Shocked at rise in death figures

19.05.2010

AUSTRALIA'S swelling
drowning statistics are a
great cause for concern for
Royal Life Saving Society
Australia CEO Rob Bradley.
He used the floor as
convenor of the 2010 Australian
Water Safety Conference
at Brighton-Le-Sands
last week to express his
"shock" at the 20 per cent
increase in drownings from
2008 to 2009.
"[It's] a drowning figure
over 300 for the first time in
seven years," he said.
The numbers were concerning
because the
Australian Water Safety
Council (AWSC) strategic
plan had aimed at a
reduction in drowning
deaths by
50 per cent by 2020.
"Despite AWSC members'
best efforts to reduce the
toll through education
programs, we're continuing
to see people drown around
the country."
More than 150 Australian
and international delegates
talked about safety
issues for high-risk groups
such as children under the
age of five and indigenous
communities, and about
ways to reduce deaths during
high-risk activities
such as rock fishing.
AUST-SWIM CEO Gordon
Mallett said the recent rise
in the drowning toll
reinforced the need for
everyone to learn to swim.
"We want all Australians
to lean to swim," Mr Mallett
said.
"People should not be
visiting the ocean, dams,
pools or lakes unless they
possess competent swimming
abilities.
"Many of the drownings
occurring around the country
are preventable and one
of the best preventative
tools we can promote and
encourage people to equip
themselves with is learning
to swim."
The conference touched
on a wide range of issues
including the influence of
alcohol in drownings, rock
fishing strategies, challenges
in reducing rip current
drownings and the
need for early childhood
swimming education.
Discussions also included
an update on drowning prevention
for toddlers in
yards, and a presentation
about rescuers who drown.