%

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

Where boaters obtain safety informationOnline sources are the most popular method for obtaining coastal safety information. Women are more likely to have obtained boating

information from family (41% compared with 27% of men), whereas older boaters (50+ years) are more likely to have learned new information

by reading signage at launch locations (26% compared with 11% of 18-34 year olds and 18% of 35-49 year olds).

SEEK INFORMATIONONLINE

2014 – 2019

AUTHORITIES THAT BOATERS TURN TO FOR COASTAL SAFETY INFORMATION

2014 – 2019

PLACES WHERE BOATERS USUALLY SEEK COASTAL SAFETY INFORMATION

75%

56%FROM THE BUREAU OF

METEOROLOGY

50%FROM LIFEGUARDS


CORE BEHAVIOUR FACTORS KEY SOURCES OF BEHAVIOUR

Experienced open

water boaters:

• Perceive risk but are

prepared and equipped

• More likely to check/

observe conditions

in detail

• More likely to boat

in riskier spots and

conditions

• More likely to boat

by themselves

Experienced

inshore boaters:

• More likely to check/

observe conditions

for comfort

• Less concentration on

safety as they are inshore

(seen as less risky)

• Boat to their ability

Four in ten ‘always’

wear lifejackets

when moving

Lifejackets are

often only used to

mitigate tricky

conditions/situations

CAPABILITY

(Knowledge and skills)

Psychological

• Many believe they are experienced and cautious. They believe

that this minimises their risk

• Past experience suggests they won’t get into trouble

• They believe they have the ability to avoid problems

• Experience leads to overconfidence in rough or tricky

conditions (e.g. sandbar)

• Belief they could swim or float to survive

• Lack of consideration of lifejackets outside of tricky situations

CAPABILITY

(Knowledge and skills)

Physical

• Perceptions of experience are greater for self than others

MOTIVATION

(Brain processes that energise

and direct behaviour)

Reflective

• Desire for relaxation and (for some) solitude or exhilaration,

works against safety messaging

• Safety considerations do influence when and where they boat

• Safety behaviour is limited by attitudes

(I’m experienced; I play it safe)

• Overconfidence in ability to manage risk

• Lifejackets seen as impractical and counter to some

drivers of enjoyment (relaxation, etc.)

• Confusion about legal status of lifejackets

MOTIVATION

(Brain processes that energise

and direct behaviour)

Automatic

• Some haven’t given lifejackets much thought beyond

making sure they are on board

• Lack of thought about possibility of ‘going in’

OPPORTUNITY

(Factors outside the individual)

Social

• Don’t see many others wearing lifejackets

• Some behavioural norms work against lifejacket use – they are

for the inexperienced, for children or don’t see them being worn

B E H A V I O U R A L F R A M E W O R K F O R K E Y A U D I E N C E S

Desired Behaviour Change

5. Always carry emergency

equipment

1. Always wear a

lifejacket

2. Always check

weather conditions

3. No boating under the

influence of drugs and/or

alcohol

4. Know your ability

and that of others


WHO ARE THEY? RISK BEHAVIOUR HOW DO WE TALK WITH THEM?

Over confident and

experienced boaters

They are less likely to believe they’re at risk of getting

into trouble and believe they have a stronger swimming

ability. They are also more likely to be familiar with the

area where they go boating

Emphasise that boating incidents involve all sorts

of boaters, and that the unexpected can happen at

any time to anyone

Self-exempting

when it comes to

mitigating risk

They are more likely to participate in boating

alone and less likely to wear a lifejacket at all times.

May also mix drinking/drugs and boating but believe

they have a stronger swimming ability

Challenge existing beliefs about their capabilities

and the dangers of boating while also giving them

strategies to minimise the risks

Everyone elseMore likely to have a weaker swimming ability and

not wear a lifejacket because it is not a social norm

Tap into the boating mindset by using relatable

language that promotes common sense and can

help change boating norms

POTENTIAL BARRIERS COMMUNICATIONS APPROACH

Boaters can think that

safety messages impact on

their enjoyment

Some boaters believe that the wearing of a lifejacket at all times is limiting to their enjoyment.

This frame of mind is contradictory to the aim of boating for relaxation. Therefore, safety

messaging needs to remind participants that the range and availability of lifejackets and

safety equipment have improved functionality and comfort

Confusion among boaters

with regard to state

lifejacket legislations

There is a reasonable level of support (or at least, acceptance) for legislation regarding

lifejackets for boaters. However, changing social norms takes time, and some feel that

things are moving in this direction. Yet there is likely to be continued strong resistance

within some circles. Expectations regarding enforcement are likely to impact on behaviour,

and it’s clear that the diversity and complexity of laws across different states and territories

causes confusion. Ideally, legislation would be nationally consistent and simplified

K E Y T A R G E T S

Target Segmentation• Men 45-75 years

• Australian residents, Australian born

• In small open power boats

Communication Barriers


GENERAL

• State/territory marine authorities

• State/territory water police

• State/territory marine rescue organisations

• Boat shows/conferences

• TV ads

• Radio

WEATHER

• www.bom.gov.au

• www.buoyweather.com

• www.weatherzone.com.au

• www.marineweather.net.au

• www.seabreeze.com.au

WEBSITES/MAGAZINES

• My Boating Life

• Pacific Powerboat Magazine etc

POWERBOATS

• Powerboat World ( www.powerboat-world.com/australia)

• Australian Boat Mags (www.australianboatmags.com.au)

• Trailer Boat (www.trailerboat.com.au)

• Go Boating (www.goboating.com.au)

• Marine News (www.marinews.com/tbf.php)

SAILING • Sail World – International Collective

• Afloat Magazine

• Australian Sailing – National Sporting organisiation

• Sails Magazine – Sail racing magazine

• Offshore Yachting – Australia’s longest serving yachting magazine

SAILING/BOATING SCHOOLS

• Australian Boating College

• Yacht Master

• Sea School Marine Training

• Plus many more…

SUPPLIERS

• Australian Boating Chandlery

• Bias Boating Warehouse

• Whitworths

• Boating Camping Fishing

• Jetski Warehouse

ONLINE TRADING

• www.boatsonline.com.au

• www.boatpoint.com.au

• http://yachthub.com

• www.australiaboats.com.au

What information are boaters searching for?Among those who have searched for boating information in the last 12 months, information about the weather or swell conditions (77%) and

information about locations (60%) were most commonly searched for. Passengers are more likely to say they have searched about weather or

swell conditions in regard to boating (81% compared with 71% of skippers). However, a much greater proportion of skippers are searching for

a broader range of information, including:

How to Reach Boaters

H O W T O R E A C H B O A T E R S

SAFETY TIPS

60%

(compared with

48% of passengers)

BOATING GEAR

47% (compared with

34% of passengers)

BOATING TECHNIQUES

44%

(compared with

23% of passengers)

BOATING MAINTENANCE

40%

(compared with

21% of passengers)

http://www.bom.gov.au

http://www.buoyweather.com

http://www.weatherzone.com.au

http://www.marineweather.net.au

http://www.seabreeze.com.au

http://www.powerboat-world.com/australia)

http://www.australianboatmags.com.au

http://www.trailerboat.com.au

http://www.goboating.com.au

http://www.marinews.com/tbf.php)

http://www.boatsonline.com.au

http://www.boatpoint.com.au

http://yachthub.com

http://www.australiaboats.com.au


Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal

Safety Report 2019

The Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal

Safety Report (NCSR) is published annually and

contains information on Australian community

behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS

capability and membership capacity; rescues

and emergency response; and coastal

drowning deaths. The 2019 NCSR represents

the statistics from the period of 1 July 2018 to

30 June 2019. Trend analyses from 2004-19 are

also included.

All care is taken to ensure the statistical

information included within this report is

correct. However, pending the outcome of

ongoing coronial investigations and as SLS

state/territory entities update their operational

information, this data may be amended.


Safety Surveys

The annual Surf Life Saving Australia National

Coastal Safety Surveys collect Information

about community swimming ability,

behaviours and attitudes to coastal safety.

The survey is conducted by Newspoll Market

Research and Omnipoll and is run online over

a four-day period each April among a national

sample of approximately 1,400 respondents

aged 16 to 69. The study is carried out

in compliance with ISO 20252 - Market,

Social and Opinion Research. To reflect the

population distribution, results were post-

weighted (on age, gender, geographic strata

and education) and projected to Australian

Bureau of Statistics data.

Ipsos Social Research Institute Boating

and Watercraft Report 2016

The Ipsos Social Research Institute Boating

and Watercraft Report 2016 was a result

of research comprised of two distinct

methodological phases: a qualitative research

component, followed by a quantitative

research component. Both phases covered

similar topic areas: boating attitudes and

behaviours, risk perceptions and safety

strategies, rip current identification and

safety, information needs and sources,

lifejacket use and legislation, and other

interventions. The quantitative research

phase was carried out in February 2016.

This component comprised a national online

survey of n=983 male and female boaters,

aged 18 years or more who had been boating

in the last 12 months. This was followed by

comprehensive analysis of the data. Given

the geographic spread of the Australian

coastline, Ipsos SRI used a representative

sample of Australian boaters, involving

the application of non-interlocking quotas

according to the following demographic

characteristics: gender, age, state, and area.

Weighting was then applied to the sample to

ensure the representativeness of the data was

maintained.

Data illustrated in figures may not always

add up to 100% due to rounding.

References

Ipsos Social Research Institute (2016) Boating

and Watercraft Report 2016 . Ipsos: Sydney

Surf Life Saving Australia (2019) National

Coastal Safety Report 2019. SLSA: Sydney.


Safety Survey (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018,

2019). Newspoll/Omnipoll Online Omnibus

April 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.

Data correct at 31 January 2020. Changes may

occur at a later date.

© 2020 Surf Life Saving Australia

This publication is copyright. Except as

expressly provided in the Copyright Act 1968

and the Copyright Amendment Act 2006, no

part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted

by any means (including electronic,

mechanical, microcopying, photocopying,

recording or otherwise) without prior

permission from Surf Life Saving Australia.

For enquiries concerning reproduction,

contact SLSA on: phone 02 9215 8000; email:

[email protected]

Every attempt has been made to trace

and acknowledge copyright, but in some

cases this may not have been possible.

Surf Life Saving Australia apologises for

any accidental infringements and would

welcome any information to redress the

situation.

Acknowledgements

Surf Life Saving Australia wishes

to thank Frederic Anne (Omnipoll)

for their contribution to this report.

Suggested Citation

Cooney, N., Lawes, J., Daw, S. (2019) Coastal

Safety Brief: Boating. Surf Life Saving

Australia: Sydney.

R E F E R E N C E S

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF BOATING - Surf Life Saving NSW · surf life saving australia 6 coastal safety brief – boating causal analysis drowning death 2004-19 51 years 21% aged 60-69