The newly released Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2018 shows 249 lives were lost to drowning in Australia in the 2017/18 financial year, a 14% decrease compared to 2016/17.
Key finding from the drowning report include:
- It is estimated a further 551 people were hospitalised due to non-fatal drowning
- 72% of drowning deaths were men, with alcohol and risk- taking a common factor
- Rivers, creeks and streams were the location with the largest number of drowning deaths, accounting for 25% of all drowning deaths
- 18 children aged 0-4 years drowned in Australia, which represents a 36% reduction on the 10 year average
- 67% of drowning deaths of children aged 0-4 years were in swimming pools
- 25% of all drowning deaths occurred when swimming and recreating
- Two in five drowning deaths occurred in summer
For more information and to read the full Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2018 please click here.
