Upload
others
View
0
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NA
TIO
NA
L C
OA
ST
AL
SA
FE
TY
RE
PO
RT
20
19
SU
RF
LIF
E S
AV
ING
AU
ST
RA
LIA
N AT I O N A L C OA S TA L S A F E T Y R E P O R T 2019S U R F L I F E S AV I N G A U S T R A L I A
D R O W N I N GS N A P S H O T
COASTAL &OCEAN
DROWNINGDEATHS
MALE
FEMALE
23
4413
115
233
35%SWIMMING
14%BOATING &
PWC
7%SNORKELLING
AT LEAST 5KM FROM ALIFESAVING SERVICE
AT THE BEACH ROCK/CLIFF
Location
Activity
OFFSHORE
8%WATERCRAFT
C O N T E N T S
S E C T I O N O N E : C O M M U N I T Y 06 34A U S T R A L I A N P O P U L AT I O N 0 8
C OA S TA L PA R T I C I PAT I O N 0 9
AC T I V I T Y PA R T I C I PAT I O N 10
S W I M M I N G A B I L I T Y 14
R I S K PE R C E P T I O N 15
C OA S TA L S A F E T Y 16
S A F E T Y PR AC T I C E S 17
F E AT U R E : YO U N G M A L E S 18
F E AT U R E : BY S TA N D E R R E S C U E S
I N A U S T R A L I A 2 0
S E C T I O N T H R E E : D R OW N I N G A N A LYS I S
G LO S S A RY 64
R E F E R E N C E 66
N AT I O N A L OV E R V I E W 3 6
D R O W N I N G LO C AT I O N S 4 2
D R O W N I N G V S FATA L I T Y 4 4
N E W S O U T H WA L E S 5 0
Q U E E N S L A N D 52
V I C TO R I A 5 4
W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A 5 6
S O U T H A U S T R A L I A 5 8
TA S M A N I A 6 0
N O R T H E R N T E R R I TO RY 62
22C A PA B I L I T Y 2 4
S U R F L I F E S AV I N G S E R V I C E S 26
M E M B E R S H I P C A PAC I T Y 27
A S S E T C A PA B I L I T Y 2 8
R E S C U E S 2 9
PR E V E N TAT I V E AC T I O N S 3 0
F I R S T A I D 31
F E AT U R E : T H E F R E A K WAV E M Y T H 32
S E C T I O N T WO : C A PA B I L I T Y
I N T R O D U C T I O N 0 4
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Australian beaches have long occupied a special place
in Australian culture, with eighty-five per cent of the
population living within 50km of the coast and more than
300 million visitations to the coast in the last year. The Australian
coastline is where three of the world’s great oceans meet – the
Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans – each providing a diversity
of conditions and experiences to Australians and its visitors. The
beach is a place of significance where people from all over the
world can meet, live and come together.
Our interactions with the Australian coastline represent a legacy
that is recognised nationally and internationally with Australians
renowned for their affinity with the coast. Most visits to the coast
are ones of delight and fun, yet over the years too many have
been peppered with disaster and tragedy.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is one of the nation’s most
respected organisations and the peak body for coastal water
safety and drowning prevention. We are Australia’s largest
volunteer organisation, with 176,000 members drawn from all
age groups and demographics. Membership across 314 clubs is
almost fifty per cent female, with volunteer surf lifesavers
performing more than 10,176 rescues each year and over 1.3
million volunteer hours on patrol. In addition, they attend to
89,695 emergency care treatments and perform more than 1.5
million preventative actions. With research showing that for
every dollar invested or donated to Surf Life Saving there is
twenty-nine dollars of value returned to the community it is
undeniable the Surf Life Saving’s dividend to the nation is
immense - and growing.
The National Coastal Safety Report 2019 is a comprehensive
summary and analysis of our research and presents evidence
relating to community perceptions, delivery of core lifesaving
services, coastal drowning deaths and other fatal coastal
incidents. The report continues to focus on coastal drowning
deaths, however, the National Coastal Safety Report 2019 delves
further into other coastal-related deaths, presenting a
fifteen-year overview and laying the foundations for future
research to encompass all coastal-related fatalities.
The 2018-19 period resulted in 190 recorded coastal fatalities.
This includes 122 coastal drowning deaths, the third highest
recorded in the past fifteen years. Of all 190 coastal fatalities,
drowning was recorded as the causal factor in sixty-five per cent
of incidents. For the 2018-19 period the majority of coastal and
ocean drowning deaths occurred while swimming (35%), boating
and PWC (14%) or using watercraft (8%). Swimming, watercraft,
attempting a rescue, falls and snorkelling drowning deaths all
being above the fifteen-year average. Males continue to be
over-represented in coastal drowning deaths (87%), with young
males aged 16-39 identified at a greater risk and are twice as
likely to drown than other adults. On average forty young males
drown each year (2004-19).
For other unintentional coastal fatalities boating, swimming
and watercraft are the three highest activities undertaken at
the time of the fatality over the fifteen-year period, similar to
that of coastal drowning deaths. The 2018-19 period saw
swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling deaths above the
fifteen-year average.
Bystander rescues involve members of the public going to the
aid of those in distress, with these actions increasingly
recognised for the significant role in saving lives. Without these
invaluable actions there is no doubt many other lives would have
been lost. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the rescuer to
become the victim, with fatal bystander rescues on Australian
beaches between 2004-17 representing four per cent of all
coastal drowning deaths.
Rock fishing has recorded the third highest number of
coastal drowning deaths over the fifteen-year period. Media
has often attributed these to unexpected large swell or ‘freak
waves’. Research has found that the ‘freak wave’ concept is a
myth and that understanding the wave period is vital. More
experienced fishers have a better understanding of wave
period, which enables them to better manage associated risks,
and are encouraged to share their knowledge with less
experienced fishers.
The National Coastal Safety Report 2019 presents evidence-
based insights into factors relating to drowning deaths and other
fatalities, in addition to participation. This information is
invaluable for understanding circumstances around incidents
and assisting with the development of education and awareness
programs, initiatives and actions to reduce fatalities in the future.
I have the pleasure of commending this comprehensive report
to you and encourage all to support SLSA in its objectives of
reducing injury and the loss of life along our coastline. As has
been stated in the past, the numbers and statistics represented
are much more than this – they represent the loss of life of many
individuals. The loss of 190 lives is not tolerable, nor is the loss of
one life, our vision is zero preventable deaths in Australian waters.
Adam Weir
Chief Executive Officer
Surf Life Saving Australia
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201904
T O T A L S E R V I C E P L A N
The Total Service Plan is SLSA’s national drowning
reduction strategy and service plan. It is created using
an iterative process of analysis and review to identify
coastal safety issues of national importance. This approach
follows the public health model and is consistent with
international risk management principles.
In collaboration with stakeholders, SLSA identifies
coastal safety risks using incident monitoring,
coastal risk assessments and participation analysis.
This information is analysed to identify the top
national coastal safety issues, priorities and
blackspot areas that require intervention or
mitigation strategies.
THE NATIONAL SAFETY AGENDA
The issues and blackspots identified
through the Total Service Plan
process form the basis of SLSA’s
National Safety Agenda. The agenda
influences lifesaving operations,
including services and equipment allocation.
It drives public education, including evidence-based
mitigation strategies, communications campaigns
and pilot projects, and informs SLSA’s research plan.
The Total Service Plan takes a risk management
approach. It allows SLSA to use the evidence to ensure we
locate lifesaving services and assets in areas of need and have
appropriate public education programs and mitigation strategies
to address the coastal safety issues and known blackspots.
Embedded in the process is continual monitoring and evaluation
to ensure the treatments and interventions are effective in
reducing drowning deaths along the Australian coast.
The coastal safety needs of the Australian community
reflected in the National Safety Agenda and the Surf Life Saving
movement’s capacity and capability to meet these needs
are explored in the ‘Capability’ section of this report.
Figure 1
TOTAL SERVICE PLAN PROCESS OVERVIEW
The Total Service Plan aligns with the International
Standard ISO 31000:2018 framework, which provides
principles and guidelines for risk management.
ContextDrowning Statistics
Non-fatal Drowning DataOperational Statistics
Market ResearchPopulation Data
Participation/Behaviour Data
Communication and Consultation
Market ResearchStakeholder Consultation
Councils, Committees and Groups
Conferences and Forums
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitor TrendsMonitor and Evaluate Service/
Asset DeploymentEvaluate Pilot Programs
Evaluate Research
Incident Tracking Capability Statement
Participation/Behaviour Analysis
National Risk RegisterCoastal Risk Assessments
Risk Identification
Coastal Safety BriefsTrend Identification
GIS Analysis
Critical Incident AnalysisTarget Identification
Case Studies
Analysis
Evaluation
Treatment/InterventionLifesaving and Support Services
Blackspot Reduction ProgramBeach Safety Equipment Fund
Communication CampaignsPublic Education and Training
Early Warning Systems
Coastal Safety Hub Risk Assessment
National Coastal Safety Report
Strategic Research Agenda
National Safety AgendaNational Coastal
Safety IssuesBlackspot Identification
NATIONAL SAFETY AGENDA ISSUES
RIP CURRENTS
1.
OVER 55 YEARS
55+8.
WATERCRAFT
4.
ROCK FISHING
3.
SNORKELLING & SCUBA DIVING
7.
BOATING
2.
INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS
6.
TOXICITY & HEALTH
5.
DANGEROUS MARINE
CREATURES
9.
NEW MIGRANTS
10.
05 SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA INTRODUCTION
C O M M U N I T YS E C T I O N O N E
Australian adultsvisited the coast
in 2018/19
14.7MCoastal activity
participants
11.1MSwimming/Wading
participants
9.3M
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201908
A U S T R A L I A N P O P U L A T I O N
Figure 2
AUSTRALIAN POPULATION DENSITY PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA)
This map shows the estimated Australian population density per LGA at June 2019. Most LGAs with a population density higher than 100 persons per square kilometre are located on Australia’s coastal fringe.
1,000km
SCALE
0
Brisbane
SydneyCanberra
Hobart
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth
0.1–1 persons per km2
< 0.1 persons per km2
1–10 persons per km2
10–100 persons per km2
> 100 persons per km2
Key to Population Density per LGA
08
C O A S T A L P A R T I C I P A T I O N
Surfing1.4 million surfers
0.8 million frequent surfers (at least once a month)
6 surfing hours per occasional surfer per year
150 surfing hours per frequent surfer per year
Land-based Fishing2.9 million fishers
0.9 million frequent fishers (at least once a month)
11 fishing hours per occasional fisher per year
125 fishing hours per frequent fisher per year
Snorkelling 1.7 million snorkellers
0.4 million frequent snorkellers (at least once a month)
3 snorkelling hours per occasional snorkeller per year
170 snorkelling hours per frequent snorkeller per year
Swimming9.3 million swimmers
3.3 million frequent swimmers (at least once a month)
4 swimming hours per occasional swimmer per year
90 swimming hours per frequent swimmer per year
Boating2.7 million boaters
0.7 million frequent boaters (at least once a month)
10 boating hours per occasional boater per year
150 boating hours per frequent boater per year
Watercraft1.1 million watercraft users
0.4 million frequent watercraft users (at least once a month)
5 watercraft hours per occasional watercraft user per year
140 watercraft hours per frequent watercraft user per year
Rock Fishing1.1 million rock fishers
0.5 million frequent rock fishers (at least once a month)
10 fishing hours per occasional rock fisher per year
190 fishing hours per frequent rock fisher per year
Figure 3
2019: COASTAL VISITATION BY ACTIVITY
Questions: Which of the following coastal activities have you participated in during the past 12 months? How often do you participate in these activities?
FREQUENT VS OCCASIONAL PARTICIPATION
Annually, there are at least 11.1 million coastal activity participants. On average Australians visit the coast 3.4 times per month.
Scuba Diving0.6 million scuba divers
0.2 million frequent scuba divers (at least once a month)
5 diving hours per occasional diver per year
110 diving hours per frequent diver per year
Personal Water Craft (PWC)0.6 million PWC users
0.2 million frequent PWC users (at least once a month)
4 PWC hours per occasional PWC user per year
30 PWC hours per frequent PWC user per year
09 SECTION ONE COMMUNIT Y
Swimming/Wading
Land-basedFishing
Boating
Snorkelling
Surfing
Watercraft
RockFishing
PWC
ScubaDiving
Total: 50%
Total: 15%
Total: 14%
Total: 9%
Total: 7%
Total: 6%
Total: 6%
Total: 3%
Total: 3%
Less often3-11 times per year1-3 times per month1-4 times per week5+ times per week
2019: SWIMMING/WADING 2019: FISHING
Figure 4
2019: SWIMMING/WADING PARTICIPATION BY GENDER
Figure 5
2019: SWIMMING/WADING PARTICIPATION BY STATE
Figure 6
2019: FISHING PARTICIPATION BY TYPE AND GENDER
Figure 7
2019: FISHING PARTICIPATION BY TYPE AND STATE
A C T I V I T Y P A R T I C I P A T I O NC O A S TA L A C T I V I T Y PA R T I C I PA N T S : D E M O G R A P H I C & L O C AT I O N S E L E C T I O N
FISHERS WHO USE A LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID
36%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201910
Swimming/Wading
9.3M51% 49%
MaleFemale
TAS 36%
QLD 56%
NSW 53%
WA 49%
NT 48%
SA 44%
VIC 45%
29% 71%
2.9M Land-based
&
1.1M Rock
60%40%
MaleFemale
NT
WA
QLD
NSW
SA
TAS
VIC 10%
23%
21%
18%
16%
15%
15%
18%
9%
6%
6%
10%
3%
5%
Rock Fishing Land-based Fishing
HOW SWIMMERS SELECT LOCATION
68% 63%
Land-based
Rock
LAND-BASED FISHERS ROCK FISHERS
50% 66% 43%PATROLLED LOCATION
SEA/SURF CONDITIONSWEATHER CONDITIONS
SAFETY
2019: BOATING & PWC
Figure 8
2019: BOATING AND PWC PARTICIPATION BY GENDER
Figure 9
2019: BOATING AND PWC PARTICIPATION BY STATE
SWIMMING ABILITY OF FREQUENT PARTICIPANTS
11 SECTION ONE COMMUNIT Y
NT
TAS
NSW
QLD
WA
SA
VIC2%
0%
1%
5%
5%
1%
4%
22%
18%
18%
15%
14%
14%
9%
BoatingPWC
Figure 10
2019: SNORKELLING AND SCUBA DIVING PARTICIPATION BY GENDER
Figure 11
2019: SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELLING PARTICIPATION BY STATE
2019: SNORKELLING & SCUBA DIVING
35%SNORKELLERS
78%SCUBA DIVERS
LIFEJACKET OR BUOYANCY AID USE BY PARTICIPANTS
NT
WA
SA
NSW
VIC
QLD
TAS1%
2%
4%
1%
4%
2%
4%
20%
10%
10%
10%
9%
8%
4%
Scuba Diving Snorkelling
48% 52%
MaleFemale
Boating &
2.7M
PWC0.6M
54% 46%
Boating
PWC
54%46%
MaleFemale
1.7M Snorkelling
&
0.6M Scuba Diving
62%38%
ScubaDiving
23% PWC USERS IDENTIFY AS WEAK SWIMMERS OR CAN’T SWIM
BOATERS IDENTIFY AS WEAK SWIMMERS OR CAN’T SWIM9%
Snorkelling
2019: SURFING
Figure 12
2019: SURFING PARTICIPATION BY GENDER
Figure 13
2019: SURFING PARTICIPATION BY STATE
A C T I V I T Y P A R T I C I P A T I O NC O A S TA L A C T I V I T Y PA R T I C I PA N T S : D E M O G R A P H I C & L O C AT I O N S E L E C T I O N
14% HELMET
17% SHARK DETERRENT DEVICE
SAFETY EQUIPMENT USED BY SURFERS
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201912
32% 68%
Surfing1.4M
MaleFemale
NT 2%
NSW 10%
SA 9%
QLD 7%
WA 5%
VIC 5%
TAS 4%
2019: WATERCRAFT
Figure 15
2019: WATERCRAFT PARTICIPATION BY STATE
Figure 14
2019: WATERCRAFT PARTICIPATION BY GENDER
POPULAR LOCATIONS FOR WATERCRAFT ACTIVITIES
34% 22%
Watercraft1.1M
50% 50%
MaleFemale
SA 4%
QLD 7%
NSW 7%
NT 6%
VIC 6%
WA 5%
TAS 5%
BAY OR HARBOUR
ESTUARY OR MANGROVE
A C T I V I T Y P A R T I C I P A T I O NPA R T I C I PAT I O N F R E Q U E N C Y A N D E X P E R T I S E
Figure 16
2019: PARTICIPANTS (MILLIONS) IN COASTAL ACTIVITIES
13 SECTION ONE COMMUNIT Y
OccasionalFrequent
PWCScuba DivingRock FishingSurfingWatercraftSnorkellingLand-based Fishing
BoatingSwimming/Wading
6.0
3.3
0.40.2
0.40.2
0.60.5
0.60.80.7
0.4
1.3
0.4
2.0
0.9
2.0
0.7
Mill
ion
sH
ours
sp
ent a
t coa
st a
nn
ually
20
>50km
40
25-50km
60
10-25km
180
<10km Less than 2 hoursTwo hours or more
55%
80%85%
72%
14%13%
23%
41%
<10km10-25km
25-50km
>50km
Figure 17
2019: AVERAGE HOURS SPENT AT THE COAST BY DISTANCE OF RESIDENCE FROM THE COAST PER PERSON ANNUALLY
Figure 18
2019: HOURS SPENT AT THE COAST PER VISIT BY DISTANCE OF RESIDENCE FROM THE COAST
Where data does not total 100%, respondents answered ‘Can’t say’.
S W I M M I N G A B I L I T YC O N F I D E N C E I N C O A S TA L E N V I R O N M E N T S
Figure 19
2019: LEVEL OF EXPERTISE FOR SWIMMING AND WADING PARTICIPANTS
Figure 21
2019: PORTION OF PARTICIPANTS THAT CAN SWIM 50M IN THE OCEAN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BOTTOM BY ACTIVITY
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201914
60%
17%
22% 2%
Can’t say
AdvancedIntermediateBeginner
Swim at anintermediate
level
60%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Swimming/Wading
Land-based Fishing
BoatingPWCRock FishingWatercraftSnorkellingScuba DivingSurfing
46%
58%
65% 64%67% 66%
53%
60%
79%
can we extend axis to 100%
Figure 20
2019: ABILITY TO SWIM 50M BY REPORTED LEVEL OF EXPERTISE IN THE OCEAN COMPARED TO OVERALL
38%
59%
7%
2%
29%
63%
Can’t say
AdvancedIntermediateBeginner
Swim 50M at intermediate
level
59%
Ocean
Overall
OF SWIMMERS CANNOT SWIM 50M IN THE OCEAN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BOTTOM46%
R I S K P E R C E P T I O NP E R C E P T I O N S O F T H E C O A S T A N D C O A S TA L A C T I V I T I E S
Figure 22
2019: THINGS THAT COME TO MIND WHEN THINKING OF THE COAST
15
SharksCliff, rocks
Relax, relaxation,
lifestyle
Fish, fishing
Swim, swimming
Surf, surfing
Sun, sunshine
WaterSand, sandy
Beach
49%
21%
13%9% 8% 7% 7% 6%
1% 1%
HAZARDS ARE LARGELY IGNORED WHEN THINKING OF THE COAST. THIS SUGGESTS VISITORS ARE UNPREPARED WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THESE HAZARDS AT THE COAST
Figure 23
2019: COASTAL FEATURES RATED AS EXTREMELY OR VERY HAZARDOUS BY ALL ADULTS
Rip currents
Tropical marinestingers
Sun exposure
Sharks
Crocodiles
Other marinestingers
Rocks / Rockyplatforms
Waves 39%
80%
69%
65%
62%
62%
60%
59%
SECTION ONE COMMUNIT Y
WHEN THINKING OF THE COAST NEITHER LIFE SAVING SERVICES NOR PATROL FLAGS CAME TO MIND
C O A S T A L S A F E T YP E R C E P T I O N S O F T H E C O A S T A N D C O A S TA L A C T I V I T I E S
Figure 24
2019: HOW SAFE DO AUSTRALIAN ADULTS THINK COASTAL ACTIVITIES ARE
Where data does not total 100%, respondents answered ‘Can’t say’.
Figure 25
2019: PERCEIVED CONFIDENCE TO IDENTIFY A RIP CURRENT BY SWIMMING ABILITY BROKEN DOWN BY ACTUAL ABILITY TO IDENTIFY A RIP CURRENTWhere data does not total 100%, respondents answered ‘Can’t say’.
16
Rock FishingPWCScuba DivingSurfingWatercraftSnorkellingBoatingSwimming Land-based Fishing
Wading
7%
25%
63%
10%
40%
43%
10%
46%
37%
10%
49%
36%
11%
51%
31%
14%
51%
28%
18%
54%
22%
20%
56%
19%
39%
45%
10%
40%
44%
10%
Not very or not at all safe Somewhat safe Extremely or very safe
Highly competent
swimmer
Competent swimmer
Average swimmer
Weak swimmerUnable to swim
0
20
40
60
80
100
Could not identify a ripCorrectly identified one rip pictureCorrectly identified multiple rip pictures
Not confident
Confident
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 2019
82% OF HIGHLY COMPETENT OCEAN SWIMMERS FELT CONFIDENT TO IDENTIFY A RIP BUT ONLY
27% COULD DO SO ACCURATELY
SurfingRock Fishing
Land-based Fishing
Scuba Diving
SnorkellingSwimming / Wading
WatercraftPWCBoating
86 8783
78
68727376
71
4146 47
565654525048
Safety Index Rating - likelihood to follow safety practices when participating in the activity % participants who believe they are experienced enough to take a few risks
S A F E T Y P R A C T I C E SS A F E T Y M E A S U R E S I N C O A S TA L E N V I R O N M E N T S
Figure 26
2019: USUAL SWIMMING LOCATION BY DISTANCE OF RESIDENCE FROM THE COAST
Figure 27
2019: LIKELIHOOD OF COASTAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS TO FOLLOW SAFETY PRACTICES COMPARED TO THEIR PERCEPTION THAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE A FEW RISKSA safety index rating from 0 - 100 was created to demonstrate how likely coastal activity participants are to follow safety practices. For example, on average boaters follow safety practices 86% of the time.
17
> 50km
26 to 50km
10 to 25 km
< 10km37%
20%
24%
47%
15%
25%
49%
16%
28%
45%
24%
29%
Patrolled beach during patrol hours only Patrolled beach, but not always during patrolled hours Unpatrolled beach
SECTION ONE COMMUNIT Y
THOSE WHO LIVE LESS THAN 10KM FROM THE BEACH WERE MORE LIKELY TO SWIM OUTSIDE OF PATROL TIMES OR AT UNPATROLLED BEACHES
F E A T U R E : Y O U N G M A L E SM E N A G E D 16 - 3 9
Young males are a significant demographic as they are
continually over-represented in coastal drowning data.
Since 2004, men aged between 16-39 account for 36%
of all drowning deaths and 33% of other coastal fatalities. In
2018-19, 44 drowning deaths were young males aged between
16-19, above the 15 year average of 40. The average drowning
death rate for young men is double that for other adults within
the population (2.05:1), meaning young men are twice as likely to
drown than the rest of Australian adults.
Young men often participate in coastal activities more than
the average Australian adult and often exhibit over-confidence
in their abilities. For drowning deaths involving young males
aged 16-39, 58% had little to no experience in the activity
they were participating at the time of death (Figure 28).
This confidence is also evident in their reported risk taking
behaviours, with consistently more young males considering
themselves experienced enough to take risks during activities
when compared to the total adult population (Figure 29). This
risk taking tendency may escalate further under the influence of
alcohol and drugs. For example, two-thirds of young males had
consumed alcohol when they drowned (Figure 30).
These results show that the adventurous and confident side to
young males puts them at greater risk than other demographics
and should be considered when trying to understand the impact
of drowning and other fatalities on our communities.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201918
64%OF YOUNG MALES HAD CONSUMED ALCOHOL WHEN THEY DROWNED
Figure 28
2004-19: EXPERIENCE IN ACTIVITY FOR DROWNINGDEATHS YOUNG MALES COMPARED TO OTHER ADULTS
Highly Experienced
Not Experienced or No Experience
Experienced
36%32%
51%58%
13%
10%
Young males had no experience
in drowning activity
58%
Young Males
Other Adults
BoatingPWCWatercraftSwimming/Wading
SnorkellingScuba DivingLand-based Fishing
Rock FishingSurfing
Young male population (16-39 years old)
Total Australian adult population
69%
56% 56%
66%
54%
67%
52%
71%
50%
64%
48%
64%
47%
55%
46%49%
41%
52%
Figure 29
YOUNG MALES COMPARED TO THE ADULT POPULATION WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS DURING AN ACTIVITYYoung males are consistently more confident to take risks compared to the total adult population.
F E A T U R E : Y O U N G M A L E SM E N A G E D 16 - 3 9
Figure 31
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF YOUNG MALES DROWNING DEATHS
19 SECTION ONE COMMUNIT Y
Figure 30
2004-19: ALCOHOL AND DRUGS CONTRIBUTED TO 23% OF YOUNG MALE DROWNING DEATHS (n=135). OF THESE CASES, 39% HAD CONSUMED ALCOHOL ONLY (n=52), 36% HAD TAKEN DRUGS ONLY (n=49), WHILE 25% HAD BOTH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS IN THEIR SYSTEM (n=34)
Alcohol and Drugs
Drugs only
Alcohol only
25%
39%
36%
Alcohol 64%
40YOUNG MALES: 15 YEAR
DROWNING AVERAGE
44YOUNG MALES: 2018-19
DROWNING DEATHS
2.05:1YOUNG MALES TO OTHER ADULTS
RATE OF DROWNING DEATHS
2.71:1RATIO YOUNG MALES:OTHER ADULTS
AMPHETAMINE USE
ALCOHOL USE
CANNABIS USE
2.08:1 RATIO YOUNG MALES:OTHER ADULTS
THE AVERAGE BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT WAS 0.16, MORE THAN TRIPLE THE LEGAL LIMIT
2009-102004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
Young male drowning deaths per 100,000 pop.
37 37
4240
42
36
48
4345
31
34
49
33
44
32
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201920
Water safety and drowning prevention is a complex
public health challenge especially given that many
drowning incidents occur away from lifeguard or
lifesaver services. In these situations, the only available help is
often in the form of bystander rescuers. The term ‘bystander’
describes any member of the public, be it family, friend or
stranger, who attempts to rescue someone in distress. However,
bystander rescuers may lack experience, thereby placing
both themselves and the rescuee at risk and tragically it is not
uncommon for bystander rescuers to drown. Nevertheless,
bystander rescues are increasingly recognised for the significant
role they play in saving lives and the World Health Organisation
has identified “train bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation”
as the fourth-most important action to reduce the global rates
of drowning.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) report 53 coastal drowning
deaths of bystander rescuers on Australian beaches between
2004-2017, representing four percent of all coastal drowning
deaths. Additionally, thirteen percent of Australians aged 16-69
have reported conducting a bystander rescue. SLSA with the
University of NSW, Sydney and James Cook University recently
investigated the characteristics of bystander rescues in Australia1.
The main aims of this study were to determine the importance
of prior water safety training in bystander rescues and to guide
future public education strategies.
The Citizen Lifesaver Survey was completed by 243 people,
approximately half of whom had received prior water-safety
training, and found that bystander rescues were different
depending on aquatic environment. Most occurred at beach
locations more than 1km away from lifesaving services.
Comparatively, males performed more bystander rescues
in natural waterways (coastal and inland) than females, who
conducted more rescues in swimming pools. Most male
bystander rescuers had some level of water safety training
compared to females.
Results of the study highlight the valuable role that off-duty
lifesavers and lifeguards play in drowning prevention, as
bystanders with water safety training made three times more
rescues than those without training. Most bystanders did not use
a flotation device, but those with training were more likely to use
one during a rescue. None of the 53 bystander coastal drowning
deaths reported the use of a flotation device, indicating that more
training and better communication regarding the usefulness
of flotation devices are potentially important messages to help
reduce numbers of drowning deaths.
F E A T U R E : B Y S T A N D E R R E S C U E S I N A U S T R A L I A
Footnote: 1Citation: Brander RW, Warton N, Franklin RC, Shaw WS, Rijksen EJT, Daw S (2019) Characteristics of aquatic rescues undertaken by bystanders in Australia. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0212349. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212349
YesNo
72%
28%
54%
46%
Previoustraining
Male
Female
36% BYSTANDER RESCUES WERE CONDUCTED AT BEACHES
PREVIOUS WATER SAFETY TRAINING
CONFIDENT IN ABILITY TO MAKE RESCUE
OF BYSTANDER RESCUERS RATE THEMSELVES AS A STRONG SWIMMER
NO FLOTATION DEVICE USED
OF AUSTRALIANS AGES 16 - 69 HAVE REPORTED CONDUCTING A BYSTANDER RESCUE
13%
FEMALE
MALE
36%
B Y S T A N D E R R E S C U E S S N A P S H O T
C A P A B I L I T YS E C T I O N T W O
PROFICIENT MEMBERS
50,53410,176RESCUES
UAVs
1,094 314 103 IRBs Clubs
VOLUNTEER PATROL HOURS
1,379,056
C A P A B I L I T Y
Surf Life Saving (SLS) has significant capability to provide
coastal surveillance patrols and aquatic search and rescue
(SAR) operations, working in close partnership with police
and other emergency services.
These services are expertly delivered and managed by the
40,959 Bronze Medallion holders and 9,575 Surf Rescue
Certificate holders (totalling 50,534 proficient surf lifesavers)
through the 314 Surf Life Saving Clubs. This is alongside over
1,000 full time, seasonal and casual lifeguards. Surf lifesavers and
lifeguards receive specialised training to industry best-practice
standards under the Australian Qualifications Framework
ensuring the community receives consistent service of the
highest quality across the nation.
Radio communications provide support to all services via SLS
coastal radio networks or government radio networks, which are
connected to SLS communication and operation centres. These
centres provide operational support, data management and
when required coordinate the SLS emergency response system.
VOLUNTEER SURF LIFESAVERS
Our volunteer surf lifesavers are provided with fit-for-purpose
equipment designed to operate in the hazardous and challenging
conditions that SLS services encounter. Surf lifesavers utilise
thousands of rescue boards and rescue tubes mostly around the
red and yellow flagged patrol areas. They are supported by 1,094
inflatable rescue boats (IRB), allowing surf lifesavers to quickly
navigate the surf zone and inshore environment.
Roving surveillance patrols that actively monitor stretches
of coastline near a primary patrolled areas are vital to the SLS
drowning prevention strategy. Surf lifesavers undertake these
patrols using 567 side-by-side (SSV) and 4WD vehicles. Similarly,
aerial surveillance can be undertaken through the fleet of 103
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
SLS services extend beyond the red and yellow flags to provide
surveillance and emergency response in isolated and hazardous
coastal areas. Agile craft such as 181 rescue water craft (RWC)
and six jet rescue boats (JRBs) allow surf lifesavers to access
white-water areas such as coastal bars and rocky coastlines.
A fleet of ten offshore rescue boats (ORBs) and eight rigid-hull
inflatable boats (RIBs) further extend the SLS response capability
providing longer range surveillance, blue-water rescue and
SAR operations.
AUSTRALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICE
The Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) is a national lifeguard
provider of beach and pool lifeguard services to 65 local
government councils and land managers across Australia. It is the
largest supplier of professional lifeguards in Australia.
ALS operations are fully integrated into the 24-hour surf
emergency response system and work with SLS’s volunteer
lifesaving services including the strategically located Westpac
Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Services.
ALS patrols provide a range of services, from single-day patrols
during periods of peak attendance (i.e. public holidays) to 365-
day services for local governments. They are a crucial component
in offering a seamless service to the community during peak
periods. Several councils around Australia operate internal
lifeguard services. Statistics for those services have not been
included in this report.
WESTPAC LIFESAVER RESCUE HELICOPTERS
For rapid, isolated or complex rescues, eight Westpac Lifesaver
Rescue Helicopters provide aerial support to lifesaving services
and further extend our surveillance and SAR capability. These
important assets also support police and other emergency
services in a range of emergency and disaster situations.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201924
SURF LIFE SAVING (SLS) HAS SIGNIFICANT CAPABILITY TO PROVIDE COASTAL SURVEILLANCE PATROLS AND AQUATIC SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) OPERATIONS, WORKING IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH POLICE AND OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES.
Surf Rescue Certificate (CPR Endorsed)
Spinal Management
Silver Medallion IRB Driver
Silver Medallion Beach Management
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
Radio Operator Certificate
IRB Crew Certificate
Gold Medallion (Advanced Lifesaving)
First Aid [AID]
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques [AID]
534
783
240
9,575
604
10,545
9,601
14,388
1,279
4,563
8,845
7,292
5,898
1,641
Award held by Bronze Medallion HoldersAward held by non-Bronze Medallion holders
Figure 33
2018–19: TOTAL QUALIFICATIONS OF PROFICIENT LIFESAVERS
Figure 32
2018–19: QUALIFICATIONS HELD BY BRONZE MEDALLION HOLDERS
40,959 proficient Bronze Medallion holders also are proficient in nine other lifesaving awards, totalling over 60,000 additional lifesaving
qualifications. This highlights the large amount of additional volunteer training our surf lifesavers undertake to ensure they are highly
skilled first responders.
25 SECTION T WO CAPABILIT Y
FIRST AID 10,545
SPINAL MANAGEMENT
5,898
SILVER MEDALLION IRB DRIVER
7,292
GOLD MEDALLION (ADVANCED LIFESAVING)
534
RADIO OPERATOR
CERTIFICATE4,563
ADVANCED RESUSCITATION
TECHNIQUES 9,601
SILVER MEDALLION
AQUATIC RESCUE
783
IRB CREWCERTIFICATE
14,388
SILVER MEDALLION
BEACH MANAGEMENT
8,845
BRONZE MEDALLION
40,959
S U R F L I F E S A V I N G S E R V I C E S
Figure 34
2018–19: SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICES
There are 314 Surf Life Saving Clubs around Australia: 129 in New South Wales, 57 in Queensland, 57 in Victoria, 31 in Western
Australia, 22 in South Australia, 15 in Tasmania and 3 in Northern Territory. The Australian Lifeguard Service provides 238 lifeguard
services around Australia: 90 in New South Wales, 78 in Queensland, 44 in Victoria, 17 in Western Australia, 5 in Northern Territory,
2 in South Australia and 2 in Tasmania.
1,000km
SCALE
0
Brisbane
Sydney
Canberra
Hobart
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth 219
135
8
24
48
101
17
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201926
M E M B E R S H I P C A P A C I T Y
Figure 35
2018–19: PATROLLING MEMBERS
There were a total of 43,092 members who performed a patrol. This includes 6 unspecified gender.
12,001
6,452
3,0982,204
WA
3,6632,896
VIC
582 356
TAS
1,425 1,009
SA
5,589
3,689
QLD
69 53
NTNSW
MaleFemale
Figure 36
2018–19: PROFICIENT MEMBERS
There were a total of 40,959 proficient Bronze Medallion holders and 9,575 Surf Rescue Certificate holders.
5,915
1,392
17,961
3,494
110 12
9,363
2,6262,352
576809
129
4,449
1,346
WA TASSAQLD NTNSW VIC
Bronze MedallionSurf Rescue Certificate
37%Board
No Gear
Other
IRB
Rescue Tube
RWC
Board
37%12%
22%
17%
8%4%
Figure 37
2018-19: EQUIPMENT USE IN RESCUES
61%MALE
39%FEMALE
2018-19: PATROLLING SURF LIFESAVERS
27 SECTION T WO CAPABILIT Y
1,000km
SCALE
0
Brisbane
Sydney
Canberra
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth
Hobart
Figure 38
2018–19: SLS MAJOR ASSET LOCATION AND SERVICE RANGE
SLS maintains a fleet of 181 rescue water craft (RWC), as well as 6 jet rescue boats (JRB), 8 rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIB),
10 offshore rescue boats (ORB) and 8 rescue helicopters. Their locations and service ranges are depicted on this map.
A S S E T C A P A B I L I T Y
JRB)
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201928
Jet Rescue Boat (
Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat (RIB)
Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB)
Rescue Helicopter
Key to Asset Location
R E S C U E S
Figure 39
2018–19: RESCUES PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA)
SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 10,176 rescues across 117 LGAs around Australia.
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to Rescues per LGA
< 14 Rescues
15 - 49 Rescues
50 - 149 Rescues
150 - 899 Rescues
> 900 Rescues
Brisbane
Sydney
Canberra
Hobart
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth
76
526
4,710
3,894
304
76
590
29 SECTION T WO CAPABILIT Y
P R E V E N T A T I V E A C T I O N S
Figure 40
2018–19: PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA)
SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 1,566,449 preventative actions across 117 LGAs around Australia.
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to Preventative Actions per LGA
< 1,449 Actions
1,500 - 5,999 Actions
6,000 - 24,999 Actions
25,000 - 99,999 Actions
> 100,000 Actions
Brisbane
Sydney
Canberra
Hobart
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth
14,404
11,311133,553
628,539
54,493
7,934
716,215
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201930
F I R S T A I D
Figure 41
2018–19: FIRST AID PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA)
SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 89,695 first aid treatments across 117 LGAs around Australia.
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to First Aid Incidents per LGA
< 59 Incidents
60 - 249 Incidents
250 - 549 Incidents
550 - 4,999 Incidents
> 5,000 Incidents
Brisbane
Sydney
Canberra
Hobart
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth
2,956
2,802
515
17,174
65,133
1,008
107
31 SECTION T WO CAPABILIT Y
F E A T U R E : T H E F R E A K W A V E M Y T H
Rock fishing is currently Australia’s third highest
cause of coastal drowning, following swimming and
boating. The media often attributes these fatalities to
unexpected large waves or ‘freak waves’. Now, the rock fishing
community, Melbourne University and Surf Life Saving Australia
are challenging the idea of ‘freak waves’ on Australia’s coasts by
offering new ways to consider risk.
During this project, highly experienced fishers’ (i.e.,
experiential-experts) revealed that only fishers who do not
understand how the wave period influences the timing of waves
would refer to a large wave during seemingly calm conditions as
a ‘freak wave’.
To help explain how wave periods effect the appearance
and timing of waves, an experiential-expert provided a sketch
showing that when the wave period is 4 - 12 seconds, you can see
dangerous waves more easily. But, during wave periods over 12
seconds, wave heights appear less often, giving the sea a calm
appearance (figure 42).
The relationship between rock fishing-related drowning deaths
were then compared with the daily average wave height, swell
direction, and wave period to examine whether experienced
fishers’ perceptions of long wave periods aligned with the
conditions when fishers drowned.
Results showed that the wave periods were higher than
average, in support of experiential-expert fishers accounts
claiming that when waves are less obvious, inexperienced fishers
are at greater risk due to a lack of understanding on how to
accurately perceive risks.
The media contributes to this myth by drawing on the fear of
terrifying freak waves, but results from this study suggests that
attempts to scare fishers into behaving differently is unlikely to
be effective. From the perspective of experienced fishers, when
media and government draw on the concept of a ‘freak wave’
they are demonstrating either a poor understanding of coastal
processes and risk, or perhaps worse, a misrepresentation of the
situation in an effort to govern coastal users.
The expert knowledge held by experienced fishers is invaluable,
and they should be encouraged to share their knowledge-
practices with less-experienced fishers.
This sharing or exchange of knowledge should be supported
by coastal risk managers by improving the communication
between the experienced and inexperienced components of the
rock fishing community. For example, better communication
regarding how longer wave periods affect the appearance of
risk will help inexperienced fishers to learn, understand and
experience the variety of conditions they are likely to encounter
while fishing. Integration of such supportive strategies will
increase overall enjoyment by fishers and ultimately work
towards reducing rock-fishing related incidents.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201932
Footnote: Reprinted from Ocean and Coastal Management, Vol 173, Peter Kamstra, Brian Cook, David M.Kennedy, Sarah McSweeney, Eveline Rijksen, Shane Daw, Expert perceptions of the ‘freak’ wave myth on Australia’s rocky coasts, Page 104-113, Copyright Elsevier (2019) with permission from Elsevier https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.02.015
25m
Low riskHigh risk4 SEC WAVEPERIOD
100m
Moderate riskModerate risk8 SEC WAVEPERIOD
225m
High riskLow risk12 SEC WAVEPERIOD
Wave length (m)
505m
Very high riskAbsence of risk18 SEC WAVEPERIOD
Experienced Attunement to Risk
(In)experienced Visibility of Risk
33 SECTION T WO CAPABILIT Y
Figure 42
DIFFERENT RISK PERCEPTIONS AND THE ASSOCIATED SPATIALITY OF THOSE PERCEPTIONS BETWEEN INEXPERIENCED AND EXPERIENCED; DESCRIBED BY A ROCK FISHER WITH OVER SEVEN YEARS EXPERIENCE. ADAPTED FROM AN EXPERIENTIAL-EXPERT SKETCH
Inexperienced fishers tend only to assess risk on the conditions close to shore. More experienced fishers are
attuned to the fact that calm conditions close to shore can still precede large waves in long period sets.
D R O W N I N G A N A LY S I SS E C T I O N T H R E E
CONTRIBUTING DROWNING FACTORS 2004-19
122 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS MALE
87% 13%FEMALE
22%
Alcohol/Drugs
32%
Medical Conditionor Injury
25%
Rip Currents
S E C T I O N H E A D I N GS E C T I O N 0 1
N A T I O N A L O V E R V I E W2 0 0 4 -19 : 15 -Y E A R R E V I E W
2009-10
Cause of Death listedNo Cause of Death listed
0
30
60
90
120
150
0.0
0.3
0.5
0.4
0.6
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
2004-05
96
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
104
2008-09
106 105
2010-11
91
2011-12
117
2012-13 2013-14
85
2014-15
114
2015-16
136
2016-17
110
2017-18
107
2018-19
122
107115
134
Figure 43
2004-19: 15-YEAR TREND OF NATIONAL COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS
National coastal and ocean drowning death numbers and crude
drowning rates for 2004-19 are illustrated above. The 2018-19 rate
per 100,000 population is 0.48, exactly on the 15-year average.
0.4815-YEAR AVERAGE RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
11015-YEAR AVERAGE
DROWNING DEATHS
Figure 44
2004-19: 15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Nationally, the number of activity types being undertaken when coastal and ocean drowning deaths occur varies over time. In 2018-19,
the number of drowning deaths while conducting swimming/wading, watercraft, fall, snorkelling and attempting a rescue activities were
above the 15-year average, while boating and PWC and rock fishing incidents were below the 15-year average. The number of drowning
deaths while scuba diving were equal to the 15-year average.
2018-19
43
2018-19
9
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
Boating & PWC
Rock Fishing
2004-19
33
2004-19
12
2018-19
6
2018-19
9
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Fall
Attempting a Rescue2004-19
4
2004-19
5
2018-19
102004-19
82018-19
92004-19
7
2018-19
17 2004-19
242018-19
52004-19
5
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201936
Figure 45
2004-19: COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS BY REGION OF BIRTH
The region of birth is currently known for 73% of all coastal and
ocean drowning deaths (n=1,225), with 53% from Australia. When
breaking it down to continents, the top 3 are Australia (n=637),
Asia (n=271) and Europe (n=185).
11-1
2am
10-1
1pm
9-10
pm
8-9p
m
7-8p
m
6-7p
m
5-6p
m
4-5p
m
3-4p
m
2-3p
m
1-2p
m
12-1
pm
11-1
2pm
10-1
1am
9-10
am
8-9a
m
7-8a
m
6-7a
m
5-6a
m
4-5a
m
3-4a
m
2-3a
m
1-2a
m
12-1
am
0
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
Figure 46
2004-19: COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS BY MONTH
The highest percentage of coastal and ocean drowning deaths
occurred in the month of January (n=260), followed by December
(n=194) and March (n=184). Sixty-two per cent occurred outside
of the summer months. Shading denotes seasons.
Figure 47
2004-19: COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS BY TIME
Incident time is currently known for 84% of all coastal and ocean
drowning deaths (n=1,381). The highest density of fatalities
occurred between 12pm and 5pm (n=608).
Jun
e
May
Ap
ril
Mar
ch
Feb
ruar
y
Jan
uary
Dec
emb
er
Nov
emb
er
Oct
ober
Sep
tem
ber
Aug
ust
July
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
The 20-34 year old age group represents 27% of all drowning
deaths. The 45-54 year old age group accounts for 19% of all
drowning deaths.
87%MALE
13%FEMALE
&YEARS OF AGE
20-34 45-54YEARS OF AGE
Australia53%
Latin America
Africa
North America
Oceania
Europe
Asia
Australia
3%
22%
15%
53%
1%
3%3%
SECTION THREE DROWNING ANALYSIS37
2004-19: KEY DEMOGRAPHICS IN COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING STATISTICS
Since 2017, SLSA has reported coastal fatalities as well
as coastal drowning deaths. This allows SLSA to better
understand the impact other coastal fatalities, such as
medical conditions, marine creatures and other causes, may have
on surf lifesaving services and the wider community. Further
research has been undertaken to investigate the environment
(aquatic or non-aquatic) in which the other coastal fatalities
occur. Non-aquatic fatalities refer to incidents which have
occurred at a coastal location but not in the aquatic environment.
In 2018-19, a total of 122 coastal drowning deaths were
recorded. Additionally, SLSA recorded 68 coastal fatalities
taking the total number of coastal fatalities to 190. Coastal
drowning deaths and other coastal fatalities can have long term,
devastating impacts to family, friends and loved ones in addition
to emergency and lifesaving services.
Acknowledging that 35 per cent of coastal fatalities are not
as a result of drowning creates a range of challenges for the
greater community, SLS and all other aquatic emergency service
agencies. Understanding the type of incidents that occur and the
contributing factors that lead to the fatality will assist to develop
strategies to help reduce incidents in the future.
As the peak coastal rescue authority, Australia’s Surf Lifesaving
Services respond to a range of different coastal incidents.
Research that incorporates coastal drowning deaths and
fatalities will help to identify black spots, provide evidence-
based recommendations to develop preventative or mitigation
strategies for communities as well as provide the necessary
training and support to our lifesaving services.
Figure 48
2018–19: OVERVIEW OF DROWNING DEATHS AND AQUATIC FATALITIES PER STATE
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
NSW QLD VIC WA SA TAS NT
Non-aquatic
Aquatic
Drowning
UnknownNu
mb
er (n
)
N A T I O N A L O V E R V I E W2 018 -19 : 1-Y E A R R E V I E W
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201938
Ocean Drowning
Other Fatalities
Coastal Drowning
64%
35%
Coastal Drowning
Deaths
64%
1%
Figure 49
2018-19: OVERVIEW OF DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES PER CATEGORY
68COASTAL
FATALITIES
1OCEAN
121COASTAL
122DROWNING
DEATHS
13NON
AQUATIC
2UNKNOWN
27AQUATIC
26INTENTIONAL
42UNINTENTIONAL
1,000km
SCALE
0
Brisbane
Sydney
Canberra
Hobart
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth
Key to Coastal Incidents
Coastal drowning death
Coastal aquatic fatality
Coastal drowning death or aquatic fatality
6 23 | 4
13 | 11
2
44 | 25
15 | 10
23 | 14
Figure 50
2018-19: COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES BY STATE
In 2018-19 there were 122 coastal and ocean drowning deaths and 68 coastal fatalities. Red numbers indicate coastal and ocean
drowning deaths per state. Blue numbers indicate coastal fatalities per state. The black number indicates both coastal drowning
deaths and fatalities combined.
Coastal drowning death
Coastal fatality
SECTION THREE DROWNING ANALYSIS39
Coastal drowning death or fatality
N A T I O N A L O V E R V I E W2 018 -19 : 1-Y E A R R E V I E W
Figure 53
2018-19: LOCATION OF COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS (n=122)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths occurred at
a beach (n=71), rock/cliff (n=22) or an offshore location (n=18).
Beach
Rock/Cliff
OffshoreBayPort/MarinaOther
18% 58%
15%
4%3%
2%
Beach58%
UnknownOtherScuba DivingAttempting a rescueFallSnorkellingRock FishingWatercraftBoating & PWCSwimming/Wading
35%
14%8%
7%
7%
7%
6%6%
4%
5%
Swimming/Wading
35%
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
Female
Male
Figure 51
2018-19: COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS BY AGE AND GENDER (n=122 )
20-24 year olds represent the highest number of drowning deaths. The age group representing the highest rate of drowning deaths
is 75-79 (1.14 rate per 100,000 pop.). Overall, 87% (n=106) of fatalities were male.
Figure 52
2018-19: COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY (n=122)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths occurred
while swimming/wading (n=43), boating and PWC (n=17),
or watercraft (n=10).
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201940
Figure 55
2018–19: DISTANCE FROM DROWNING LOCATION
TO A LIFESAVING SERVICE (n=122)
Forty-three individuals (35%) drowned within 1km of the nearest
lifesaving service. Almost half (n=52, 42%) of incidents happened
further than 5km from a lifesaving service.
Figure 56
2018–19: DISTANCE FROM RESIDENCE
TO DROWNING LOCATION (n=122)
Twenty-seven individuals (22%) lived less than 10km from the
drowning location. Forty-five individuals (37%) lived more than
50km from the incident location while nine individuals (7%) were
international visitors.
Ocean> 5km1 - 5km< 1km
35%
17%
42%
6%
Less than1km
35%
UnknownInternational> 50 km10 - 50 km< 10 km
More than50km
37%
22%
7%
37%
15%
19%
Figure 54
2018-19: COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS PER MONTH (n=122 )
Of the 122 coastal and ocean drowning deaths, 42% (n=52) happened over the summer months (Dec-Feb).
Dark-red squares indicate the 15-year average drowning deaths per month.
0
5
10
15
20
25
JuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuaryDecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJuly
12
6
16
25
9
5
Nu
mb
er (n
)
8
13
6 65
11
SECTION THREE DROWNING ANALYSIS41
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
DARWIN
PERTH
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to Drowning Activity
Attempting a rescue
Boating and PWC
Fall
Jump
Land-based fishing
Other
Rock fishing
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Swimming/wading
Unknown
Watercraft
Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
4
Cocos (Keeling)Islands
ChristmasIsland
Christmas Island to Port Hedlandapproximately 1,800 km
INSET: Indian Ocean Territories
AshmoreReef
Lord HoweIsland
(Inset is same scale as main map)
25
3
4
4
42
7
3
2 96
2
3
4
3
2
3
24 2
43
2
2
62
22
3
73225
23
53
3
242 3 3 2
4 22
235222 15 7
9 2 2
472
12 45
5 222
22
4
10 2 23
222
4 3
47322
32 2
35 2
3
2
22
34324 10762
10 2
4 3 3 2423
5 4 2 213 9 2 2 2 2
25 20 16 6 5 4 4 4 3 2
1416 14 8 5 3
54222
14
9 4 3
6532
33 2
2
5
2
4
422
2
2
2
2
2
2
22
2
3
9
2 2
2 4
2
2
2
3 2
57
2
19 68 4 22
32222
1477322
32
3
5
44322 2
4 44322 2
2
222
962
3
2
3
22
3
6
2
410 3
11
2
2
322
2
2
2
4
2
2
7 2
3
3
32
2
2
224 5 264
9225 3822
3 2
2 2
2
2
322
32
42
2
2
22
62
2
2 2
22
2
5
2
32
33222
3
3
503
2 BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
DARWIN
PERTH
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to Drowning Activity
Attempting a rescue
Boating and PWC
Fall
Jump
Land-based fishing
Other
Rock fishing
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Swimming/wading
Unknown
Watercraft
Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
4
Cocos (Keeling)Islands
ChristmasIsland
Christmas Island to Port Hedlandapproximately 1,800 km
INSET: Indian Ocean Territories
AshmoreReef
Lord HoweIsland
(Inset is same scale as main map)
25
3
4
4
42
7
3
2 96
2
3
4
3
2
3
24 2
43
2
2
62
22
3
73225
23
53
3
242 3 3 2
4 22
235222 15 7
9 2 2
472
12 45
5 222
22
4
10 2 23
222
4 3
47322
32 2
35 2
3
2
22
34324 10762
10 2
4 3 3 2423
5 4 2 213 9 2 2 2 2
25 20 16 6 5 4 4 4 3 2
1416 14 8 5 3
54222
14
9 4 3
6532
33 2
2
5
2
4
422
2
2
2
2
2
2
22
2
3
9
2 2
2 4
2
2
2
3 2
57
2
19 68 4 22
32222
1477322
32
3
5
44322 2
4 44322 2
2
222
962
3
2
3
22
3
6
2
410 3
11
2
2
322
2
2
2
4
2
2
7 2
3
3
32
2
2
224 5 264
9225 3822
3 2
2 2
2
2
322
32
42
2
2
22
62
2
2 2
22
2
5
2
32
33222
3
3
503
2
D R O W N I N G L O C A T I O N S2 0 0 4 –19
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201942
Figure 57
2004–19: COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
260
Attempting a rescue
Boating and PWC
Fall
Jump
Land-based fishing
Other
Rock fishing
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Swimming/wading
Unknown
Watercraft
Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
4
Key to Drowning Activity
Cocos (Keeling)Islands
ChristmasIsland
Christmas Island to Port Hedland
approximately 1,800 km
INSET: Indian Ocean Territories(Inset is same scale as main map)
3
3
503
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
DARWIN
PERTH
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to Drowning Activity
Attempting a rescue
Boating and PWC
Fall
Jump
Land-based fishing
Other
Rock fishing
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Swimming/wading
Unknown
Watercraft
Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
4
Cocos (Keeling)Islands
ChristmasIsland
Christmas Island to Port Hedlandapproximately 1,800 km
INSET: Indian Ocean Territories
AshmoreReef
Lord HoweIsland
(Inset is same scale as main map)
25
3
4
4
42
7
3
2 96
2
3
4
3
2
3
24 2
43
2
2
62
22
3
73225
23
53
3
242 3 3 2
4 22
235222 15 7
9 2 2
472
12 45
5 222
22
4
10 2 23
222
4 3
47322
32 2
35 2
3
2
22
34324 10762
10 2
4 3 3 2423
5 4 2 213 9 2 2 2 2
25 20 16 6 5 4 4 4 3 2
1416 14 8 5 3
54222
14
9 4 3
6532
33 2
2
5
2
4
422
2
2
2
2
2
2
22
2
3
9
2 2
2 4
2
2
2
3 2
57
2
19 68 4 22
32222
1477322
32
3
5
44322 2
4 44322 2
2
222
962
3
2
3
22
3
6
2
410 3
11
2
2
322
2
2
2
4
2
2
7 2
3
3
32
2
2
224 5 264
9225 3822
3 2
2 2
2
2
322
32
42
2
2
22
62
2
2 2
22
2
5
2
32
33222
3
3
503
2 BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
DARWIN
PERTH
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to Drowning Activity
Attempting a rescue
Boating and PWC
Fall
Jump
Land-based fishing
Other
Rock fishing
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Swimming/wading
Unknown
Watercraft
Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
4
Cocos (Keeling)Islands
ChristmasIsland
Christmas Island to Port Hedlandapproximately 1,800 km
INSET: Indian Ocean Territories
AshmoreReef
Lord HoweIsland
(Inset is same scale as main map)
25
3
4
4
42
7
3
2 96
2
3
4
3
2
3
24 2
43
2
2
62
22
3
73225
23
53
3
242 3 3 2
4 22
235222 15 7
9 2 2
472
12 45
5 222
22
4
10 2 23
222
4 3
47322
32 2
35 2
3
2
22
34324 10762
10 2
4 3 3 2423
5 4 2 213 9 2 2 2 2
25 20 16 6 5 4 4 4 3 2
1416 14 8 5 3
54222
14
9 4 3
6532
33 2
2
5
2
4
422
2
2
2
2
2
2
22
2
3
9
2 2
2 4
2
2
2
3 2
57
2
19 68 4 22
32222
1477322
32
3
5
44322 2
4 44322 2
2
222
962
3
2
3
22
3
6
2
410 3
11
2
2
322
2
2
2
4
2
2
7 2
3
3
32
2
2
224 5 264
9225 3822
3 2
2 2
2
2
322
32
42
2
2
22
62
2
2 2
22
2
5
2
32
33222
3
3
503
2
81
244
616
289
117
41
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201944
D R O W N I N G V S F A T A L I T Y
Coastal drowning deaths have long held the focus of
water safety research due to the severe, accidental and
preventable nature of the incidents. While drowning
deaths make up the bulk of coastal fatalities, a significant
proportion of unintentional coastal fatalities are non-drowning
related. These coastal fatalities include medical incidents,
accidents, injuries, alcohol, drugs and marine creatures. From
an emergency service and rescue perspective, the response to
drowning deaths and other coastal fatality incidents is similar but
until now, most research has focused on drowning deaths. As a
result, there has been a lack of understanding to the number of
fatal incidents faced by lifesavers and emergency services and
therefore the impact this has on first responders.
This research aims to assess the frequency and nature of non-
drowning coastal fatalities compared to drowning deaths and
provide an overview of all fatalities that occur in Australian waters.
Using coronial data, the SurfGuard Incident Report Database
(IRD) and media articles a dataset of non-drowning coastal
fatalities was collated and compared to Surf Life Saving Australia’s
national database of drowning deaths. These databases were
extended to include Australian governed waters including
sovereign waters (including the Australian Fishing and Exclusive
Economic Zones) and our external territories.
Between 2004 and 2019, 42% of all fatalities on the Australian
coast were not drowning-related (n=1,230). Two-thirds of these
other coastal fatalities were unintentional (n=830). Some states
(NT, Qld, SA) showed that these unintentional coastal fatalities
occur more or as frequently than drowning deaths (Figure 58).
Males accounted for 88% of unintentional fatalities, of which
44% were between 45-64 years of age. Most unintentional
fatalities occurred between 9am-4pm (53%, n=346) and during
December (13%, n=109). The highest number of unintentional
coastal fatalities occurred while boating (32%) followed by
swimming/wading (11%) and watercraft (9%), which is similar
to drowning deaths (boating – 21%, swimming/wading – 30%,
watercraft – 7%). Medical episodes and injuries contributed
to 658 (88%) unintentional coastal fatalities but only 442 of
drowning deaths (33%). Toxicology data was available for 87%
of incidents (n=2,144) with alcohol and/or drugs contributing to
109 coastal fatalities (15%) and 315 of drowning deaths (19%).
Marine creatures accounted for 29 (4%) coastal fatalities and no
drowning deaths, while rip currents were known to contribute to
315 drowning deaths (25%) compared to seven coastal
fatalities (1%).
Drowning deaths and coastal fatalities are both increasing
at beaches, coastal fatalities are increasing at rock/cliff
environments while drowning deaths remained stable (Figure
65). Swimming/wading incidents are increasing, while boating
fatalities are decreasing over time (Figure 64). Australian born
individuals accounted for over half of all incidents, followed by
people born in Asia then Europe (Figure 66). For cases involving
Australian residents, 34% of drowning deaths and 26% of coastal
fatalities were born overseas (Figure 67).
This research highlights the extent to which coastal fatalities
on top of drowning deaths impact on lifesaving services and the
wider community. Further investigation will align causal factors
with potential interventions and safety campaigns in addition to
how we can better equip our frontline people to manage these
tragic situations.
MedicalDROWNING DEATH
22%FATALITY DROWNING DEATH
2%FATALITY
Medical & InjuryDROWNING DEATH
9%FATALITY
Injury
Rip Current
25%DROWNING
DEATH
FATALITY
DROWNING DEATH
8%FATALITY
Alcohol
DROWNING DEATH
6%FATALITY
Both Alcohol & Drugs
Drugs8%DROWNING DEATH FATALITYDROWNING
DEATH
0%FATALITY
Marine Creatures
S N A P S H O T 2 0 0 4 -2 019
1,000km
SCALE
0
TORRES STRAIT
49%51%
62%
38%
65%
35%
57%43%
50%50%
42%58%
52%48%
74%
26%
Australian mainlandapprox. 1,600km
INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORIES
Christmas IslandsCocos (Keeling) Islands
83%
17%
Sovereign WatersOceanCoastal
93%
77%
4%
13%
3%10%
Drowning deathOther fatality
Figure 58
PERCENTAGE OF DROWNING DEATHS AND OTHER FATALITIES IN DIFFERENT AQUATIC ZONES
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201946
60
75
62
43
55
6265
63
4043
48
42
Male
Female
2009-10
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0
2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
0.00
0.08
0.24
0.16
0.32
0.40
61
68
43
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
Figure 60
2004-19: 15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 UNINTENTIONAL FATALITIES BY ACTIVITY
Nationally, the number of activity types being undertaken when unintentional fatalities occur varies over time. In 2018-19, the number of
coastal fatalities while swimming/wading and scuba diving were above the 15-year average, while boating and PWC, watercraft, rock fishing,
attempting a rescue and non-aquatic transport related incidents were below the 15-year average. The number of unintentional fatalities while
snorkelling is equal with the 15-year average.
Figure 59
2004-19: NATIONAL 15-YEAR TREND OF UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITIES
National unintentional coastal fatality numbers and crude rates for 2004-19 are illustrated above. Unintentional coastal fatalities
include deaths other than drowning deaths (such as medical incidents, accidents, or marine creature), excluding homicide and
self-harm related incidents.
2018-19
8
2018-19
0
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
Boating & PWC
Rock Fishing
2004-19
6
2004-19
1
2018-19
0
2018-19
4
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Non-aquatic Transport
Attempting a Rescue2004-19
1
2004-19
5
2018-19
42004-19
52018-19
32004-19
3
2018-19
92004-19
182018-19
42004-19
3
46
U N I N T E N T I O N A L C O A S T A L F A T A L I T I E S2 0 0 4 -19 : 15 -Y E A R R E V I E W
SECTION THREE DROWNING ANALYSIS47
0.2515-YEAR AVERAGE FATALITY
RATE PER 100,000
POPULATION
5515-YEAR AVERAGE
UNINTENTIONAL
FATALITIES
Figure 61
2004-19: LOCATION OF UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITIES
The majority of unintentional coastal fatalities occurred at a
beach (46%), offshore locations (16%) or bay (12%).
11-1
2am
10-1
1pm
9-10
pm
8-9p
m
7-8p
m
6-7p
m
5-6p
m
4-5p
m
3-4p
m
2-3p
m
1-2p
m
12-1
pm
11-1
2pm
10-1
1am
9-10
am
8-9a
m
7-8a
m
6-7a
m
5-6a
m
4-5a
m
3-4a
m
2-3a
m
1-2a
m
12-1
am
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Figure 62
2004-19: UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITIES
BY MONTH
The highest percentage of fatalities occurring in the month of
December (n=109), followed by January (n=86) and April (n=76).
Sixty-eight per cent occurred outside of the summer months.
Shading denotes seasons.
Figure 63
2004-19: UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITIES BY TIME
The time is known for 78% of all unintentional coastal and ocean
fatalities (n=657). The highest density of fatalities occurred
between 9am and 4pm (n=346).
Jun
e
May
Ap
ril
Mar
ch
Feb
ruar
y
Jan
uary
Dec
emb
er
Nov
emb
er
Oct
ober
Sep
tem
ber
Aug
ust
July
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
OtherUnknown
Pool PublicRiver/CreekJettyPort/MarinaRock/Cliff
OffshoreBay
Beach
5%
12%
16%
46%
10%
7%
2%
1%
Beach46%
47
The 45-64 year old age group represents 44% of all unintentional
deaths. The 60-64 year old age group accounts for 11% of all
unintentional deaths.
88%MALE
12%FEMALE
&YEARS OF AGE
45-64 60-64YEARS OF AGE
2004-19: KEY DEMOGRAPHICS IN UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITIES
1
2
112
13
11
9
2004 - 19
2009 - 19
2014 - 19
2018 - 19
1
14
4
4
6
2004 - 19
2009 - 19
2014 - 19
2018 - 19
6
7
6
712
17
2004 - 19
2009 - 19
2014 - 19
2018 - 1914
14
9
13
16
1824
24
25
17
2004 - 19
2009 - 19
2014 - 19
2018 - 19
4
6
6
58
9
9
10
2004 - 19
2009 - 19
2014 - 19
2018 - 19
8
5
6
62004 - 19
2009 - 19
2014 - 19
2018 - 19
33
37
43
32
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201948
D R O W N I N G D E A T H V S F A T A L I T YR E V I E W O F T R E N D S O V E R T I M E
ATTEMPTED RESCUE
BOATING & PWC
SWIMMING/WADING
ROCK FISHING
SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELLING
FATALITYDROWNING DEATH
WATERCRAFT
Figure 64
ACTIVITY TREND: 15 YEAR (2004-19), 10 YEAR (2009-19) AND 5 YEAR (2014-19) AVERAGE NUMBERS OF DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES COMPARED WITH TOTAL NUMBERS FOR 2018-19
2018 -19 2014 -19 2009 -19 2004 -19
OtherJettyPort/MarinaBayRock/CliffOffshoreBeach
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2018 -19 2014 -19 2009 -19 2004 -19
Figure 66
2004-19 CONTINENT OF ORIGIN FOR DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES
Continent of origin was known for 74% drowning deaths
(n=1,225) and 76% of fatalities (n=630). For these cases
combined, 54% were Australian, 18% were from Asia and
17% were European.
Figure 67
PLACE OF BIRTH OF AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS INVOLVED IN DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES (2004-19)
Visitor or residence status was known for 88% drowning deaths
(n=962) and 92% of fatalities (n=502). Continent of origin was
known for 78% of residents (n=1,464) with residents who were
born overseas accounting for 34% and 26% of Australian resident
drowning death and fatality cases respectively.
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
FatalityDrowning death
Australian bornOverseas born
Nu
mb
ers
(n)
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
LatinAmerica
AfricaNewZealand
NorthAmerica
OceaniaEuropeAsiaAustralia
Drowning deathsFatalities
Nu
mb
ers
(n)
Figure 65
15 YEAR (2004-19), 10 YEAR (2009-19) AND 5 YEAR (2014-19) LOCATION TRENDS OF DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES COMPARED WITH 2018-19
SECTION THREE DROWNING ANALYSIS4949
FATA
LITY
DR
OW
NIN
G D
EA
TH
Swimming/Wading
34%34%5%
11%
8%
5%
8%
3%3%
4%
19%
UnknownOtherScuba DivingSnorkellingFallAttempting a RescueWatercraftBoatingRock FishingSwimming/Wading
Figure 68
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF NSW COASTAL AND OCEAN
DROWNING DEATHS
In 2018–19, coastal and ocean drowning deaths in New South
Wales (NSW) were over the 15-year average of 41. The rate per
100,000 population was 0.55, under the average rate of 0.56.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
39
33
43 45
32
49 49
29
39
56
36
44
Nu
mb
er (n
)
33
0.0
0.4
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.8
0.7
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
201
4-1
5
20
08
-09
20
04
-05
201
0-1
1
20
06
-07
20
05
-06
20
07-0
8
20
09
-10
201
1-12
201
2-13
201
3-1
4
201
5-1
6
201
6-1
7
201
7-18
201
8-1
9
49
40
Figure 70
2004–19: COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
BY ACTIVITY (n=616)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in NSW
occurred when swimming/wading (n=209), rock fishing
(n=117), boating (n=68) and using watercraft (n=49).
Figure 69
15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING RATES BY ACTIVITY
In 2018-19 drowning death rates (per 100,000 population) were lower than the 15-year average in boating and PWC, watercraft
and rock fishing related incidents. The yearly rate of incidents related to attempting a rescue and falls were higher than the
15-year average.
N E W S O U T H W A L E S
2018-19
0.04
2018-19
0.02
2018-19
0.10
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
Boating & PWC
Rock Fishing
2004-19
0.06
2004-19
0.04
2004-19
0.11
2018-19
0.02
2018-19
0.02
2018-19
0.06
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Fall
Attempting a Rescue2018-19
0.192004-19
0.192018-19
0.042004-19
0.03
2004-19
0.02
2004-19
0.02
2004-19
0.03
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201950
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
1,000km
SCALE
0
Key to Drowning Activity
Attempting a rescue
Boating and PWC
Fall
Jump
Land-based fishing
Other
Rock fishing
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Swimming/wading
Unknown
Watercraft
Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
4
Lord HoweIsland
9 2 2
472
12 45
5 222
22
4
10 2 23
222
4 3
47322
32 2
35 2
3
2
22
34324 10762
10 2
4 3 3 2423
5 4 2 213 9 2 2 2 2
25 20 16 6 5 4 4 4 3 2
1416 14 8 5 3
54222
14
9 4 3
6532
33 2
2
5
2
4
422
2
2
2
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
20-34YEAR OLD SWIMMERS/WADERS
40-59YEAR OLD ROCK FISHERS
&
AVERAGE
NUMBER
41AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
0.56PER 100,000 POPULATION
45% LESS THAN 1KM FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
2004–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
2018–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Swimming/Wading
41%
UnknownJumpScuba DivingSnorkellingWatercraftBoatingAttempting a rescueFallRock FishingSwimming/Wading
34%
5%5%
7%
5%
18%
5%
3%
11%
7%
DROWNING DEATHS BY LOCATION
Beach
Rocks/Cliffs
Offshore
34%
59%
7%
59%Beach
89%MALE
11%FEMALE
D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
44
FATALITY RATE
0.55PER 100,000 POPULATION
Attempting a Rescue Boating and PWC Fall Jump Land-based fishing Other
Rock Fishing Scuba Diving Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Unknown
Watercraft4 Multiple instances per
activity at the same location
Capital city
Figure 71
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF QLD COASTAL AND OCEAN
DROWNING DEATHS
In 2018–19, coastal and ocean drowning deaths remained the
same as the previous year in Queensland (Qld). This is above the
15 year average of 19.
Figure 73
2004–19: COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
BY ACTIVITY (n=289)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in Qld
occurred when swimming/wading (n=95), boating & PWC
(n=81), snorkelling (n=35) and using watercraft (n=23).
Figure 72
15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING RATES BY ACTIVITY
Drowning death rates (per 100,000 population) were higher than the 15-year average in swimming/wading, watercraft and snorkelling
activities in 2018-19. The rates are lower than the 15-year average for boating and PWC, rock fishing, attempting a rescue and
scuba diving.
0
5
10
15
20
25
21
15
22
1716
17
20
25
1614
2423 23 23
13
0.2
0.4
0.3
0.5
0.6
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
201
4-1
5
20
08
-09
20
04
-05
201
0-1
1
20
06
-07
20
05
-06
20
07-0
8
20
09
-10
201
1-12
201
2-13
201
3-1
4
201
5-1
6
201
6-1
7
201
7-18
201
8-1
9
UnknownOtherRock FishingNon-aquatic TransportScuba DivingAttempting a RescueFallWatercraftSnorkellingBoating & PWCSwimming/Wading
12%
8%
3%
4%
28%
3%
33%
2%
3%3%
Swimming/Wading
33%
Q U E E N S L A N D
2018-19
0.04
Watercraft Snorkelling2004-19
0.042018-19
0.082004-19
0.06
2018-19
0.06
Boating & PWC2004-19
0.122018-19
0.00
Scuba Diving2004-19
0.01
2018-19
0.00
Rock Fishing2004-19
0.012018-19
0.02
Fall2004-19
0.02
Swimming/Wading Attempting a Rescue2018-19
0.262004-19
0.132018-19
0.002004-19
0.01
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201952
BRISBANE
3
2
6 3 2
2
2 2 2
3
32
3
232 2
2
23
242
2
2
622
2 22
2
2
422
2222
82 32
10 6 2 2 239
9 3 2 2 2
46 % LESS THAN 1KM FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
2004-19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
2018 -19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15-34YEAR OLD SWIMMERS/WADERS
60-64YEAR OLD BOATERS
&
79%Beach
Beach
Offshore
Rock/Cliff
Port/Marina
79%
13%
4%4%
DROWNING DEATHS BY LOCATION
AVERAGE NUMBER
19AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
0.42PER 100,000 POPULATION
D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Swimming/Wading
57%
FallWatercraftBoating & PWCSnorkellingSwimming/Wading
57%
4%
9%
13%
17%
COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
23
FATALITY RATE
0.46PER 100,000 POPULATION
Attempting a Rescue Boating and PWC Fall Jump Land-based Fishing Other Rock Fishing Scuba Diving Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Unknown Watercraft
4 Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
Figure 74
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF VIC COASTAL AND OCEAN
DROWNING DEATHS
In 2018–19, the number of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in
Victoria (Vic) showed an increase from 2017-18 and was above the
15-year average of 16 .
Figure 76
2004–19: COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
BY ACTIVITY (n=244)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in Vic
occurred when swimming/wading (n=78), boating & PWC
(n=49) and using watercraft (n=20).
Figure 75
15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING RATES BY ACTIVITY
In 2018-19 drowning death rates (per 100,000 population) were higher than or equal to the 15-year average for all activities except
for swimming/wading, boating and PWC and rock fishing.
1416
11
19
1112 13
10
24
15
20
23
20
23
13
0
5
10
15
20
25
0.1
0.3
0.2
0.4
0.5
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
201
4-1
5
20
08
-09
20
04
-05
201
0-1
1
20
06
-07
20
05
-06
20
07-0
8
20
09
-10
201
1-12
201
2-13
201
3-1
4
201
5-1
6
201
6-1
7
201
7-18
201
8-1
9
UnknownOtherFallAttempting a RescueSnorkellingRock FishingScuba DivingWatercraftBoating & PWCSwimming/Wading
5%
8%
5%
7%
20%
5%
32%4%
5%
10%
Swimming/Wading
32%
V I C T O R I A
2018-19
0.08
2018-19
0.05
2018-19
0.05
2018-19
0.00
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
Boating & PWC
Rock Fishing
2004-19
0.09
2004-19
0.06
2004-19
0.02
2004-19
0.02
2018-19
0.03
2018-19
0.03
2018-19
0.03
2018-19
0.03
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Fall
Attempting a Rescue2004-19
0.01
2004-19
0.02
2004-19
0.01
2004-19
0.01
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201954
MELBOURNE
2
2
2
3 2
57
2
19 68 4 22
32222
1477322
32
3
5
44322 2
4 44322 2
2
222
962
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
20-29YEAR OLD SWIMMERS
60-69YEAR OLD BOATERS
&
AVERAGE
NUMBER
16AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
0.28PER 100,000 POPULATION
35% BETWEEN 1 AND 5KM FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
2004–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
2018–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
23
FATALITY RATE
0.35PER 100,000 POPULATION
DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Swimming/Wading
22%
UnknownJumpSnorkellingScuba DivingFallAttempting a RescueWatercraftBoatingSwimming/Wading
13%
9%
9%
9%
22%
9%
13%
13%
4%
DROWNING DEATHS BY LOCATION
Beach 52%
Port/Marina
Offshore
Bay
Jetty
Rock/Cliff
Beach
17%
52%
13%
9%
4%4%
86%MALE
14%FEMALE
D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
Attempting a Rescue Boating and PWC Fall Jump Land-based fishing Other
Rock Fishing Scuba Diving Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Unknown
Watercraft4 Multiple instances per
activity at the same location
Capital city
Figure 77
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF WA COASTAL AND OCEAN
DROWNING DEATHS
In 2018–19, coastal and ocean drowning deaths in Western
Australia (WA) dropped to below the 15-year average of 17. From
2004 to 2019, the average rate per 100,000 population is 0.73.
Figure 79
2004–19: COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
BY ACTIVITY (n=260)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in WA
occurred when boating & PWC (n=65), swimming/wading
(n=57), rock fishing (n=36) and snorkelling (n=29).
Figure 78
15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING RATES BY ACTIVITY
Drowning death rates (per 100,000 population) were lower than the 15-year average in all activities in 2018-19, except boating
and PWC.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
9
17
21
1514
18
16 16
30
11
16
20
1315
29
0.2
0.6
0.4
0.8
1.0
1.2
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
201
4-1
5
20
08
-09
20
04
-05
201
0-1
1
20
06
-07
20
05
-06
20
07-0
8
20
09
-10
201
1-12
201
2-13
201
3-1
4
201
5-1
6
201
6-1
7
201
7-18
201
8-1
9
6%
14%
11%
5%
8%
22%
5%
25%2%
Boating
25%
UnknownOtherAttempting a RescueScuba DivingFallWatercraftSnorkellingRock FishingSwimming/WadingBoating & PWC
W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
2018-19
0.08
2018-19
0.31
2018-19
0.04
2018-19
0.04
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
Boating & PWC
Rock Fishing
2004-19
0.16
2004-19
0.19
2004-19
0.06
2004-19
0.10
2018-19
0.00
2018-19
0.00
2018-19
0.04
2018-19
0.00
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Fall
Attempting a Rescue2004-19
0.01
2004-19
0.03
2004-19
0.08
2004-19
0.04
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201956
53% GREATER THAN 5KM FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
2004–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
2018–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
30-39YEAR OLD SWIMMERS/WADERS & SNORKELLERS
60-65YEAR OLD BOATERS
&
PERTH
AshmoreReef
4
2
2
7 2
3
3
32
2
2
224 5 264
9225 3822
3 2
2 2
2
2
322
32
42
2
2
22
62
2
2 2
22
2
5
DROWNING DEATHS BY LOCATION
53%Offshore
15
BayRock/CliffBeach
Port/Marina
Offshore20%
53%
13%
7%
7%
D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
53%Boating
Rock FishingNon-aquatic TransportSwimming/Wading
UnknownWatercraftSnorkelling
Boating53%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
13%
COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
15
FATALITY RATE
0.58PER 100,000 POPULATION
Attempting a Rescue Boating and PWC Fall Jump Land-based Fishing Other Rock Fishing Scuba Diving Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Unknown Watercraft
4 Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
Figure 80
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF SA COASTAL AND OCEAN
DROWNING DEATHS
In 2018–19, the number of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in
South Australia (SA) increased above the 2004-19 annual average
of 8. This year, the rate per 100,000 population was 0.75.
Figure 82
2004–19: COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
BY ACTIVITY (n=117)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in SA
occurred when swimming/wading (n=46) and boating and
PWC (n=30).
Figure 81
15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING RATES BY ACTIVITY
Drowning death rates (per 100,000 population) were increased from the 15-year average in swimming/wading, watercraft,
scuba diving and attempting a rescue activities in 2018-19. There was a decrease from the average for boating and PWC, fall
and snorkelling activities.
0
3
6
9
12
15
9 9
7
1213
10
0.0
0.4
0.2
0.6
0.8
1.0
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
201
4-1
5
20
08
-09
20
04
-05
201
0-1
1
20
06
-07
20
05
-06
20
07-0
8
20
09
-10
201
1-12
201
2-13
201
3-1
4
201
5-1
6
201
6-1
7
201
7-18
201
8-1
9
8
13
3 34
7 7 7
5
UnknownOtherNon-aquatic TransportAttempting a RescueWatercraftSnorkellingLand-based FishingScuba DivingFallBoating & PWCSwimming/Wading
Swimming/Wading
39%
3%
26%
6%
3%
6%
4%
39%3%
3%
3%3%
S O U T H A U S T R A L I A
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Fall
Attempting a Rescue2018-19
0.40
2018-19
0.00
2018-19
0.06
2018-19
0.00
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
Boating & PWC
Rock Fishing
2004-19
0.19
2004-19
0.12
2004-19
0.02
2004-19
0.00
2018-19
0.062004-19
0.02
2018-19
0.062004-19
0.02
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.02
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.03
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201958
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15-24YEAR OLD SWIMMERS/WADERS
45-54YEAR OLD BOATERS
&
ADELAIDE
3
2
3
22
3
6
2
410 3
11
2
2
322
2
2
2
AVERAGE
NUMBER
8AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
0.47PER 100,000 POPULATION
54% GREATER THAN 5KM FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
2004–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
2018–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
13
FATALITY RATE
0.75PER 100,000 POPULATION
DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Swimming/Wading
54%
UnknownOtherWatercraftScuba DivingAttempting a rescueSwimming/Wading
54%
15%
8%
8%
8%
8%
DROWNING DEATHS BY LOCATION
Beach 69%
BeachRock/CliffBeach
69%
23%
8%
80%MALE
20%FEMALE
D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
Attempting a Rescue Boating and PWC Fall Jump Land-based Fishing Other Rock Fishing Scuba Diving Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Unknown Watercraft
4 Multiple instances per activity at the same location
Capital city
Figure 83
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF TAS COASTAL AND OCEAN
DROWNING DEATHS
In 2018–19, there were three coastal and ocean drowning
deaths in Tasmania (Tas). This is below the 15-year annual
average of five.
Figure 85
2004–19: COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
BY ACTIVITY (n=81)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in Tas
occurred when boating (n=37), swimming/wading (n=9)
and falls (n=8).
Figure 84
15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2018-19 COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING RATES BY ACTIVITY
Drowning death rates (per 100,000 population) were lower than the 15-year average in all activities in 2018-19, except for
swimming/wading and watercraft activities.
5 5
3
8 8
6
5 5
6
5
3
4
6
3
9
0
2
4
6
8
10
0.5
1.5
1.0
2.0
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
201
4-1
5
20
08
-09
20
04
-05
201
0-1
1
20
06
-07
20
05
-06
20
07-0
8
20
09
-10
201
1-12
201
2-13
201
3-1
4
201
5-1
6
201
6-1
7
201
7-18
201
8-1
9
Boating
46%
UnknownOtherLand-based FishingAttempting a RescueScuba DivingWatercraftRock FishingFallSwimming/wadingBoating
2%
11%
10%
6%
7%
6%
46%
6%
T A S M A N I A
Watercraft Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Rock Fishing Fall
Attempting a Rescue2018-19
0.192004-19
0.12
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.48
2018-19
0.192004-19
0.07
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.08
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.03
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.07
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.01
2018-19
0.002004-19
0.11
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201960
HOBART
2
2
22
2
3
9
2 2
2 4
2
AVERAGE
NUMBER
5AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
1.06PER 100,000 POPULATION
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
35-44YEAR OLD BOATERS
33% GREATER THAN 5KM FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
2004–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
2018–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
3
FATALITY RATE
0.56PER 100,000 POPULATION
DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Swimming/Wading
33%
Non-aquatic Transport
Swimming/Wading
Watercraft
33%
33%
33%
DROWNING DEATHS BY LOCATION
Beach 67%
JettyBeach
67%
33%
D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
55-59YEAR OLD BOATERS
Attempting a Rescue Boating Fall Jump Land-based fishing Other
Rock Fishing Scuba Diving Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Unknown
Watercraft4 Multiple instances per
activity at the same location
Capital city
86%MALE
14%FEMALE
Figure 86
2004–19: 15-YEAR TREND OF NT COASTAL AND OCEAN
DROWNING DEATHS
In 2018–19, coastal and ocean drowning deaths in Northern
Territory (NT) decreased to 1, below the 15-year average of 3.
Figure 88
2004–19: COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING
DEATHS BY ACTIVITY (n=41)
The majority of coastal and ocean drowning deaths in NT
occurred when boating (n=17) and falls (n=4).
Figure 87
15-YEAR AVERAGE COMPARED TO 2017-19 COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING RATES BY ACTIVITY
Drowning death rates (per 100,000 population) were lower than the 15-year average for boating, attempting a rescue, scuba diving
and snorkelling activities in 2017-19. The rates were higher for falls and swimming/wading related incidents.
6
5
4
5
4
3 33
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0.0
0.5
1.5
1.0
2.0
2.5
3.0
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
201
4-1
5
20
08
-09
20
04
-05
201
0-1
1
20
06
-07
20
05
-06
20
07-0
8
20
09
-10
201
1-12
201
2-13
201
3-1
4
201
5-1
6
201
6-1
7
201
7-18
201
8-1
9
1
2 2 2
1
UnknownOtherScuba Diving/SnorkellingJumpAttempting a RescueSwimming/WadingFallBoating
10%
10%
7%
7%
7%
41%
5%
12%
Boating
41%
N O R T H E R N T E R R I T O R Y
2017-19
0.14
2017-19
0.40
2017-19
0.00
2017-19
0.00
Watercraft
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Rock Fishing
2004-19
0.09
2004-19
0.57
2004-19
0.00
2004-19
0.00
2017-19
0.00
2017-19
0.00
2017-19
0.00
2017-19
0.14
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Fall
Attempting a Rescue2004-19
0.10
2004-19
0.03
2004-19
0.03
2004-19
0.13
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201962
1.18PER 100,000 POPULATION
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
35-39YEAR OLD BOATERS
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
60-69YEAR OLD BOATERS
71% GREATER THAN 5KM FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
2004–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
2018–19 COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
DARWIN
2
32
33222
2017–19 DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Boating43%
Unknown
Fall
Jump
Swimming/WadingBoating
43%
14%
14%
14%
14%
2017–19 DROWNING DEATHS BY LOCATION
Offshore29%
Jetty
Beach
Bay
Port/MarinaOffshore
29%
29%
14%
14%
14%
88%MALE
12%FEMALE
D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
AVERAGE
NUMBER 3
Attempting a Rescue Boating Fall Jump Land-based Fishing Other
Rock Fishing Scuba Diving Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Unknown
Watercraft4 Multiple instances per
activity at the same location
Capital city
COASTAL & OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS
FATALITY RATE
0.41PER 100,000 POPULATION
1
2017 - 19
Adult For the purpose of this report, adults refer to a person 16
years of age and over.
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques A certification providing
the skills and knowledge required to use specialised equipment
in the provision of resuscitation in line with the Australian
Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.
ALS Australian Lifeguard Service.
Apply First Aid A certification providing the skills and knowledge
required to provide a first aid response to a casualty.
Attempting a rescue Trying to retrieve a person in distress and
deliver them to a place of safety.
AWSC Australian Water Safety Council also Australian Water
Safety Conference.
AWSS Australian Water Safety Strategy.
Bay A body of water partially enclosed by land but with a wide
mouth, affording access to the sea.
Beach A wave-deposited accumulation of sediment – usually
sand, but ranging in size up to boulders deposited between the
upper swash limit and wave base.
Blackspot An area with a concentration of coastal/ocean
incidents and a high probability/risk of ongoing recurrence.
Boating Using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for pleasure
and/or fishing.
Bystander A person who is present at an incident but not part of
it initially.
Coastal Describes the foreshore, seabed, coastal water and air
space above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including
areas up to 3nm offshore and of which the landward boundary
is the line of mean high water, except where that line crosses
a river/inlet, the landward boundary at that point shall be the
point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width
of the river/inlet mouth by five. (Adopted from the Resource
Management Amendment Act 1993 New Zealand).
COD Cause of death.
Crude drowning rate A comparative rate of drowning to the size
of the population in a given area.
Dangerous surf warning An alert issued by the Bureau of
Meteorology indicating that surf conditions in an area are unsafe
for coastal activities. The warnings are calculated based on wave
height, swell direction and swell period and must exceed the
predetermined limitations to be in effect.
Drowning The process of experiencing respiratory impairment
from submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified
as death, morbidity and no morbidity.
Drowning Death A fatal incident arising from the process of
respiratory impairment as a result of submersion/immersion
in liquid.
Drugs A medicine or other substance which has a physiological
effect when ingested or otherwise introduced to the body. The
category includes therapeutic, over-the-counter and
illicit drugs.
Emergency response An action taken by an SLS entity
in response to a call for assistance from an emergency
management organisation.
Falls (trips/slips) Events that result in a person coming to rest
inadvertently on the ground or other lower level.
Fatality A fatal incident arising from circumstances other than
drowning (e.g. medical condition, injury, self-harm,
marine creature).
First Aid Assessments and interventions that can be performed
by a bystander (or by the victim) with minimal to no equipment.
Fishing The act of attempting to catch fish from anywhere except
coastal rock platforms.
Foreign ethnicity Describes an individual who identifies with
a cultural group other than Australian based on heritage,
language or shared customs. This identification is extrapolated
from reported data such as the individuals’ country of birth and
the main language spoken at home.
Hazard A source of potential harm.
ILS International Life Saving Federation.
Incident Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving
services intervention.
Inland An area that is beyond the line of mean high water or within
a landward distance of five times the width of the coastal inlet/
river mouth.
Inshore The coastal water area within 500m of the low tide area of
the foreshore.
International Describes an individual who is confirmed to reside
overseas and/or is a temporary visitor to Australia.
IRB Inflatable rescue boat.
IRD Incident report database. A web-based portal used by SLS
services to electronically record incident reports.
Jetty An artificial structure that projects out into the water
from land.
JRB Jet rescue boat.
Jump(ing) The activity of launching off a cliff, rock platform, pier,
jetty. Aka tombstoning (UK/Europe/North America).
Lake An inland body of water surrounded by land.
Lifeguard An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach or
another aquatic environment. He/she is typically a salaried
member, qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue.
Lifejacket A buoyant or inflatable garment or device designed to
keep a person afloat in water and increase their likelihood
of survival.
G L O S S A R Y
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201964
Lifesaving Service A coordinated group that exists to provide
aquatic safety services to the public. This includes Surf Life
Saving Clubs, Lifeguards, SurfCom, RWCs, RIBs, JRBs, ORBs,
Rescue Helicopters and 4WD units.
Local Government Area (LGA) Also known as local councils,
LGAs include cities, town, shires, municipalities or boroughs.
Marina a man-made boat basin having sea walls or breakwaters
and offering dockage and other services for water vessels.
Medical For the purpose of this report, medical refers to an
aquatic incident that was caused by a medical episode, e.g.a
heart attack or epileptic seizure.
NCIS National Coronial Information System.
Non-aquatic fatality Non-aquatic fatalities refer to incidents
which have occurred at a coastal location but not in the
aquatic environment.
Non-aquatic transport Any form of transport that is not meant
for the water such as airplanes, bicycles, and motor vehicles.
Offshore Describes the coastal water area beyond the surf zone
and inshore area from 500m to 200nm.
Ocean The seabed, water and air space above the water between
3nm and 12nm (the Australian Territorial Sea) offshore.
ORB Offshore rescue boat.
Other An uncommon known activity not otherwise listed (e.g.,
paragliding, aircraft crash).
Patrol Service undertaken to monitor activities in/around an
aquatic environment and respond accordingly through either
preventative actions or rescue operations.
Patrol flags Red/yellow horizontally divided flags which are
set after performing a risk assessment to determine the most
suitable area for swimming. The flags identify a zone for
swimming and bodyboarding within a patrolled location.
Patrolled location A location supervised by a lifesaving service.
Preventative action Direct action taken to reduce or eliminate
the probability of a specific rescue, first aid or other reportable
incident from happening in the future.
PWC Personal water craft, also known as jet ski.
Rescue The retrieval of a person in distress, delivering them to
a place of safety and the application of first aid and basic life
support as may be required.
Resuscitation Prevention or restoration of life by establishing and
maintaining a person’s airway, breathing and circulation.
RIB Rigid-hull inflatable boat.
Rip current A seaward flowing current of water moving through
a surf zone.
River A natural stream of water flowing into an ocean, lake or
other body of water.
Rock/cliff A rock platform that may or may not have a high
steep face.
Rock fishing The act of attempting to catch fish from a coastal
rock platform.
Rock shelf A section of rock above or below the water level that
projects out from the coast.
RWC Rescue water craft.
Scuba diving Swimming underwater with the aid of scuba
equipment for recreational or commercial purposes.
Service season and hours Vary between states due to climatic
factors, but in the context of this report, the season is for the
period July 2018 to June 2019.
Snorkelling Swimming with a snorkel and face mask. Includes
freediving and spearfishing.
Sovereign waters The seabed, water and air space above the
water between 12nm and 200nm (the Australian Contiguous,
Exclusive Economic and Fishing Zones) offshore.
SurfCom SLS radio communications centre that assists in
managing the communications of lifesaving operations and
data collection.
Surf lifesaver An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach
or other aquatic environment. He/she is typically a nonsalaried
member qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue.
Surf Life Saving Club A SLS affiliated not-for-profit organisation
that has volunteer members who provide coastal safety services
to the community.
Swimming Moving through water by moving the body or parts of
the body.
Territorial seas The seaward limits of Australia’s maritime zones,
from the coastline to 12nm from the low tide line.
Total Service Plan An assessment of current and future lifesaving
resources, trends, national blackspots and coastal safety issues
combined with evidence-based mitigation strategies to address
these issues.
Toxicity The degree to which a chemical substance or a particular
mixture of substances is toxic or poisonous to an organism. In
the context of this report, toxicity refers to alcohol or drug used
by a drowning victim.
Unintentional Fatality Include deaths other than drowning
deaths (such as medical incidents, accidents, or marine
creature), however for this report exclude homicide and self-
harm related incidents.
Wading Walking through water while partially immersed.
Watercraft A piece of non-powered recreational equipment used
in water. Examples include surf boards, stand-up paddle boards,
boogie boards, windsurfers or kayaks.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA GLOSSARY65
METHODOLOGY
The National Coastal Safety Report 2019 contains information on
Australian community behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS
capability and membership capacity; rescues and emergency
response; and coastal drowning deaths and other fatalities that
occurred in Australia’s waters for the period of 1 July 2018 to 30
June 2019. This information is correct as of 7 August 2019. 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. Data in
figures may not always add up to 100% due to rounding.
THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Information about community swimming ability, behaviours and
attitudes to coastal safety, risk perceptions, safety strategies
and rescues was gathered from the SLSA National Coastal Safety
Survey. Conducted by Omnipoll Market Research, the latest
survey was run online over the period 10 - 23 April 2019 among
a national sample of 1,642 respondents aged 16 and above.
The study was carried out in compliance with AS-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. The Australian population aged 16 and
above (the reference population for this survey) is 18,712,000.
CAPABILITY AND RESCUE ANALYSIS
SurfGuard, the Incident Report Database (IRD) and SurfCom
management system (SurfCom) are web-based applications
and part of a suite of applications that enable members,
clubs, branches, state offices and SLSA to enter and access
SLS operational (including rescues and first aids), capability
(including assets and services), educational and administrative
data. Information was extracted from SurfGuard to identify how
many rescues were performed by volunteers, lifeguards and
lifesaving services during 2018-19; and how many active surf
lifesavers and award holders there were during 2018-19. The
data was verified by SLS state/territory entities. Information
about assets and services were gathered from each SLS state/
territory entity.
DROWNING AND FATALITY DATA ANALYSIS
SLSA collects incident data from SurfGuard, the IRD, SurfCom,
the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) and by
monitoring media reports for coastal and ocean incidents.
The information is verified with the assistance of each state/
territory SLS entity and compiled for analysis by SLSA’s Coastal
Safety Department. The following variables are used to match
fatal incidents from more than one data source: incident date;
location; age; gender; and incident description. The NCIS is
considered the ‘gold standard’ when there is a discrepancy
in the detail collected from different data sources. Deaths
are excluded as a coastal drowning if they are reported as
‘intentional deaths’, they are inland locations, or ‘drowning/
immersion’ is not a contributory factor as noted by the coroner.
Coastal incidents that are deemed intentional or not due to
drowning/immersion are logged as coastal fatalities instead.
The authors are responsible for the use made of the data in this
report. More detailed methodology can be found in the 2018
Coastal Safety Brief - Beaches.
DROWNING DATA LIMITATIONS
Over years of investigation as part of the NCIS process, some
cases are amended prior to their closure, resulting in changes
to the classification of cases in our datasets. Therefore, the
number of coastal drowning deaths published in this report
may be different from annual totals previously reported. In
an effort to produce a timely report on our current year’s data
we acknowledge that these figures will change. Each year, the
changes that occur in the previous year’s report will be made
transparent. The data in this current report are not the final
figures as 84% of 2018–19 coastal/ocean drowning deaths and
67% of 2018-19 other fatalities reported remain open cases and
35% of all cases do not yet have a cause of death (COD) listed.
Once NCIS closes a case, SLSA modifies those with unknown
intent and those where the cause of death is not drowning, from
‘coastal drowning’ to ‘coastal fatality’. Bars of two different
colours are used to illustrate the incidents where a COD has not
been listed on NCIS in Figure 43. The incidents are included in
our annual totals and analysis, and they will remain so until a
COD is listed other than drowning/immersion.
CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS
As part of the NCIS investigation process, some cases are
amended prior to their closure and have resulted in changes to
our datasets. This year SLSA has commenced a thorough review
of its coastal and ocean fatality database to update all cases to
the same inclusion standards. See Table 1.
R E F E R E N C E
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA NATIONAL COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 201966
67
Table 1
CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF COASTAL AND OCEAN DROWNING DEATHS AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
SUGGESTED CITATION: Surf Life Saving Australia (2019)
National Coastal Safety Report 2019. SLSA: Sydney.
REFERENCES
• Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019, Australian Demographic
Statistic Tables, cat. no. 3101.0, accessed 14 August
2019, https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/
DetailsPage/3101.0Dec%202018?OpenDocument#Time
• Australian Water Safety Council (2016). Australian Water Safety
Strategy 2016–20. Australian Water Safety Council: Sydney.
• Newspoll (2009) Surf Safety and Rips Study. Newspoll: Sydney.
• ‘Coastal Safety Brief: Beaches.’ Surf Life Saving Australia:
Sydney. Ryan, A, Rijksen, E, Daw, S (2018).
• SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,
2018, 2019). Newspoll/Omnipoll Online Omnibus April 2014,
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
• SLSA Annual Reports.
© 2019 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
SLSA wishes to thank the following people and organisations for
their contribution to the National Coastal Safety Report 2019:
the Australian Government: Department of Health; National
Coronial Information System: Leanne Daking; Omnipoll: Frederic
Anne; Royal Life Saving Society Australia: Amy Peden & Stacey
Pidgeon; SLS state centres, branches, clubs, support operations
and ALS; SLSA major national corporate partners: DHL , Holden
and Westpac.
This report was compiled by Shane Daw, National Coastal Risk
and Safety Manager, Jasmin Lawes, Researcher, Nicole Cooney,
Project Coordinator - Coastal Safety, Keiran Stone, Lifesaving
Operations Manager and Luke Strasiotto, Lifesaving Officer.
Cover Image: Shane Daw. Design: Melissa Conchar.
2015 NCSR
2016 NCSR
2017 NCSR
2018 NCSR
2019 NCSR
2004–05 89 89 89 89 96
2005–06 95 96 96 95 107
2006–07 98 102 102 102 115
2007–08 89 89 89 89 104
2008–09 89 88 88 85 106
2009–10 85 85 85 80 105
2010–11 69 69 69 69 91
2011–12 113 113 114 114 117
2012–13 118 118 118 118 134
2013–14 83 84 82 80 85
2014–15 102 105 105 108 114
2015–16 130 128 128 136
2016–17 116 119 110
2017-18 110 107
2018-19 122
REFERENCE METHODOLOGY67
CONTACT INFORMATION
SLS receives Government funding to commence valuable
initiatives and programs. However, we rely on the generosity of
the community and corporate support to ensure they continue.
To help Surf Life Saving please donate to:
Surf Life Saving Foundation— slsfoundation.com.au
For more information:
Surf Life Saving Australia—sls.com.au
Surf Life Saving New South Wales—surflifesaving.com.au
Surf Life Saving Northern Territory—lifesavingnt.com.au
Surf Life Saving Queensland—lifesaving.com.au
Surf Life Saving South Australia—surflifesavingsa.com.au
Surf Life Saving Tasmania—slst.asn.au
Life Saving Victoria—lsv.com.au
Surf Life Saving Western Australia—mybeach.com.au
D R O W N I N GS N A P S H O T
COASTAL &OCEAN
DROWNINGDEATHS
MALE
FEMALE
23
4413
115
233
35%SWIMMING
14%BOATING &
PWC
7%SNORKELLING
AT LEAST 5KM FROM ALIFESAVING SERVICE
AT THE BEACH ROCK/CLIFF
Location
Activity
OFFSHORE
8%WATERCRAFT