National Coastal Safety Report 2014
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Transcript of National Coastal Safety 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
Question: Which of the following coastal activities have you
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.
Reference: SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey 2014
Figure 5
2013-14: Boating Participation
Question: Which of the following coastal activities have you
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
Question: Which of the following coastal activities have you
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
Question: Which of the following coastal activities have you
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
Question: Which of the following coastal activities have you
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
Reference: SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey 2014
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 at all Hazardous
Not Very Hazardous
Somewhat Hazardous
Very Hazardous
Extremely Hazardous
Not at all 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%
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 01 Community and CapabilityNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 01 Community and CapabilityNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 01 Community and CapabilityNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 01 Community and CapabilityNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
1-2 Emergency Responses
6-13 Emergency Responses
14-24 Emergency Responses
> 25 Emergency Responses
Key to Emergency Responses per LGA
Brisbane
SydneyCanberra
Hobart
Melbourne
Adelaide
Darwin
Perth
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 01 Community and CapabilityNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
2322
Section 02
Drowning Analysis
Contributory Factors
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
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity (n=30)
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
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
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
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
3332
Queensland
Brisbane
Figure 43
2004-14: 10-year Trend of Queensland Coastal Drowning Deaths
In 2013-14, there were 15 coastal drowning deaths or a rate of 0.32
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
2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity
The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in Qld. In 2013-14, there were 15 coastal
drowning deaths. Activities where the rate is less than the 10-year average include swimming and wading (0.08 vs. 0.13 average rate per
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
2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity (n=15)
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
er (n
)
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
Attempting a RescueBoatingDivingRock FishingRock/Cliff Related SnorkellingSwimming/WadingWatercraftOther Unknown
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
3534
Victoria
Melbourne
Figure 48
2004-14: 10-year Trend of Victorian Coastal Drowning Deaths
In 2013-14, there were 15 coastal drowning deaths or a rate of 0.26
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
2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity
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
2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity (n=15)
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
er (n
)
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
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
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
Attempting a RescueBoatingDivingRock FishingRock/Cliff Related SnorkellingSwimming/WadingWatercraftOther Unknown
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity
The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in WA. In 2013-14, there were nine coastal
drowning deaths. Activities where the rate is less than the 10-year average include swimming and wading (0.04 vs. 0.15 average rate per
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
2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity (n=9)
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
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
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
mb
er (n
)
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
Attempting a RescueBoatingDivingRock FishingRock/Cliff Related SnorkellingSwimming/WadingWatercraftOther Unknown
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity
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
2013-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity (n=7)
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
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)9
13
4
9
11
3
2
76
7
0
6
12
4
10
2
8
14
13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-050
0.2
0.4
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
0.30
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
Attempting a RescueBoatingDivingRock FishingRock/Cliff Related SnorkellingSwimming/WadingWatercraftOther Unknown
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity
The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur varies over time in Tas. In 2013-14, there were four coastal
drowning deaths. Activities where the rate is greater than the 10-year average include swimming and wading (0.19 vs. 0.14 average rate per
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.
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
5 5
2
8 8
3
5 5
4 4
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-050
0.2
0.4
1.0
0.8
0.6
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.8
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
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
Reference: SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey 2014
Figure 64
2004-14: Tasmanian Coastal Drowning Deaths
Attempting a RescueBoatingDivingRock FishingRock/Cliff Related SnorkellingSwimming/WadingWatercraftOther Unknown
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
2004-14: Coastal Drowning Deaths by Activity
The rates of activity types being undertaken when coastal drowning deaths occur vary over time in NT. In 2013-14, there were four coastal
drowning deaths. Activities where the rate is greater than the 10-year average include swimming and wading (0.41 vs. 0.17 average rate per
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
13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-05
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Rat
e (p
er 1
00
,00
0 p
op
.)
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
Attempting a RescueBoatingDivingRock FishingRock/Cliff Related SnorkellingSwimming/WadingWatercraftOther Unknown
Surf Life Saving Australia Section 02 Drowning AnalysisNational Coastal Safety Report 2014
4544
Nu
mb
er (n
)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
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
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
13-1412-1311-1210-1109-1008-0907-0806-0705-0604-05
Nu
mb
er (n
)
Per
cen
tag
e (%
)
Percentage of Rip-current-related Incidents
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.
Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2014
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
Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2014
50
National Coastal Safety Report 2014 Reference
51
MALE89%
15
11%FEMALE
National Drowning Snapshot
2013-14
Contributory Factors
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