national coastal safety report 2014

Surf Life Saving Australia

National CoastalSafety Report 2014

MALE89%

15

11%FEMALE

National Drowning Snapshot

2013-14

Contributory Factors

State/Territory

307

49

15

4

Location

BEACH

38%5KM FROM A LIFESAVING SERVICE

51%

84 COASTALDROWNING DEATHS

Activity

23%

Swimming

14%

Rock Fishing

8%

Watercraft

18%

Boating

RIP CURRENTS

15%MEDICAL

CONDITIONOR INJURY

24%ALCOHOL/

DRUGS

14%

Coastal Visitation

08Case Study: Dangerous Surf Warnings

09Activity Participation

10

Risk Perception

12Swimming Ability

13Capability

14

Membership Capacity

18Case Study: Mid-week Drowning

19Rescues

20

Contents

Glossary

48

Introduction

04

Section 01Community and Capability

06

Section 02Drowning Analysis

24National Overview

262004-14: Drowning Location Map

30New South Wales

32Queensland

34

Victoria

36Western Australia

38South Australia

40Tasmania

42

Northern Territory

44Australian Water Safety Strategy

2020 Goal

46Case Study: RIPSAFE Project

47

National Safety Agenda

05

Reference

50

Introduction

National Safety Agenda

A ustralians have an affinity with our coastlines. We are drawn

to them to participate in an ever-growing array of activities,

and all too often people succumb to their hidden hazards.

An estimated 100 million visitations occur on our coastlines annually.

The coast is an inherently hazardous aquatic environment. Even in

benign ocean conditions, the water poses a significant risk to the

uninformed or unprepared visitor. Providing a reliable safety service

to meet the community’s needs has been the role of Surf Life Saving

for more than 100 years.

As the peak water safety, drowning prevention and rescue

authority, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) aims to create great

Australians, build better communities, and continue our primary

mission of saving lives.

This National Coastal Safety Report 2014 contains a detailed

analysis of the Australian coastal safety context for the period of 1

July 2013 to 30 June 2014.

Now in its tenth edition, the National Coastal Safety Report 2014 for

the first time provides a holistic perspective of SLSA’s approach to

drowning prevention under the Total Service Plan and the National

Safety Agenda.

While the report still incorporates analysis of coastal drownings, it

recognises that drowning is only part of the analysis that guides good

decision making for coastal safety.

The report provides contextual information on the Australian

community and how they interact with the coast. This information is

crucial to understanding how Surf Life Saving may need to adapt to

continue servicing community needs.

The report also defines Surf Life Saving’s current capability and

capacity. It details the services and resources, and their activities to

prevent and respond to coastal and aquatic emergencies.

Finally, the report describes how Surf Life Saving employs our

analysis to deliver evidence-based drowning prevention initiatives,

including our Beach Drowning Blackspot Reduction Program. Case

studies throughout the report demonstrate our commitment to

using scarce resources to achieve the greatest reduction in drowning

and the best return on investment for government, corporate

partners and donors across the community, including our dedicated

fundraisers, the Guardians of the Surf.

Despite the extensive network of lifesavers, lifeguards, support

operations and allied emergency services deployed nationally, 84

people drowned. Every one of these lives lost is one too many.

Surf Life Saving renews our commitment to the reduction of

coastal drowning by 50% by 2020. This will only be achievable with

a coordinated strategy requiring commitment, collaboration and a

willingness to take evidence-based risks.

I commend this report to you as a critical component in the

process to reduce coastal drowning deaths across Australia.

Greg Nance

Chief Executive Officer

The National Safety Agenda is determined by the Total Service

Plan, which is the overall national strategy document and

service plan for SLSA. The Total Service Plan is created using

an iterative process of analysis and review to identify coastal safety

issues of national importance. It follows the public health model and

is consistent with international risk management principles.

In collaboration with stakeholders, SLSA identifies coastal

safety risks via incident monitoring, coastal risk assessments and

participation analysis. This information is analysed using trend

and target identification, GIS plotting and critical incident analysis

to identify the top national coastal safety issues, priorities and

blackspots that require intervention or mitigation strategies. The

issues and blackspots identified through this process form the

basis of SLSA’s National Safety Agenda.

The National Safety Agenda influences lifesaving

operations, including services and equipment allocation,

and drives public education, including evidence-based

mitigation strategies, communications campaigns

and pilot projects. Each component of the agenda is

regularly reviewed, evaluated and revised as new

evidence and data become available.

The Total Service Plan takes a risk

management approach which allows

SLSA to use the evidence to ensure

we locate our lifesaving services and

assets in areas of need and have in place

appropriate public education programs

and mitigation strategies to address the

coastal safety issues and known blackspots.

The coastal safety needs of the Australian community

identified in the National Safety Agenda and the Surf Life

Saving movement’s capacity and capability to meet these

needs are explored in the following section ‘Community

and Capability’.

Figure 1

Total Service Plan Process Overview

The Total Service Plan aligns with the International Standard ISO

31000:2009 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

1. Rip Currents

2. Boating

3. Rock Fishing

4. Watercraft

5. Toxicity and Health

6. International Tourists

7. Snorkelling and Diving

8. Over 55 Years

9. Dangerous Marine Creatures

10. New Migrants

Surf Life Saving Australia aims to create great Australians, build better communities, and

continue our primary mission of saving lives.

Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2014 IntroductionNational Coastal Safety Report 2014

0504

Section 01

Community and Capability

PATROLLING MEMBERS

47,08011,711RESCUES

HelicopterMissions

859 311 980IRBs Clubs

VOLUNTEER PATROL HOURS

1,200,000

Coastal Visitation

Figure 2

2013-14: Coastal Visitation by Activity

Question: Which of the following coastal activities have you participated in during the past 12 months? How often do you participate in these

activities? At least half of the Australian population visit the coast at least once per year, and swimming is the most popular coastal activity. One

in five people participate in boating at least once a year, making it the second most popular activity.

Figure 3

2013-14: Activity Participation per Month

Question: How often do you participate in these activities? On a typical day, when you participate in these activities, how many hours do you

spend? A higher proportion of watercraft users (20%) spend 10 or more hours per month in the water than other activity participants, these

are closely followed by surfers and bodyboarders (18%). However, at least half of fishers (52%) and boaters (50%) spend 1.5-9 hours per month

fishing or boating. Snorkellers and scuba divers are the least frequent participants with 49% participating less than 1 hour per month.

Less Often

3-11 Times per Year

1-4 Times per Week

1-3 Times per Month

5+ Times per Week

0 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Swimming

Boating

Land-based or Rock Fishing

Snorkelling or Scuba Diving

Surfing

Watercraft

9%

10%

9%

2%

5%

4%

3%

7%1%

3%4%3%2%1%

2% 3% 3%1%1%

1%

7%3%1%

24% 11%6%2% Total - 51%

Total - 21%

Total - 18%

Total - 13%

Total - 13%

Total - 9%

Enhancing early warning of hazardous conditions is a key feature of the Surf Life Saving Total Service Plan.

By providing warnings to the community during periods of heightened risk individuals are better informed to make decisions regarding their

activities and to alter their behaviour accordingly to manage their risk exposure.

The Bureau of Meteorology has led the development of dangerous surf warnings in New South Wales supported by Surf Life Saving New

South Wales and several other stakeholder groups including Roads and Maritime Services and the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW.

In the 2013-14 season, during 50% of the periods when dangerous surf warnings were issued in New South Wales one person drowned. This

figure highlights the importance of this program.

A clear need has been identified to continue enhancing and improving the dangerous surf warning system to better inform beachgoers of

the prevailing risks at various locations along the coast.

Case Study

Dangerous Surf Warnings

Reference: SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey 2014

10+ Hours

1.5-9 Hours

Less Often

30 mins -1 Hour

Can’t Say

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Watercraft SurfingSnorkelling or Scuba Diving

Land-based or Rock Fishing

Boating Swimming

34%

35%

19%

3%

9%

50%

6%

30%

2%

12%

52%

11%

26%

2%

9%

17%

27%

49%

2%

5%

33%

24%

22%

3%

18%

28%

25%

26%

1%

20%

Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2014

08

Activity Participation

Figure 4

2013-14: Swimming Participation

Question: Which of the following coastal activities have you

participated in during the past 12 months? At least half of the

Australian population swim at beaches and coastal areas. A higher

proportion of men (52%) than women (49%) swim in the ocean.

Young people, 16-24 year olds, have the highest participants (68%).

NSW/ACT (54%) and Queensland (53%) are higher than the national

average while Northern Territory (NT) (34%) is significantly lower.

Figure 6

2013-14: Land-based and Rock Fishing Participation


participated in during the past 12 months? Almost 20% of the

Australian population fish and 19% of those people fish on rocky

coasts. More men (23%) than women (14%) participate in fishing.


Figure 5

2013-14: Boating Participation


participated in during the past 12 months? One-fifth of Australians

participate in boating, although it is more popular with men (27%)

than women (16%). NT has the highest participation (34%) followed

by NSW/ACT (25%).

Figure 9

2013-14: Watercraft Participation


participated in during the past 12 months? Watercraft include

paddlecraft, stand-up surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing. There

are 9% of Australians who use watercraft. Tasmania has the highest

participation (16%).

Figure 7

2013-14: Surfing Participation


participated in during the past 12 months? More than one in 10

people are surfers or bodyboarders (13%). Young people (16-24 year

olds) have the highest participation (20%).

Figure 8

2013-14: Snorkelling and Diving Participation


participated in during the past 12 months? Men and women snorkel

and scuba dive in equal proportions (13%). Northern Territory has

the highest participation (15%) while Tasmania has the lowest (8%).

NT

TAS

SA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW/ACT

50+

35-49

25-34

16-24

Female

Male

Total 51%

52%

49%

68%

58%

48%

39%

54%

53%

45%

48%

51%

45%

34%

Swimming8.2 million swimmers

2.8 million frequent swimmers (at least once

a month)

62.5 swimming hours per swimmer per year

Surfing2.1 million surfers

0.9 million frequent surfers (at least once

a month)

117 surfing hours per surfer per year

Boating3.5 million boaters

0.8 million frequent boaters (at least once

a month)

49 boating hours per boater per year

Watercraft1.5 million other watercraft users

0.6 million frequent watercraft users (at least

once a month)

126 watercraft hours per watercraft user per year

Fishing3 million fishers

0.9 million frequent fishers (at least once

a month)

58 fishing hours per fisher per year

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving2.1 million snorkellers and divers

0.4 million frequent snorkellers and divers

(at least once a month)

30 snorkelling and diving hours per snorkeller/

diver per yearNT

TAS

SA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW/ACT

50+

35-49

25-34

16-24

Female

Male

Total 18%

23%

14%

18%

22%

18%

16%

18%

20%

16%

17%

20%

48%

9%

NT

TAS

SA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW/ACT

50+

35-49

25-34

16-24

Female

Male

Total 21%

27%

16%

24%

20%

22%

20%

25%

22%

19%

20%

13%

21%

34%

NT

TAS

SA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW/ACT

50+

35-49

25-34

16-24

Female

Male

Total 9%

11%

8%

13%

13%

8%

6%

10%

8%

9%

9%

6%

16%

7%NT

TAS

SA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW/ACT

50+

35-49

25-34

16-24

Female

Male

Total 13%

16%

10%

20%

13%

13%

9%

16%

13%

11%

10%

12%

5%

3%

NT

TAS

SA

WA

VIC

QLD

NSW/ACT

50+

35-49

25-34

16-24

Female

Male

Total 13%

13%

13%

19%

16%

12%

9%

14%

14%

10%

14%

11%

8%

15%

Surf Life Saving Australia Section 01 Community and CapabilityNational Coastal Safety Report 2014

1110

Risk Perception

Swimming Ability


Figure 10

2013-14: Hazard Perception of the Coast

Question: How hazardous do you believe the coast to be? One in

10 Australians believe the coast to be extremely or very hazardous,

while 33% perceive it to be not very hazardous and 15% believe it to

be not at all hazardous.

Figure 12

2013-14: Usual Swimming Location

Question: Where do you usually go swimming in the ocean?

Less than half of the Australian population (43%) usually swim at

patrolled beaches while 28% swim at patrolled beaches outside of

patrol hours. More than one in five Australians (21%) usually swim at

unpatrolled locations.

Figure 15

2013-14: Frequency of Swimming More than 50m in the Ocean

Question: When was the last time you swam 50m or further in the

ocean? One quarter of Australians have swum more than 50m in the

ocean in the last 18 months, while 29% of people have never swum

more than 50m in the ocean.

Figure 11

2013-14: Hazard Perception of the Beach

Question: How hazardous do you believe the beach to be? Less than

10% of the Australian population see the beach as very or extremely

hazardous. More than half of all Australians believe the beach is not

very (38%) or not at all (15%) hazardous.

Figure 13

2013-14: Swimming Ability of the Australian Public

Question: How would you rate your swimming ability? And how

would you rate your swimming ability in the ocean? Australians rate

themselves as less competent swimmers in the ocean than in pools or

other locations. While 35% of people say they are competent or highly

competent swimmers in general, only 24% of people rate themselves

as competent or highly competent swimmers in the ocean.

Figure 14

2013-14: Ability to Swim 50m Without Stopping

Question: Are you currently able to swim 50m without stopping? Are

you currently able to swim 50m in the ocean without stopping? While

60% of people are able to swim 50m or more without stopping in a

pool or other enclosed body of water, only 35% of people say they

are able to swim 50m in the ocean.

3%7%

38%

33%

15%

4%

Can't Say

Not at all Hazardous

Not Very Hazardous

Somewhat Hazardous

Very Hazardous

Extremely Hazardous

Not Very Hazardous

33%

1%2%

8%

Highly Competent

Swimmer

Competent Swimmer

Average Swimmer

Weak Swimmer

Unable to Swim

Can't Say

Swimming Ability in General

Able to Swim 50m in the Ocean without Stopping

13%12%

7%

23%

17%

34%

31%

21%

29%

Respect the Water

There is a significant lack of awareness among the general public

about the hazards posed by the beach. Surf Life Saving Australia’s

2014 National Coastal Safety Survey revealed:

• The coast and beach are not perceived as hazardous by the

general population—48% view the coast as not very or not at

all hazardous, and a further 38% of people believe it is only

somewhat hazardous.

• The swimming ability of the general public in the ocean is

low—only 35% of people can swim 50m in the ocean without

stopping.

• People overestimate their ability to identify hazards such as rip

currents—only 36% of people correctly identified a rip current.

• Participants in coastal activities do not follow key safety

procedures—only 43% of people usually swim between the

flags; 28% usually swim at patrolled beaches out of patrol

hours; 21% usually swim at unpatrolled locations; only 16% of

fishers and 46% of boaters always wear a lifejacket.

This lack of respect for the water, people’s poor swimming

ability in the ocean and their low level of adherence to safety

procedures form a dangerous combination that has contributed

to coastal drowning deaths.

Surf Life Saving Australia has identified the need for a public

awareness campaign to influence perception of coastal hazards.

It is the first step on the journey to improving safety practices and

reducing drowning deaths among beachgoers and coastal users.

The aim is to increase people’s understanding of and respect for

the water, to improve resilience to coastal hazards and ultimately

reduce drowning deaths among beachgoers and coastal users.

Can’t Say

Netted or Enclosed Pool

Harbour Pool

Rock Pool

Unpatrolled Beach

Patrolled Beach, but Not Always During Patrolled Hours

Patrolled Beach During Patrolled Hours OnlyUnpatrolled

Beach

21%

2%

43%

28%

3%

21%

1%

2%

Can’t Say


Not Very Hazardous

Somewhat Hazardous

Very Hazardous

Extremely Hazardous


15%

2% 6%

36%

38%

15%

3%

Can’t Say

Never

More than 5 Years Ago

2 to 5 Years Ago

Last Year

This Year

More than 5 years ago

24%

10%

15%

11%

24%

29%

11%

Able to Swim 50m in a Pool without Stopping

60%

Able to Swim 50m in the Oceanwithout Stopping

35%


1312

Capability

S urf 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 emergency services.

Our lifesavers are equipped with fit-for-purpose equipment

designed to operate in hazardous and challenging conditions.

Thousands of rescue boards and tubes are utilised around the

flagged patrol areas of our 311 Surf Life Saving clubs. They are

supported by 859 inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), allowing lifesavers

to quickly navigate the whitewater surf zone and near-shore

environment.

Critical to our drowning prevention strategy are roving

surveillance patrols that actively monitor a stretch of coastline in

the vicinity of the primary patrolled flags area. Lifesavers undertake

these patrols using 405 side-by-side all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and

4WD vehicles.

SLS support operations services extend further beyond the flags

to provide surveillance and emergency response into more isolated

and hazardous coastal areas. Agile craft such as 150 rescue water

craft (RWC) and eight jet rescue boats (JRBs) allow lifesavers to

access and rescue in more hazardous whitewater areas such as

coastal bars and rocky coastlines.

Our national fleet of 21 offshore rescue boats (ORBs) and nine

rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs) further expand our response

capability providing longer distance surveillance and bluewater

rescue services as well as supporting lifesaving in SAR operations.

For rapid, isolated or complex rescues, 11 Westpac Life Saver

Rescue Helicopters provide aerial support to lifesavers and extend

our surveillance and search and rescue capability. These important

assets also support police and emergency services in a range of

emergency and disaster situations.

To deliver critical radio communications to support these services,

a broad coastal radio network has been established connected to

communications and operations centres. These centres coordinate

the SLS emergency response system and input data into our

SurfCom data management system.

All of these services are expertly delivered and managed through

the 47,080 qualified lifesavers across the country. They receive

specialised training to industry best-practice standards under

the Australian Qualifications Framework to ensure the Australian

community receives reliable service of the highest quality across

the nation.

Figure 16

2013-14: Surf Life Saving Clubs

There are 311 clubs around Australia: 129 in New South Wales, 59 in Queensland, 57 in Victoria, 29 in Western Australia, 19 in South Australia,

14 in Tasmania and 4 in Northern Territory.

Brisbane

SydneyCanberra

Hobart

Melbourne

Adelaide

Darwin

Perth

1,000km

SCALE

0

59

57

29

4

19

14

129


1514

Capability

Figure 18

2013-14: SLS Asset Location and Service Range

SLS maintains a fleet of 150 RWCs, eight JRBs, nine RIBs, 21 ORBs and 11 helicopters. Their locations and service ranges are depicted on this map.

Figure 17

2013-14: Australian Lifeguard Services

There are 228 lifeguard services around Australia: 84 in New South Wales, 83 in Queensland, 38 in Victoria, 17 in Western Australia, 2 in South

Australia, 1 in Tasmania and 3 in Northern Territory.

1,000km

SCALE

0

Jet Rescue Boat (JRB)

Rescue Water Craft (RWC)

Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat (RIB)

Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB)

Helicopter

Brisbane

SydneyCanberra

Hobart

Melbourne

Adelaide

Darwin

Perth

Australian Lifeguard Service

The Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) is a national lifeguard service providing beach and pool lifeguard services to 65 local government

councils and land managers all across Australia. It is the largest provider of professional lifeguards in Australia. Annually, the ALS employs more

than 1,200 full-time, seasonal and casual lifeguards and management staff.

ALS patrols are fully integrated into and work alongside Surf Life Saving’s volunteer beach patrol services, support operations services, 24-

hour emergency response systems and strategically located Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Services. They are a crucial component in

offering a seamless service to the community during peak periods.

ALS patrols vary from single-day patrols on public holidays (e.g. Australia Day) or peak periods to private providers to 365-day services for

large local governments.

Brisbane

SydneyCanberra

Hobart

Melbourne

Adelaide

Darwin

Perth

1,000km

SCALE

0

83

38

17

3

2

1

84


1716

Education

Across the board—excluding Advanced Resuscitation Techniques

Certificate (ARTC)—there has been steady growth or maintenance

of levels for each of the main patrol awards. 2013-14 saw a sharp

increase in new Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew (IRBC)—an award where

we have been struggling to attract members. Surf Rescue Certificate

(SRC) remains steady as does Basic Beach Management and

Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver (IRBD), although an increase in both

of these awards would be welcomed in the majority of clubs. While

Bronze Medallion has seen an overall decrease in the past four years,

what is more important is that clubs are retaining these members as

proficient year after year rather than training many new members

each season. This loss of experience and the time taken to train new

members is costly and time consuming.

The focus in lifesaving education is not so much on the quantity

of awards, but instead on trying to work much smarter while

maintaining the focus on continuous improvement, quality delivery

and risk management. Our ultimate goal is to develop practices in

education that simplify our processes, assisting us to achieve and

maintain quality training and assessment which ultimately supports

efforts to reach our goal of a 50% reduction in drowning deaths on

Australia’s coast by 2020.

Membership Capacity

Over the last 10 years, 888 (96%) of the coastal drowning incidents

have occurred on a known day of the week. Of these incidents, 504

(57%) have occurred on a weekday and 384 (43%) have occurred on

a weekend. It is an average of 101 incidents per weekday and 192

incidents per weekend day.

Coastal drowning deaths are significantly higher on the weekends

(Chi square analysis, p > 0.05). The majority of mid-week drowning

deaths occur on Monday; this may be due to increased exposure

during holiday long weekends, which have not been considered in

this analysis.

Volunteer surf lifesavers patrol beaches on weekends and public

holidays only. The results of this analysis highlight the need for

ongoing lifeguard services during the week to ensure beaches are

patrolled when the majority of the coastal drowning deaths occur.

Case Study

Mid-week Drowning

Figure 19

2013-14: Patrolling Lifesavers

There were a total of 47,080 patrolling members for the 2013-14

season.

Figure 20

2013-14: Apply First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate Holders

There were a total of 8,948 Apply First Aid and 10,476 Advanced

Resuscitation Techniques certificate holders who were proficient for

the 2013-14 season.

Figure 21

2010-14: New Lifesaving Awards

Figure 22

2004-14: 10-year Coastal Drowning Deaths by Day

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

WeekendWeekday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Monday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

197

186115

97

86

104

102

Num

ber

(n)

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver

Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew

Basic Beach Management

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate

Bronze Medallion

Surf Rescue Certificate

20142013201220112010

Num

ber

(n)

NTTASSAWAVICQLDNSW

25103

600628901

2,744

3,947

33169

617654

1,435

2,443

5,166 Apply First Aid

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques

NTTASSAWAVICQLDNSW

185822

2,732

5,383

7,8848,711

21,363


18

NTTASWASAVICQLDNSW

375,287

494,047

4,92981912,545

90,466

37,944

NTTASWASAVICQLDNSW

5,326

3,917

35648

178

522

1,364

Figure 25

2013-14: Preventative Actions per State

SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and support service personnel performed

1,016,037 preventative actions during 2013-14.

Figure 24

2013-14: Rescues per State

SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and support service personnel performed

11,711 rescues during 2013-14.

Rescues

Figure 23

2013-14: Rescues per Local Government Area (LGA)

SLS lifesavers, lifeguards and support service personnel performed rescues across 105 LGAs around Australia.

1,000km

SCALE

0

10-49 Rescues

1-9 Rescues

50-149 Rescues

150-449 Rescues

> 450 Rescues

Key to Rescues per LGA

Brisbane

SydneyCanberra

Hobart

Melbourne

Adelaide

Darwin

Perth


2120

Rescues

Figure 27

2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths per Local Government Area (LGA)

During 2004 to 2014, there were 929 drowning deaths in 140 LGAs throughout Australia.

1,000km

SCALE

0

5 - 9 Drowning Deaths

1- 4 Drowning Deaths

10 -16 Drowning Deaths

17-30 Drowning Deaths

> 31 Drowning Deaths

Key to Coastal Drowning Deaths per LGA

Brisbane

SydneyCanberra

Hobart

Melbourne

Adelaide

Darwin

Perth

Figure 26

2013-14: Emergency Response per Local Government Area (LGA)

SLS support service personnel responded to requests for assistance from emergency services across 77 LGAs.

1,000km

SCALE

0

3-5 Emergency Responses




> 25 Emergency Responses

Key to Emergency Responses per LGA

Brisbane

SydneyCanberra

Hobart

Melbourne

Adelaide

Darwin

Perth


2322

Section 02

Drowning Analysis


MALE89% 11%

FEMALE84 COASTALDROWNING DEATHS

14%

Alcohol/Drugs

24%

Medical Conditionor Injury

15%

Rip Currents

National Overview

Figure 28

2004-14: 10-year Trend of National Coastal Drowning Deaths

National coastal drowning death numbers and crude drowning rates for 2004-14 are shown above. The 10-year average rate per 100,000

population is 0.43 and number is 93, the rate for 2013-14 is 0.36 and number is 84.

Figure 30

2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by State (n=84)

Of the 84 coastal drowning deaths, 30 (36%) occurred in New South Wales, 15 (18%) in Queensland, 15 (18%) in Victoria, nine (11%) in Western

Australia, seven (8%) in South Australia, four (5%) in Tasmania and four (5%) in Northern Territory.

Figure 29

2004-14: 10-year Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity

The national rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time. The rates of swimming and wading

(0.08 vs. 0.13 average rate per 100,000 pop.), boating (0.06 vs. 0.07 average rate per 100,000 pop.), rock fishing (0.05 vs. 0.06 average rate per

100,000 pop.) and snorkelling (0.004 vs. 0.02 average rate per 100,000 pop.) are all below the 10-year average rate. Watercraft (0.03 rate per

100,000 pop.) and attempting a rescue (0.02 rate per 100,000 pop.) activities have rates equal to the 10-year averages. Diving (0.03 vs. 0.02

average rate per 100,000 pop.), rock/cliff related (0.02 vs. 0.01 rate per 100,000 pop.) and other (0.03 vs. 0.02 average rate per 100,000 pop.)

activities have a higher rate this year than the 10-year average. Other activities include vehicular events, plane crash and falls.

Figure 31

2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Age Group and Sex (n=84)

The age groups representing the highest rates of fatalities are 80-84 years (n=5, 1.12 rate per 100,000 pop.) and 60-64 years (n=12, 0.98 rate

per 100,000 pop.). Of the 84 fatalities, 75 (89%) were male.

Rate

(per

100

,000

pop

.)

Unknown

Other

Snorkelling

Rock/Cliff Related

Diving

Attempting a Rescue

Watercraft

Boating

Rock Fishing

Swimming/Wading

0

0.02

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.20

0.18

0.16

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

COD Listed

Numbers on bars represent total deaths

No COD Listed

899895

113

69

848989 85

118

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0

0.1

0.2

Nu

mb

er (n

)

Rat

e (p

er 1

00

,00

0 p

op

.)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

NTTASSAWAVICQLDNSW

Crude Drowning Rate Per 100,000

Coastal Drowning Deaths

Nu

mb

er (n

)

Rat

e (p

er 1

00

,00

0 p

op

.)

0

0.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

1.0

1.2

1.4

2.0

1.8

1.6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

unknown85+80-8475-7970-7465-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-2920-2415-1910-145-90-4

Male

Female

Nu

mb

er (n

)

Rat

e (p

er 1

00

,00

0 p

op

.)

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014

2726

National Overview

Figure 32

2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity (n=84)

The majority of coastal drowning deaths occurred when an individual

was participating in swimming or wading (19, 22.6%), boating (15,

17.9%), rock fishing (12, 14.3%), using non-powered watercraft (7,

8.3%) or scuba diving (7, 8.3%).

Figure 34

2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Month (n=84)

The highest percentage of coastal drowning occurred in the month

of January (n=15, 18%), followed by February and October (n=10,

12%). Fifty deaths (60%) occurred outside of the summer months.

Shading denotes season.

Figure 35

2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Time (n=61)*

There are currently 61 coastal drowning deaths (73%) with known

times. Most of these fatalities occurred between 12:01pm and 3pm

(20, 24%).

* Only incidents with known times are represented.

Figure 33

2013-14: Location of Coastal Drowning Deaths (n=84)

There were 32 coastal drowning deaths which occurred at a beach,

28 occurred offshore and 21 occurred at a rock/cliff location. The

percentages illustrate a reduction in beach drowning deaths (38.1%

from 52.9%) and an increase in offshore (33.3% from 18.2%) and

rock/cliff locations (25% from 19%) when compared with last year

(2012-13).

Figure 36

2013-14: Distance from Drowning Location to a Lifesaving Service (n=84)

Forty-three individuals (51.2%) drowned further than 5km from

the nearest lifesaving club. No coastal drowning deaths occurred

between the red and yellow flags.

Figure 37

2013-14: Distance from Residence to Drowning Location (n=84)

Thirty-three individuals (39.3%) lived further than 50km from the

drowning location, and 12 coastal drowning deaths (14.3%) involved

international tourists.

Blackspots

A blackspot is an area with a high concentration of coastal/ocean incidents and a high probability/risk of ongoing reoccurrence. SLSA

has identified the local government areas (LGAs) listed below as blackspots. These LGAs are priorities for conducting coastal risk

assessments and implementing drowning prevention activities via the Beach Drowning Blackspot Reduction Program.

New South Wales: Bega Valley Shire, Byron Shire, City of Coffs Harbour, City of Gosford, City of Randwick, City of Wollongong, Manly,

Pittwater, Sutherland Shire, Tweed Shire, Warringah, Waverley, Wyong Shire

Northern Territory: City of Darwin

Queensland: Cairns Region, City of Gold Coast, Redland City, Sunshine Coast Council/Noosa Shire

South Australia: City of Onkaparinga

Tasmania: West Tamar Municipality

Victoria: City of Greater Geelong, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Bass Coast Shire, Surf Coast Shire

Western Australia: City of Wanneroo

Marina/Jetty

Rock/Cliff

Offshore

Beach

38.1%Beach

38.1%

33.3%

25.0%

3.6%

1km to 5km

Less than 1km

Greater than 5km

Greater than 5km

51.2%51.2%

26.2%

22.6%

Unknown

International

Less than 10km

10km to 50km

Greater than 50km

Greater than 50km

39.3%39.3%

22.6%

20.2%

14.3%

3.6%

Other

Unknown

Snorkelling

Attempting a Rescue

Rock/Cliff Related

Diving

Watercraft

Rock Fishing

Boating

Swimming/Wading

22.6%Swimming/

Wading

22.6%

17.9%

8.3%

14.3%

8.3%

7.1%

6.0%

1.2%

8.3%

6.0%

Per

cen

tag

e (%

)

0

4

10

14

20

2

8

12

18

6

16

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

Per

cen

tag

e (%

)

0

2

4

6

8

10

1

3

5

7

9

11:0

1pm

-12a

m

10:0

1pm

-11p

m

9:01

pm

-10p

m

8:01

pm

-9p

m

7:01

pm

-8p

m

6:01

pm

-7p

m

5:01

pm

-6p

m

4:01

pm

-5p

m

3:01

pm

-4p

m

2:01

pm

-3p

m

1:01

pm

-2p

m

12:0

1pm

-1p

m

11:0

1am

-12p

m

10:0

1am

-11a

m

9:01

am-1

0am

8:01

am-9

am

7:01

am-8

am

6:01

am-7

am

5:01

am-6

am

4:01

am-5

am

3:01

am-4

am

2:01

am-3

am

1:01

am-2

am

12:0

1am

-1 a

m


2928

Brisbane

Sydney

Canberra

Hobart

Melbourne

Adelaide

Darwin

Perth

1,000km

SCALE

0

Key to Drowning Activity

Attempting a Rescue

Boating

Diving

Rock Fishing

Rock/Cliff Related

Snorkelling

Swimming/Wading

Watercraft

Other

Unknown

2004-14: Drowning Location Map

Surf Life Saving Australia Drowning Analysis

31

Case Study: Rock Fishing Drowning Rates

Rock fishing has been called Australia’s most dangerous sport

due to imagery of big waves crashing over rock platforms, and

in 1993, the NSW Coroner said it had the highest fatality rate of

any sport in NSW. Statistics may further support these claims.

For the first time, the crude population rate of drowning

related to rock fishing is higher than swimming and wading.

Further analysis using data collected by the NSW

Population Health Survey calculates a population risk

rate based on the portion of the population which reports

participation in swimming and rock fishing. Rock fishing is

3.1 times riskier than swimming based on participation and

fatalities occurring during these activities in NSW.

These statistics reinforce Surf Life Saving’s important

work to reduce the rock-fishing-related drowning rate

by introducing and enhancing dangerous surf warnings,

educating rock fishers on safe angling techniques and

lobbying for legislation to mandate the wearing of lifejackets.

while rock fishing.

New South Wales

Figure 38

2004-14: 10-year Trend of NSW Coastal Drowning Deaths

In 2013-14, there were 30 coastal drowning deaths or a rate of 0.40

deaths per 100,000 pop. in New South Wales (NSW). From 2004

to 2014, there has been an average number of 37 coastal drowning

deaths per year, which is a 10-year average rate of 0.52 per 100,000

population.

Figure 40

2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity

The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in NSW. In 2013-14, there were 30 coastal

drowning deaths. Activities where the rate is less than the 10-year average include swimming and wading (0.09 vs. 0.17 average rate per

100,000 pop.), boating (0.04 vs. 0.05 average rate per 100,000 pop.), watercraft (0.01 vs. 0.04 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and snorkelling

(0.00 vs. 0.01 average rate per 100,000 pop.). Activities where the rate is equal to the 10-year average rate are rock fishing (0.11 rate per

100,000 pop.) and other rock/cliff activities unrelated to fishing (0.01 rate per 100,000 pop.). Activities that have a rate greater than the 10-year

average are attempting a rescue (0.05 vs. 0.03 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and diving (0.03 vs. 0.02 average rate per 100,000 pop.).

Figure 39


The majority of coastal drowning deaths in NSW occurred when an

individual was participating in rock fishing (8, 26.7%), swimming

and wading (7, 23.3%), attempting a rescue (4, 13.3%) or boating

(3, 10%).

Figure 41

2004-14: NSW Coastal Drowning Deaths

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-050

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

Nu

mb

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)

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.)

35 35

45

29

39 40

23

4846

30

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-050.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

Nu

mb

er (n

)

Swimming/Wading (n) Swimming/Wading Crude Drowning Rate

Rock Fishing (n) Rock Fishing Crude Drowning Rate

Rat

e (p

er 1

00

,00

0 p

op

.)

Unknown

Other

Rock/Cliff Related

Watercraft

Diving

Boating

Attempting a Rescue

Swimming/Wading

Rock Fishing

26.7%

23.3%

13.3%

10.0%

6.7%

3.3%

3.3%

3.3%

10.0%

26.7%Rock Fishing

Rate

(per

100

,000

pop

.)

Unknown

Other

Rock/Cliff Related

Snorkelling

Diving

Attempting a Rescue

Watercraft

Rock Fishing

Boating

Swimming/Wading

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

Issue Intervention

Rip currents Surf education programs in Western Sydney

Drowning deaths while attempting a rescue

Enhancing triple zero (000) awarenessImprove effective emergency response

Sydney

Canberra

Attempting a RescueBoatingDivingRock FishingRock/Cliff Related SnorkellingSwimming/WadingWatercraftOther Unknown

Figure 42

2004-14: Coastal Rock-fishing- and Swimming/Wading-related Drowning Deaths

There were a total of 78 drowning deaths during rock fishing

activity in NSW. In addition, four deaths occurred when

rock fishers entered the water to rescue a companion who

unintentionally entered the water.

Other New South Wales Coastal Safety Issues


3332

Queensland

Brisbane

Figure 43

2004-14: 10-year Trend of Queensland Coastal Drowning Deaths


deaths per 100,000 pop. in Queensland (Qld). From 2004 to 2014,

there has been an average number of 15 coastal drowning deaths per

year, which is a 10-year average rate of 0.35 per 100,000 population.

Figure 45


The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in Qld. In 2013-14, there were 15 coastal


100,000 pop.), watercraft (0.02 vs. 0.04 average rate per 100,000 pop.), snorkelling (0.00 vs. 0.04 average rate per 100,000 pop.), diving (0.00

vs. 0.01 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and attempting a rescue (0.00 vs. 0.02 average rate per 100,000 pop.). Activities that have a rate greater

than the 10-year average are boating (0.11 vs. 0.07 average rate per 100,000 pop.), rock fishing (0.02 vs. 0.01 average rate per 100,000 pop.)

and other activities related to rock/cliff locations (0.04 vs. 0.01 average rate per 100,000 pop.).

Figure 44


The majority of coastal drowning deaths in Qld occurred when an

individual was participating in boating (5, 33.3%), swimming and

wading (4, 26.7%), or activities in a rock/cliff location that were not

related to fishing (2, 13.3%).

Nu

mb

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)

Rat

e (p

er 1

00

,00

0 p

op

.)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-05

18

11

17

12

9

1617

24

1315

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0

0.1

Other

Watercraft

Rock Fishing

Rock/Cliff RelatedSwimming/Wading

Boating

33.3%Boating

33.3%

26.7%

13.3%

6.7%

6.7%

13.3%

Rate

(per

100

,000

pop

.)

Unknown

Other

Rock Fishing

Rock/Cliff Related

Diving

Attempting a Rescue

Watercraft

Boating

Snorkelling

Swimming/Wading

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

Case Study: Tourism

Queensland is a well-established tourism destination. Its

appeal is entwined with its long sandy beaches and warm

climate. Its success in attracting a combination of domestic and

international tourists is reflected in the annual drowning toll.

From 2004 to 2014, 28.3% of drowning victims were

considered locals living within 10km of the coast. The

remainder were intrastate Queenslanders (33.6%), international

tourists (25.7%), and interstate domestic tourists (11.2%).

Although international tourist drownings regularly make

headlines and attract media coverage, it should be noted that

domestic tourists drown in higher numbers.

Surf Life Saving Queensland, working closely with the Gold

Coast and Sunshine Coast councils, has developed a targeted

community engagement and marketing strategy designed

to reach tourists with key safety advice in order to reduce the

drowning toll.

The strategy features targeted advertising through airlines

and airports, as well as their coastal accommodation network.

Lifesavers also meet and engage visitors at the airports

providing safety advice and materials.

Figure 47

2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Location of Origin

There were a total of 152 drowning deaths in Queensland, of

which 33.6% travelled intrastate, 28.3% were local, 25.7%

were international visitors, 11.2% were from interstate and

1.3% were from an unknown location.

Unknown

Interstate

International

Local

Intrastate

33.6%Intrastate

25.7%

33.6%

28.3%

11.2%

1.3%

Issue Intervention

Snorkelling and scuba diving Charter boat awareness program

Rocky-coast-related drowning Coastal risk assessmentsEmergency response beacons

Other Queensland Coastal Safety Issues

Figure 46

2004-14: Queensland Coastal Drowning Deaths



3534

Victoria

Melbourne

Figure 48

2004-14: 10-year Trend of Victorian Coastal Drowning Deaths


deaths per 100,000 pop. in Victoria (Vic). From 2004 to 2014, there

has been an average number of 14 coastal drowning deaths per year,

which is a 10-year average rate of 0.26 per 100,000 population.

Figure 50


The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in Vic. In 2013-14, there were 15 coastal

drowning deaths. Activities where the rate is less than the 10-year average include swimming and wading (0.03 vs. 0.08 average rate per 100,000

pop.) and snorkelling (0.00 vs. 0.005 average rate per 100,000 pop.). The rock fishing activity rate is equal to the 10-year average this year (0.02

average rate per 100,000 pop.). Activities that have a rate greater than the 10-year average are boating (0.07 vs. 0.05 average rate per 100,000

pop.), watercraft (0.03 vs. 0.02 average rate per 100,000 pop.), attempting a rescue (0.02 vs. 0.01 average rate per 100,000 pop.), diving (0.02 vs.

0.01 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and other rock/cliff activities unrelated to fishing (0.02 vs. 0.006 average rate per 100,000 pop.).

Figure 49


The majority of coastal drowning deaths in Vic occurred when an

individual was participating in boating (4, 26.7%), swimming and

wading (2, 13.3%), and using non-powered watercraft (2, 13.3%).

Nu

mb

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)

Rat

e (p

er 1

00

,00

0 p

op

.)

1415

11

17

1112

10 10

23

15

0

5

10

15

20

25

13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-050

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.45

0.1

Unknown

Other

Rock/Cliff Related

Diving

Attempting a Rescue

Rock Fishing

Watercraft

Swimming/Wading

Boating

26.7%Boating

26.7%

13.3%

13.3%

6.7%

6.7%

6.7%

13.3%

6.7%

6.7%

Rate

(per

100

,000

pop

.)

Unknown

Other

Rock/Cliff Related

Snorkelling

Diving

Attempting a Rescue

Rock Fishing

Boating

Watercraft

Swimming/Wading

0.00

0.02

0.06

0.08

0.12

0.10

0.04

0.14

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

Case Study: Drowning Among 60+ Year Olds

Young adults in the ‘risk taker’ demographic are traditionally

more commonly associated with coastal drownings. This year

Victoria has seen an over-representation in the drowning

rates of people over 60 years of age.

For every age bracket from 60-64 to 85+ years, the rate

of coastal drowning was significantly greater than the gross

drowning total, reflecting the over-representation of the

group among the drowning statistics.

Addressing the underlying issues of drowning in older

populations is a priority for Life Saving Victoria.

The Play It Safe by the Water campaign is designed to

provide practical advice to the community across a broad

range of activities and environments.

The Grey Medallion Program (Royal Life Saving Society

Australia) aims to develop aquatic skills of older Australians to

make them more resilient in the water. Practical participation

under supervision is critical to ensure older people recognise

their capabilities in the water and manage their own risk

exposure accordingly.

Figure 52

2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Age

From 2004 to 2014, there were 139 drowning deaths in

Victoria. For the age category 60-64 the rate is 4.65 per

100,000 pop., which is significantly higher than the rate of

3.26 per 100,000 pop. for 40-44 year olds.

Nu

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0

2

6

8

12

4

10

14

16

85+

80-8

4

75-7

9

70-7

4

65-6

9

60-6

4

55-5

9

50-5

4

45-4

9

40-4

4

35-3

9

30-3

4

25-2

9

20-2

4

15-1

9

10-1

4

5-9

0-4

0

1

2

3

4

5Issue Intervention

Watercraft Promoting lifejacket usage

Drowning deaths at a distance from a lifesaving service

Play it Safe By the Water campaignEnhancing the emergency response system Open Water Learning Experience programs

Rock fishing Promoting lifejacket usage and key safety messages

Other Victorian Coastal Safety Issues

Figure 51

2004-14: Victorian Coastal Drowning Deaths



3736

Case Study: Regional Drowning

Western Australia features an expansive coastline from

the tropical north at its border with the Northern Territory,

through to the Great Australian Bight at the South

Australian border.

A range of attractions, activities and beautiful locations

draw visitors to regional, remote and very remote areas of the

WA coastline. These locations are also where the vast majority

of coastal drowning deaths occur in the state. Last year, 89%

of coastal drownings occurred in regional locations.

Enhancing lifesaving services to meet community needs

has been a key focus for Surf Life Saving Western Australia

(SLSWA). Support services play a crucial role in responding

to incidents in locations that are unviable for a traditional

lifesaving club service.

Improving communication networks, developing marine

support operation services such as the Wesfarmers Lifesaver

RWC Team, and locating a second Westpac Life Saver Rescue

Helicopter Service in the south-west are important activities

to reduce the drowning toll in regional areas.

Figure 57

2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Location

Of the nine coastal drowning deaths in 2013-14, eight

occurred in regional locations.

Western Australia

Perth

Figure 53

2004-14: 10-year Trend of Western Australian Coastal Drowning Deaths

In 2013-14, there were nine coastal drowning deaths or a rate of 0.35

deaths per 100,000 pop. in Western Australia (WA). From 2004 to 2014,

there has been an average number of 13 coastal drowning deaths per

year, which is a 10-year average rate of 0.56 per 100,000 population.

Figure 55


The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in WA. In 2013-14, there were nine coastal


100,000 pop.), rock fishing (0.08 vs. 0.11 average rate per 100,000 pop.), boating (0.04 vs. 0.07 average rate per 100,000 pop.), snorkelling

(0.04 vs. 0.07 average rate per 100,000 pop.), watercraft (0.04 vs. 0.05 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and attempting a rescue (0.00 vs. 0.01

average rate per 100,000 pop.). Activities that have a rate greater than the 10-year average are diving (0.08 vs. 0.03 average rate per 100,000

pop.) and other activities (0.00 vs. 0.03 average rate per 100,000 pop.).

Figure 54


The majority of coastal drowning deaths in WA occurred when

an individual was participating in rock fishing (2, 22.2%) and diving

(2, 22%).

Nu

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8

1513

1211

1011

15

24

9

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-05

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

0

0.1

0.3

0.5

0.7

0.9

Snorkelling

Rock/Cliff Related

Watercraft

Boating

Swimming/Wading

Diving

Rock Fishing22.2%Rock Fishing

22.2%

22.2%

11.1%

11.1%

11.1%

11.1%

11.1%

Rate

(per

100

,000

pop

.)

Unknown

Other

Rock/Cliff Related

Attempting a Rescue

Diving

Watercraft

Snorkelling

Rock Fishing

Boating

Swimming/Wading

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

Nu

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)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Metro LocationsRegional Locations

Issue Intervention

Recreational fishing Angel ring programPromoting lifejacket usage

Swimming and wading deaths Community education programs

Other Western Australian Coastal Safety Issues

Figure 56

2004-14: Western Australian Coastal Drowning Deaths



3938

South Australia

AdelaideFigure 58

2004-14: 10-year Trend of South Australian Coastal Drowning Deaths

In 2013-14, there were seven coastal drowning deaths or a rate

of 0.42 deaths per 100,000 pop. in South Australia (SA). From

2004 to 2014, there has been an average number of seven coastal

drowning deaths per year, which is a 10-year average rate of 0.44 per

100,000 population.

Figure 60


The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in SA. In 2013-14, there were seven coastal

drowning deaths. Activities where the rate is greater than the 10-year average include swimming and wading (0.18 vs. 0.16 average rate per

100,000 pop.), boating (0.18 vs. 0.12 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and other activities (0.06 vs. 0.02 average rate per pop.). There were no

additional activities being undertaken when drowning deaths occurred in 2013-14.

Figure 59


The majority of coastal drowning deaths in SA occurred when an

individual was participating in swimming and wading (3, 42.9%)

and boating (3, 42.9%).

Nu

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0.2

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0.6

0.8

0.9

0.1

0.3

0.5

0.7

Other

Boating

Swimming/Wading

42.9%Swimming/

Wading

42.9%

42.9%

14.3%

Rate

(per

100

,000

pop

.)

Unknown

Other

Snorkelling

Rock Fishing

Attempting a Rescue

Rock/Cliff Related

Diving

Boating

Watercraft

Swimming/Wading

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

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0.35

0.40

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

Case Study: Regional Drowning

Renowned for its Coonawarra wine region and spectacular

coastline, the Limestone Coast region of South Australia

has become a popular tourist destination. The region is

projected to increase in population by 7.7% towards 2026

with a high rate of youth and young families dominating the

population profile.

Surf Life Saving South Australia has identified the region as

a priority to increase lifesaving services to match community

needs. Ensuring services are sustainable is critical in regional

areas, and a strategy is in place to deliver long-term solutions

for the Limestone Coast community.

Surf Life Saving clubs are being established in both Robe

and Kingston, with an initial focus on junior development or

‘Nipper’ programs. These programs appeal to the young

families in the region and provide an opportunity for parents

to be trained as lifesavers. The Robe club also supports a

rescue water craft (RWC) support operations service

providing emergency response capability for the region.

Issue Intervention

Boating Lifejackets campaign

Swimming and wading Vacation swimming program

Other South Australian Coastal Safety Issues

Figure 61

2004-14: South Australian Coastal Drowning Deaths



4140

Tasmania

Hobart

Figure 62

2004-14: 10-year Trend of Tasmanian Coastal Drowning Deaths

In 2013-14, there were four coastal drowning deaths or a rate of 0.78 deaths per 100,000 pop. in Tasmania (Tas). From 2004 to 2014, there has

been an average number of five coastal drowning deaths per year, which is a 10-year average rate of 0.97 per 100,000 population.

Figure 63


The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur varies over time in Tas. In 2013-14, there were four coastal


100,000 pop.), diving (0.39 vs. 0.10 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and watercraft (0.19 vs. 0.06 average rate per 100,000 pop.). There were no

any additional activities being undertaken when drowning deaths occurred in 2013-14.

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5 5

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0.8

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1.6

1.4

1.2

1.8

Rat

e (p

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Unknown

Other

Rock/Cliff Related

Attempting a Rescue

Snorkelling

Watercraft

Diving

Swimming/Wading

Rock Fishing

Boating

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

Case Study: Fishing and Watercraft

Analysis of the National Coastal Safety Survey data revealed

the aquatic participation habits of Tasmanians. The abundance

of pristine natural waterways, coastline and cold-water fish

stocks appears to be enough motivation for almost half of the

population (48%) to participate in land-based or rock fishing. It

also sees watercraft participation well above the national total.

It includes kayaks, canoes and ocean skis which have increased

in popularity over recent years. The Paddlesafe campaign

was developed with Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) and

key stakeholders to prepare the community for safe paddling

practices, with a focus on safety equipment, lifejackets and

point-of-sale education. Enhancement of the state emergency

response system supports increased effective response to

inland, inshore and offshore incidents.

Figure 65

2013-14: Activity Participation in Tasmania (% of State Population vs. Australian Population)

The National Coastal Safety Survey revealed that Tasmanians

have higher participation in fishing (48%) and watercraft use

(16%) than the Australian average. For futher details on the

survey, refer to pages 12-13.

WatercraftLand-based or Rock Fishing

Australian Total

TAS48%

18%16%

9%

Issue Intervention

Boating Boatwise app and public awareness campaigns (collaborations with MAST)

Fishing Lifejacket usage promotion (collaboration with MAST)

Cold water immersion Public awareness campaigns and on-water education (collaborations with MAST)

Other Tasmanian Coastal Safety Issues


Figure 64

2004-14: Tasmanian Coastal Drowning Deaths



4342

Northern Territory

Darwin

Figure 66

2004-14: 10-year Trend of Northern Territory Coastal Drowning Deaths

In 2013-14, there were four coastal drowning deaths or a rate of 1.65 deaths per 100,000 pop. in the Northern Territory (NT). From 2004 to 2014,

there has been an average number of two coastal drowning deaths per year, which is a 10-year average rate of 0.92 per 100,000 population.

Figure 67


The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in NT. In 2013-14, there were four coastal


100,000 pop.), rock/cliff related other than fishing (0.41 vs. 0.13 average rate per 100,000 pop.) and other activities (0.82 vs. 0.13 average

rate per 100,000 pop.). There were no additional activities being undertaken when drowning deaths occurred in 2013-14.

1

6

2

10 0

1

4

2

4

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

Rate

(per

100

,000

pop

.)

Unknown

Other

Snorkelling

Watercraft

Rock Fishing

Diving

Rock/Cliff Related

Swimming/Wading

Attempting a Rescue

Boating

0.0

2013-142012-132011-122010-112009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-05

0.2

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.0

0.4

1.4

Case Study: Alcohol and Drug Toxicity

Rates of positive alcohol and drug toxicity for drowning

victims in the Northern Territory lead the country at 38.1%.

This extremely high rate is clear evidence of the need for a

concerted strategy to reduce consumption of drugs and

alcohol in, on or around water.

Surf Life Saving Northern Territory has established a

communications strategy to emphasise the issue in the

community, as well as providing targeted interventions such

as the Boating Safety program into schools and Skippers

Workshops to educate current boat operators about safe

boating practices.

Figure 69

2004-14: Drowning Deaths and Alcohol/ Drug Toxicity

From 2004 to 2014, there were 21 drowning deaths in

Northern Territory; of these 38.1% tested positive for alcohol

and drug toxicity.

Unknown

No Toxicity

Alcohol/Drug Toxicity

38.1%Alcohol/Drug

Toxicity

38.1%

38.1%

23.8%

Issue Intervention

Boating Skippers education workshops

Other Northern Territory Coastal Safety Issues

Figure 68

2004-14: Northern Territory Coastal Drowning Deaths



4544

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19-2018-1917-1816-1715-1614-1513-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-05

8998

89

69

113118

84

47

9589

85

Number of Coastal Drowning Deaths

0

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15

20

25

30

35

0

5

10

40

Australian Water Safety Strategy 2020 Goal

Figure 70

2004-20: Coastal Drowning Deaths to 2020

The 10-year average is 93 deaths per year. The goal of the Australian Water Safety Strategy is to reduce this figure to 47 deaths per year by 2020.

Reduce Coastal Drowning Deaths by 50% by 2020

Coastal drowning death totals have had peaks and troughs since

2004, with a 10-year average of 93 deaths per year. The 2008

Australian Water Safety Strategy set an ambitious aspirational goal

of achieving a 50% reduction in drowning deaths by the year 2020

(AWSS, 2012). This reduction is based on a three-year average

baseline calculated from incidents from 2004 to 2007, which is 94

coastal drowning deaths per year. To achieve this goal we need to

reduce coastal incidents to 47 within the next six years. How does

SLSA evolve to reduce the coastal drowning death trend?

Similar to public safety authorities working with other natural

hazards, we have recognised our inability to control coastal hazards

such as waves and rip currents as well as how the community

chooses to interact with them. We have chosen to take a risk

reduction (UNISDR, 2014) approach. This strategy includes the need

to develop resilient individuals and communities that can manage

and reduce their own risks.

The risk reduction approach incorporates several priorities for

action:

• Ensuring risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a

strong institutional basis for implementation.

• Identifying, assessing and monitoring hazard risks and

enhancing early warning.

• Using knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of

safety and resilience across the community.

• Reducing the underlying risk factors.

• Strengthening preparedness for effective response at all levels.

SLSA is establishing and embedding a risk-reduction approach

into our processes, which are underpinned by the evidence-

based Total Service Plan. The practice needs to be consistently

implemented across:

• Strategic planning

• Funding allocations and grant distributions

• Intervention prioritisation

• Intervention design

• Intervention monitoring and evaluation

In order to achieve our goal of a 50% reduction in coastal

drowning deaths by 2020, we have a challenging year-on-year

reduction requirement. We require commitment, collaboration and a

willingness to take evidence-based risks across the industry.

Since 2011, SLSA has been conducting a collaborative research

project with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to

investigate the rip current hazard and inform the development

of evidenced-based drowning prevention interventions. A multi-

disciplinary team was established to investigate the physical and

social sciences associated with rip currents.

Following three years of field research, surveys and interviews,

as well as collaboration and consultation with scientists and

water safety colleagues internationally, the RIPSAFE project has

delivered valuable insights and evidence to support our drowning

prevention efforts.

The research has revealed that rip currents are far more dynamic

and variable than previously understood in the scientific literature.

Their flow behaviour can either be offshore, directed or circulating,

and vary from time to time, place to place, or in some cases minute

to minute. This unpredictability has significant implications for key

messages in education.

To support the development of evidence-based drowning

prevention strategies, the project has delivered a suite of Rip Current

Survival Principles. These principles are set into two categories:

avoidance and survival. They emphasise that avoidance of the hazard

is paramount, but also describe the options available to people if

they are caught in a rip current.

The responses of floating, swimming parallel and seeking help

are all presented as survival options, noting that the person should

regularly reassess the situation and adopt an alternative response

if necessary. This reflects the latest evidence including the complex

nature of rip currents as well as the reported experiences of people

who have been caught in them.

Figure 71

2004-14: Percentage of Rip-current-related Incidents

The average number of coastal drowning deaths from 2004 to 2014

is 93 per year. The percentage of rip-current-related incidents has

decreased from 34% to less than 16% over this 10-year period.


46 Case Study

RIPSAFE Project

Glossary

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 - An individual who makes an effort to remove

someone from a dangerous situation.

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 - An expanse of sand or pebbles along a shoreline.

Blackspot - An area with a high concentration of coastal/ocean

incidents and a high probability/risk of ongoing reoccurrence.

Boating - Individuals using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for

pleasure and/or fishing.

Coastal - The foreshore, seabed, coastal water and air space above

a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including areas up to

2NM offshore and of which the landward boundary is the line of

mean high water, except that 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 5. (Adopted from the Resource Management Amendment Act

1993-New Zealand).

Coastal death - A fatality arising from various circumstances

occurring (e.g. heart attack, boat collision, fall, shark attack) where

the location of the death is coastal.

Coastal drowning death - Where the location of the drowning is

on the coast, in the ocean up to 2NM offshore or inland up to five

times the width of the inlet/river.

COD - Cause of death

Crude drowning rate - The crude drowning rate is a comparative

rate of drowning to the size of the population in that 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.

Diving - Engaging in recreational or commercial scuba diving.

Drowning - The process of experiencing respiratory impairment

from submersion/immersion in liquid.

Drowning death - A fatality arising from the process of respiratory

impairment as a result of submersion/immersion in liquid.

Emergency response - An action taken by an SLS entity in response

to a call for assistance from an emergency management

organisation.

First Aid - Immediate or emergency assistance given on the spot to

people suffering from illness or injury.

Fishing - The act of catching fish.

Foreign ethnicity - Individuals who identify 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 - The potential origin of danger, injury or difficulty.

HRS - Helicopter rescue service.

ILS - International Life Saving Federation.

Inland - An area that is beyond the line of mean high water or beyond

a landward distance of 5 times the width of the coastal inlet/river

mouth.

Inland Drowning Death - A fatality arising from the impairment of

respiratory function as a result of immersion in liquid, where the

location of the drowning is not considered coastal but occurs in an

inland body of water such as a river, lake, creek or dam.

International - An individual who is confirmed to reside overseas

and/or is a temporary visitor to Australia.

IRB - Inflatable rescue boat.

JRB - Jet rescue boat.

Lake - An inland body of water surrounded by land.

Leisure Activity - An activity commenced on land such as play,

walking, jogging or cycling.

Lifeguard - Typically a paid employee at a beach or another aquatic

environment whose role is to rescue people in danger of drowning

or prevent them getting into that situation.

Lifejacket - A buoyant or inflatable garment or device designed

to keep a person afloat in water and increase their likelihood of

survival.

Lifesaving service - A service that exists to provide aquatic safety

services to the public.

Local Government Area (LGA) - Also known as local councils, LGAs

include cities, towns, shires, municipalities or boroughs.

Marina/jetty - A boat basin offering dockage and other service for

small craft, or a pier/wharf.

NCIS - National Coronial Information System.

Ocean drowning death - Where the location of the drowning is in

the ocean further than 2NM offshore, but no further than 12NM.

Open ocean - The seabed, water and air space above the water

between 2NM and 12NM (the Australian territorial waters limit)

offshore.

ORB - Offshore rescue boat.

Other - An uncommon known activity not otherwise listed (e.g.

paragliding, aircraft crash, fall from pier).

Patrol - Surf lifesavers or lifeguards actively supervising a coastal

location.

Patrolled location - A location supervised constantly or periodically

by a lifesaving service.

Prevention - Where intervention by a lifesaving resource averts a

person/s from getting into a potentially life-threatening situation.

Rescue - Where intervention by a lifesaving resource removes a

person/s from a life-threatening or potentially life-threatening

situation.

Resuscitation - Preservation or restoration of life by establishing and

maintaining a person’s airway, breathing and circulation.

RIB - Rigid-hull inflatable boat.

Rip current - A narrow seaward flowing current of water moving

through a surf zone (Short, 2003).

River - A natural stream of water flowing into an ocean or bay.

Rock/cliff - A rocky shoreline that may or may not have a high steep

face.

Rock/cliff related - An activity besides fishing that is performed on a

rocky shoreline or off a groyne.

Rock-fishing death - A fatality arising from various circumstances

occurring (e.g. wave motion, loss of footing) where the victim was

participating in fishing activities on a rocky coast immediately

prior to or during the incident.

RWC - Rescue water craft - sometimes called a personal water craft.

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 2013 to June 2014.

Snorkelling - Swimming with a snorkel and face mask.

Support operations - Rapid response rescue units, not affiliated to

any specific surf life saving club.

Surf Life Saving Club - A not-for-profit organisation that provides

coastal safety services.

Surf lifesaver - Typically a volunteer at a beach or another aquatic

environment whose role is to rescue people in danger of drowning

or prevent them getting into that situation.

Surfcom - SLS radio communications centre which assists in

managing the communications of lifesaving operations and data

collection.

Swimming - Being active while immersed in water.

Total Service Plan - An assessment of current and future lifesaving

resources, trends, national blackspots and coastal safety issues

combined with evidenced-based mitigation strategies to address

these issues.

Undetermined - Cases that are not associated with a closed

coroner’s report on NCIS are often left ‘undetermined’ until an

official cause of death has been determined. Some examples are

cases where bodies have been found washed up on the beach,

reports of individuals struggling in coastal environments are

made and the bodies are not found/missing persons reports are

not made, or a suspected heart attack in a coastal environment

rather than death due to immersion. These deaths will all be

followed up on and the incident category updated once coroner

determinations are made accessible.

Wading - A person who is partially immersed in water while standing.

Watercraft - A piece of non-powered recreational equipment

used in the water. Examples include surfboards, boogie boards,

windsurfers or kayaks.

Surf Life Saving Australia

4948

National Coastal Safety Report 2014 GlossaryNational Coastal Safety Report 2014

Reference

Methodology The National Coastal Safety Report 2014 contains information on

Australian community behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS

capability and membership capacity; rescues and emergency

response; and coastal drowning deaths for the period of 1 July 2013

to 30 June 2014. This information is correct as of 22 September 2014.

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.

The Australian Community AnalysisInformation about community swimming ability, behaviours and

attitudes to coastal safety was gathered from the National Coastal

Safety Survey. Conducted by Newspoll Market Research, the survey

was run online over the period 10-13 April 2014 among a national

sample of 1,389 respondents aged 16 to 69 years. The study was

carried out in compliance with ISO 20252 - Market, Social and

Opinion Research. To reflect the population distribution, results were

post-weighted (on age, gender, geographic strata and education)

and projected to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. The Australian

population aged 16 to 69 (the reference population for this survey)

is 16,217,000. A limitation of this research is that it may not fully

capture the participation of culturally and linguistically diverse

(CALD) groups. Some of the figures in the graphs sourced from this

survey may not equal 100% due to rounding.

Capability and Rescue Analysis SurfGuard, the Incident Report database (IRD) and SurfCom

management system (SurfCom) are web-based applications and are

part of a suite of applications that enables 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 support services during 2013-14; and

how many active lifesavers and new award holders there were

during 2013-14. The data was verified by SLS state/territory entities.

Information about assets, services and the number of responses

to requests from emergency services was gathered from each SLS

state/territory entity.

Drowning Data AnalysisSLSA collects incident data from SurfGuard, the IRD, SurfCom, the

National Coronial Information System (NCIS) and by monitoring

media reports for drowning incidents. The information is verified

with the assistance of each state/territory SLS entity and complied

for analysis by SLSA’s Coastal Safety Department. The following

variables are used to match drowning cases 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 if they are reported as ‘intentional deaths’, they

are inland/ocean locations or if drowning or drowning/immersion is

not a primary cause of death.

Further analysis of the 2013-14 coastal drowning deaths in

Northern Territory and Tasmania will not be published because there

were less than five fatalities this past year.

The arrows included on the graphics in the National Drowning

Snapshot indicate a comparison (increase, decrease or no change)

with last year’s statistics. For example, the figure for New South Wales

(the number 30 with a downward arrow) indicates the number of

drowning deaths in that state has decreased compared with 2012-13.

Drowning Data LimitationsOver 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 65% of 2013-14 coastal drowning deaths

reported remain open cases and 25% of cases do not have a cause of

death (COD) listed yet. Once a closure occurs to NCIS cases we can

modify undetermined cases, those with unknown intent, and those

where the cause of death is not drowning.

All deaths known to have occurred in coastal waters have been

included as coastal drowning deaths, unless the COD is listed as

otherwise. Bars of two different colours are used to illustrate the

incidents where a COD has not been listed on NCIS in Figure 28. The

incidents are included in our annual totals and analysis, and they will

remain so until a COD is listed other than drowning or immersion.

Changes from Previous ReportsOver years of investigation as part of the NCIS process, some cases

are amended prior to their closure and have resulted in changes

to our data sets. The new numbers of coastal drowning deaths are

different from the annual totals that have been previously reported

as cases have closed.

Table 1

Changes in the Number of Coastal Drowning Deaths per Year as Previously Reported

Suggested CitationSurf Life Saving Australia (2014) National Coastal Safety Report 2014.

SLSA: Sydney.

References• Australian Water Safety Council (2012) Australian Water Safety

Strategy 2012-15. Australian Water Safety Council: Sydney.

• Centre for Epidemiology and Research (2006). 2005 Report on

Adult Health from the New South Wales Population Health Survey.

Sydney: NSW Department of Health.

• NSW Water Safety Taskforce (2003) Investigation into the coronial

files of rock fishing fatalities that have occurred in NSW between 1992

and 2000. Sydney: NSW Water Safety Taskforce.

• New Zealand, Ministry for the Environment (1991) Resource

Management Act 1991. Retrieved from

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1991/0069/latest/

DLM230265.html?search=ts_act_Resource+Management+Act_

resel&p=1&sr=1 on 01/10/2014

• Short, A.D. (2003) Australia beach systems—the morphodynamics

of wave through tide-dominated beach-dune systems. Journal of

Coastal Research SI 35, 7-20.

• South Australian Centre for Economic Studies, Adelaide and

Flinders Universities. Regional Development Australia Limestone

Coast.

• Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Survey (2014)

Newspoll Online Omnibus April 2014.

• United Nations Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience

(UNISDR) http://www.unisdr.org/

AcknowledgementsSurf Life Saving Australia wishes to thank the following people and

organisations for their contribution to the National Coastal Safety

Report 2014:

• The Australian Government, principally the Department of Health

• SLSA major national corporate partners, including DHL, Telstra

and Westpac

• Surf Life Saving state centres, branches, clubs and support

operations

• SLSA Research Advisory Committee

• Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Amy Peden

• Australian Lifeguard Service

• Local government lifeguard services

• National Coronial Information System, Jo Cotsonis, Leanne Daking

and Catherine Daley

2011 NCSR 2012 NCSR 2013 NCSR 2014 NCSR

2004-05 92 89 89 89

2005-06 103 95 95 95

2006-07 103 98 98 98

2007-08 92 89 89 89

2008-09 91 89 89 89

2009-10 84 83 85 85

2010-11 61 70 72 69

2011-12 119 115 113

2012-13 121 118

2013-14 84

Contact Information

Surf Life Saving 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—surfrescue.com.au

Surf Life Saving Tasmania—slst.asn.au

Life Saving Victoria—lifesavingvictoria.com.au

Surf Life Saving Western Australia – surflifesavingwa.com.au


50

National Coastal Safety Report 2014 Reference

51

MALE89%

15

11%FEMALE

National Drowning Snapshot

2013-14


State/Territory

307

49

15

4

Location

38%5KM FROM A LIFESAVING SERVICE

51%

84 COASTALDROWNING DEATHS

Activity

23%

Swimming

14%

Rock Fishing

8%

Watercraft

18%

Boating

RIP CURRENTS

15%MEDICAL

CONDITIONOR INJURY

24%ALCOHOL/

DRUGS

14%BEACH

national coastal safety report 2014

Documents