Research published in the latest edition of the Medical Journal of Australia has found that on average, 290 people die from drowning in Australia each year, with older Australians and river drowning deaths two areas of concern. Authors, Dr Richard Franklin, Justin Scarr and Dr John Pearn (from the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia), produced the article after conducting an audit of all unintentional drowning deaths in Australia from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2007.

The article, entitled Reducing drowning deaths: the continued challenge of immersion fatalities in Australia found that people aged 55 years or older represented 29% of all drowning deaths, however Dr Franklin said that “the issue of drowning in this age group has received little attention”.

Dr Franklin went on to say that “little is known about drowning in rivers, despite this study finding that 20.3% of all drowning deaths occurred in rivers, more than beaches (18.3%) and swimming pools (13.3%)”.

This study also found that there has been a decline in the annual drowning deaths over the five year period of the study, falling from 318 in 2002-03 to 257 in 2006-07. Dr Franklin says that “the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2008-2011 aim of reducing the number of drowning deaths by 50% by the year 2020 may prove achievable if reduction continues at the same rate seen in this study. However further research and new initiatives are required to address drowning deaths in rivers, people from overseas and older people”.

The research has been met with keen interest by the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) with ILS President Dr Steve Beerman saying the article is an “excellent example of the type of data analysis that is needed in all nations with death registry”. Dr Beerman goes onto say “a strength of the research is its focus on the implementation of focused drowning prevention strategies that have a proven impact on saving lives”.

It is not insignificant that the authors chose to publish this research in the Medical Journal of Australia. Former Medical Advisor to Royal Life Saving, Surf Life Saving and the International Life Saving Federation, the late Dr Ian Mackie published Patterns of drowning in Australia, 1992–1997, in the same journal over 10 years ago. Co-author, Justin Scarr stated that “Dr Ian Mackie, and his article had a tremendous impact on encouraging lifesavers worldwide to adopt a more public health focused perspective on drowning analysis and the shaping of interventions. By recognising Dr Mackie in this way, we are hopeful that this new research reminds his colleagues, friends and family of his ongoing legacy”.

Amy Peden, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

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