2010 National Coastal Safety Report by Matthew Myers

2010

National Coastal Safety Report

Preventing coastal drowning DEATHS in Australia

2009-10 NATIONAL SNAPSHOT 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

2009/10 National Coastal Safety Snapshot

OverALL

Lifesaving Activity

> 82 coastal drowning deaths

> 97 resuscitations

> Below the five year average of 88

> 21,622 rescues > 117,549 first aids > 1,325,638 preventative actions

DEMOGRAPHIC

TIME

> 66 (80%) were males

> 13 (16%) OCCURRED BETWEEN 4pm-5pm the most common time of DAY

> 17 (21%) VICTIMS WERE AGED BETWEEN 40-49 yearS, the most common age-group > 26 (32%) victims were of a foreign ethnicity

> 33 (41%) occurred on a Saturday and Sunday

> 5 (6%) VICTIMS were international tourists

> 27 (33%) OCCURRED BETWEEN December to February During Summer

LOCATION

CAUSE

> 43 (52%) occurred at a beach

> 2 6 (32%) COASTAL DROWNING deaths attributed to swimming/wading

> 40 (49%) victims lived greater than 50km from their drowning location

> 19 (23%) rock fishing related coastal deaths

> 34 (42%) victims lived only 10km from the coastline

> 20 (24%) COASTAL DROWNING deaths ATTRIBUTED TO RIP CURRENTS

> 35 (43%) deaths occurred less than 1km from a lifesaving service

> 15 shark related incidents, 10 of which resulted in injury, with ZERO deaths

CONTENTS 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Contents

Why do people drown?

Coastal drowning deaths 2009/10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; national overview

New South Wales

Queensland

Western Australia

/ 11

South Australia

/ 13

Victoria

/ 14

Tasmania

/ 16

Northern Territory

/ 17

Lifesaving activity around the coast in 09/10

/ 18

Prevention of coastal drowning deaths

/ 19

Glossary of terms

/ 20

PREVENTING COASTAL DROWNINGS AROUND AUSTRALIA 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Preventing coastal drownings around Australia For more than 100 years, Australians and visitors to Australia have been drawn to our coastline. With over an estimated 100 million beach visitations each year, the task of ensuring the safety of everyone who visits Australia’s 11,600 beaches and 36,000km coastline is an extremely challenging one, and one that Surf Life Saving (SLS) has been dedicated to for the past 100 years. Since 1907, when a group of surf life saving clubs on Sydney’s beaches first emerged, the network of services protecting our coastline has grown rapidly. Today, volunteer surf lifesavers, SLS and councilemployed lifeguards, rescue helicopters, rescue boats, surveillance systems and radio control and coordination centres all work together to ensure that our beaches are the safest in the world. This collaborative approach to coastal safety is essential in preventing drowning along our coastline. Despite this extensive network of services, coastal drowning deaths are still at unacceptable levels. In the year 2009-2010, there were 82 coastal drowning deaths in Australia, and while this figure is down on the last year’s 94 coastal drowning deaths it still shows that there is significant work ahead of us to reduce the drowning toll – every life lost is one life too many. SLSA produces the National Coastal Safety Report to assist and support evidence-based decision making by all coastal safety service providers. This report highlights some of the key initiatives Surf Life Saving – together with our partners in coastal safety services – has developed and implemented to help reduce coastal drownings and injuries on the Australian coastline. We are committed to achieving the goal outlined in the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2008-2011: to reduce drowning deaths by 50% by 2020. This is an ambitious undertaking, but one that is achievable through a strong, collaborative and evidence-based approach. I commend this report to you as part of that process. Brett Williamson OAM Chief Executive Officer Surf Life Saving Australia

Data collection methodology SLSA uses its own central database, SurfGuard, to record details of coastal drowning deaths and other serious incidents. This data is referenced against media monitoring reports, partner organisation reports and data from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS). This information is verified with the assistance of each State Surf Life Saving Centre, and compiled for analysis by Surf Life Saving Australia’s Lifesaving Department. The 2010 National Coastal Safety Report contains information on all confirmed coastal drowning deaths for the period of 01/07/09 to 30/06/10. This information is correct as at 30 August, 2010. All care is taken to ensure the statistical information included within this report is correct. However, pending the outcome of ongoing coronial investigations, this data may change. The definition of what constitutes a coastal drowning death is contained within the Glossary of Terms on page 20.

WHY DO PEOPLE DROWN? 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

WHY DO PEOPLE DROWN? An understanding of why people drown is significant when developing drowning prevention strategies. Four key factors have been identified that may lead to accidental drowning, known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Drowning Chainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Any of these factors alone, or a combination, could lead to death by drowning.

Drowning Chain

Drowning Prevention Strategies

Lack of knowledge, disregard or misjudgement of a hazard

Education and information

Uninformed, unprotected or unrestricted access to a hazard

Denial of access, improvement of infrastructure and/or provision of warnings

Lack of supervision or surveillance

Provision of supervision

Inability to cope once in difficulty

Acquisition of survival skills

*Source: International Life Saving Federation 3

COASTAL drowning deaths IN 2009-10 NATIONAL OVERVIEW 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 National

Population ‘000*

Crude drowning rate per 100,000 p.a.

5 year average

18%

4473

0.34

0.21

48%

7191.5

0.54

0.53

Vic

16%

5496.4

0.24

0.25

Tas

505.4

0.59

0.88

1633.9

0.12

0.39

11%

2270.3

0.40

0.49

227.7

0.44

0.46

Total

100%

21798.2

0.38

Coastal drowning deaths

Qld

NSW

16%

65%

14%

Coastal drowning Ocean drowning Undetermined Coastal death

*Source: ABS, Dec 2009

Graph

National incident summary

Coastal drowning death rate per 100,000 population

There were 82 coastal drowning deaths, 17 coastal deaths, 6 ocean drowning deaths and 20 undetermined incidents in 2009/10. Of the 82 coastal drowning deaths, 39 (48%) occurred in NSW, 15 (18%) in Queensland, 13 (16%) in Victoria, 9 (11%) in WA, 3 (4%) in Tasmania, 2 (2%) in SA and 1 (1%) in the NT.

The crude drowning rates (death rate per 100,000 population) for NSW, Victoria, WA and the NT are consistent with the 5-year average. The rate for Queensland was above average in 2010 and the rate for Tasmania and SA fell significantly.

100

94 7%

21%

18%

82 78

32%

2005-06

Graph

10%

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

6% 1%

Swimming/wading Fishing (beach & rock) Attempting rescue Other/unknown Boating (inc. fishing) Watercraft (non-powered) Diving/snorkeling Rock/cliff related

2009-10

Graph

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths

Coastal drowning deaths by activity

82 coastal drowning deaths is below the 5-year average of 88, which is a welcome trend- reversal from the previous two years.

Swimming/wading remains the activity attributed to the highest number of coastal drowning deaths with 26 (32%). Rock fishing and boating continue to be over-represented, with both activities linked to fishing.

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS 2009-10 NATIONAL OVERVIEW 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 National 20

20%

cif ied

-9 9

Un s

-8 9

-7 9

-6 9

-5 9 50

-4 9

-3 9

-2 9

-1 9

Female Male

80%

Graph

Coastal drowning death victims by gender

Coastal drowning deaths by age group

Males continue to dominate the fatality figures representing 80% (66) of coastal drowning death victims.

The age category most represented was the 4049 years bracket, with 17 (21%) coastal drowning deaths. The 60-69 year bracket attributed 13 (16%) incidents. Both categories have been on an upward trend in the past two years.

18 16

14 12

10 8

6 4

Graph

ril

ay Ju ne

Ju l

y Se gus t pt em be r O ct o No be ve r m De be ce r m be Ja r nu a Fe ry br ua ry M ar ch

Midnight - 1am 1am - 2am 2am - 3am 3am - 4am 4am - 5am 5am - 6am 6am- 7am 7am - 8am 8am - 9am 9am - 10am 10am - 11am 11am - 12pm 12pm - 1pm 1pm - 2pm 2pm - 3pm 3pm - 4pm 4pm - 5pm 5pm - 6pm 6pm - 7pm 7pm- 8pm 8pm - 9pm 9pm - 10pm 10pm - 11pm 11pm - Midnight Unknown

Graph

Coastal drowning deaths by month

Coastal drowning deaths by time

December to February saw the most fatalities with 27 (33%): 14 occurred during the month of January alone- reflective of higher rates of coastal usage. A spike in drowning deaths during May can be attributed to nine rock fishing related drowning deaths in NSW, including a mass drowning incident at Catherine Hill Bay where 5 people died.

The time of day with the highest incidence of fatal coastal drowning deaths remains mid-afternoon between 4pm-5pm, accounting for 13 (16%) coastal drowning deaths. The weekend saw the most incidents with 16 (20%) on Saturday and 17 (21%) on Sunday, reflective of greater coastal usage.

COASTAL drowning deaths IN 2009-10 NATIONAL OVERVIEW 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 National 7% 23%

15%

23% 52%

16% 2% 3%

Graph

Beach Lake Marina/jetty Open ocean Other/unknown Rocks/cliff

6% 49%

Graph

10km - 50km Greater than 50km International Less than 10km Unknown

Location of coastal drowning death

Drowning victim’s residence to drowning location

43 (52%) coastal drowning deaths occurred at a beach location, with a further 13 (16%) occurring further offshore. 35 (43%) incidents occurred less than 1km from a lifesaving service.

40 (49%) drowned over 50km from their place of residence, indicating unfamiliarity of local conditions may lead to problems. Additionally five (6%) victims were confirmed as being international tourists and 26 (32%) as having foreign ethnicity.

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS 2009-10 NEW SOUTH WALES 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 NEW SOUTH WALES 50

12 10 8 6

4 2

ied cif

-9 9

Un s

-8 9

-7 9

-6 9

-5 9 50

-4 9

-3 9

Graph

2009-10

2008-09

-1 9

2007-08

2006-07

2005-06

-2 9

Graph

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths

Coastal drowning deaths by age groups

There were 39 coastal drowning deaths in NSW, down from 46 in 08/09 and slightly above the 5-year average of 38.

The age category most represented was the 40-49 year bracket with 10 (26%), closely followed by the 20-29 and 60-69 year bracket with nine (23%) each.

8 7

10%

5% 3% 33%

36%

Graph

Other/unknown Boating (inc. fishing) Diving/snorkeling Rock/cliff related Swimming/wading Fishing (beach & rock) Attempting rescue

4 3 2 1 0

10% 3%

Graph

Coastal drowning deaths by activity

Coastal drowning deaths by time

14 drowning deaths (36%) occurred when swimming and wading was the activity conducted beforehand, with rock and beach fishing attributing 13 (33%).

Mid afternoon between 4pm-5pm was when the most number of drowning deaths occurred with seven (18%), followed by 12pm-1pm and 1pm2pm with four (10%) each.

COASTAL drowning deaths IN 2009-10 NEW SOUTH WALES 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 NEW SOUTH WALES

10% 31%

18%

51% 3% 10% 5%

Graph

Beach Lake Open ocean Other/unknown Rocks/cliff

64%

Graph

10km - 50km Greater than 50km International Less than 10km Unknown

Location of coastal drowning death

Drowning victim’s residence to drowning location

20 (51%) incidents occurred on beaches and 12 (31%) in rock and cliff areas. 23 (59%) incidents occurred less than 1km from a lifesaving service but from those, 14 were not in a directly supervised area, and a further seven were outside the regular lifesaving service periods.

25 (64%) victims drowned over 50km from their place of residence, and two or more were international tourists. While 23 (59%) victims resided between 10km-50km from the coastline.

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS 2009-10 QUEENSLAND 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 QUEENSLAND 20

5 4

3 2

10 1

2005-06

Graph

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

09 10 -1 9 20 -2 9 30 -3 9 40 -4 9 50 -5 9 60 -6 9 70 -7 9 80 -8 9 90 99 Un sp ec ifie d

Graph

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths

Coastal drowning deaths by age groups

There were 15 coastal drowning deaths, up from seven in 08/09 and above the five-year average of 11. Queensland represents 18% of the national coastal drowning death toll of 82.

The age category most represented was the 30-39 year bracket (27%), closely followed by the 60-69 year bracket (20%). Males continue to dominate the fatality data with 11 (73%).

7% 27%

Graph

27%

Boating (inc. fishing) Watercraft (non-powered) Diving/snorkeling Swimming/wading Fishing (beach & rock)

33%

Graph

Coastal drowning deaths by activity

Coastal drowning deaths by time

The activity of swimming and wading, attributed to five (33%) coastal drowning deaths, compared to diving and snorkelling that represented 57% of coastal drowning deaths in 08/09.

Most drowning deaths occurred in the middle of the day, with two incidents each hour between 10am - 2pm. Four (27%) drowning deaths occurred in January during the peak summer period.

COASTAL drowning deaths IN 2009-10 queensland 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 QUEENSLAND

6% 27% 27%

27%

60%

Beach Open ocean River Rocks/cliff

Graph

13% 27%

Graph

10km - 50km Greater than 50km International Less than 10km Unknown

Location of coastal drowning death

Drowning victim’s residence to drowning location

Nine (60%) coastal drowning deaths occurred on beaches. Eight (53%) of these incidents occurred less than 1km from a lifesaving service, but seven (47%) occurred away from a directly supervised location.

Four (27%) victims drowned over 50km from their place of residence, with two more confirmed as international tourists. Six (43%) victims actually resided less than 10km from the coastline and four (27%) drowned less than 10km from home.

CASE STUDY - gold coast, queensland The Gold Coast continues to be a popular tourist hub and the local population is growing rapidly. As a result, drowning deaths continue to occur in the area and over time the area has been identified as a national blackspot. Surf Life Saving is working with local government authorities to inject additional resources and initiatives into the Gold Coast area to stifle this trend. 2009 saw the enhancement and development of Surf Life Saving emergency response groups on the Gold Coast, enabling these services to respond 24 hours/day, all year round to assist emergency services. Other initiatives already in place include early morning patrols by support operations including Rescue Water Craft prior to the commencement of regular patrols. The Gold Coast Lifeguard Service has also increased their service provision to include extra patrols on the Seaway, Surfers Paradise and Palm Beach, and weekend RWC patrols from Tallebudgera to Rainbow Bay. These measures and more will continue to minimise drowning deaths and contribute to a safer Gold Coast.

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS 2009-10 WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 WESTERN AUSTRALIA 15

Graph

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2005-06

10 -1 9 20 -2 9 30 -3 9 40 -4 9 50 -5 9 60 -6 9 70 -7 9 80 -8 9 90 99 Un sp ec ifie d

Graph

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths

Coastal drowning deaths by age groups

There were nine coastal drowning deaths, down from 14 in the prior year and below the five year average of 12. WA represents 11% of the national drowning death toll of 82.

The age category most represented was the 3039 year bracket with three (33%), followed closely by the 40-49 and 60-69 year brackets with two (22%) each. Males continue to dominate the statistics with seven (78%).

11% 2

11% 45%

11%

Graph

Other/unknown Boating (inc. fishing) Diving/snorkeling Swimming/wading Fishing (beach & rock)

22%

Graph

Coastal drowning deaths by activity

Coastal drowning deaths by time

Two (22%) coastal drowning deaths were attributed to swimming and wading, with one fatality also attributed to boating, diving/snorkelling and rock fishing.

The afternoon period between 4pm-5pm accounted for three (33%) drowning deaths with the remainder spread throughout the day. Incidents were dispersed throughout the year.

COASTAL drowning deaths IN 2009-10 western australia 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 WESTERN AUSTRALIA 11% 33% 45%

Beach Marina/jetty Other/unknown Rocks/cliff

11% 11%

Graph

45%

33%

11%

Graph

Greater than 50km International Less than 10km Unknown

Location of coastal drowning death

Drowning victim’s residence to drowning location

Four (45%) coastal drowning deaths occurred on beaches, with a further three (23%) occurring around rock and cliff areas. Seven (78%) incidents occurred greater than 5km from a lifesaving service. Only three (33%) incidents occurred during regular service periods.

Four (44%) victims drowned over 50km from home and one was confirmed to be an international tourist.

CASE STUDY - ROCK FISHING Rock fishing coastal drowning deaths – 5 year trend 20

12 10

9 8 7 5

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

Surf Life Saving, together with industry partners including the Australian National Sportfishing Association and the Australian Recreational and Sport Fishing Confederation, has developed a national rock fishing safety strategy to address ongoing rock fishing fatalities on the Australian coastline. This strategy addresses the cultural and language barriers encountered with high-risk demographics, and the safety attitudes of these demographics at high-risk locations. The campaign includes a comprehensive review of national rock fishing deaths and non-fatal injury; the launch of a new public safety advertising program; multi-lingual educational resources; community workshops and additional public rescue equipment installed at popular rock fishing locations. With rock fishing related deaths still on the rise, the need to expand this program is crucial. For further information, please visit www.beachsafe.org.au 12

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS 2009-10 SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 SOUTH AUSTRALIA 12

8 1

d ifie

-9 9 Un

sp ec

-8 9

-7 9 70

-6 9

-5 9 50

-4 9

-3 9

2009-10

-2 9

2008-09

2007-08

-1 9

2006-07

2005-06

Graph

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths

Coastal drowning deaths by age groups

There were two coastal drowning deaths, down from nine in 08/09 and well below the five-year average of eight. South Australia represents 3% of the national coastal drowning death toll of 82.

Both coastal drowning deaths were mature aged and each gender was represented.

100%

Swimming/wading

Graph

Coastal drowning deaths by activity

Coastal drowning deaths by time

Both coastal drowning deaths were attributed to swimming and wading.

Both coastal drowning deaths occurred in the late afternoon and early evening during the peak summer period.

COASTAL drowning deaths IN 2009-10 victoria 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 VICTORIA 20

5 4 3

15 2 1 0 2005-06

Graph

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

09 10 -1 9 20 -2 9 30 -3 9 40 -4 9 50 -5 9 60 -6 9 70 -7 9 80 -8 9 90 -9 Un 9 sp ec ifie d

Graph

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths

Coastal drowning deaths by age groups

There were 13 coastal drowning deaths, up from ten in 08/09 and equivalent to the five-year average of 13. Victoria represents 16% of the national coastal drowning death toll of 82.

The age category most represented was the 4049 year bracket (31%), in line with the national trend. As with previous years, males continue to dominate the fatality statistics with 11 (85%).

8% 23% 15%

31%

Graph

Other/unknown Boating (inc. fishing) Swimming/wading Fishing (beach & rocks) Attempting rescue

23%

Graph

Coastal drowning deaths by activity

Coastal drowning deaths by time

Swimming and wading was the activity attributing the highest proportion of drowning deaths with four (31%). Boating related drowning deaths were almost as prevalent with three (23%).

The period between 1pm-2pm saw the most number of coastal drowning deaths with three (23%), the remainder were distributed throughout the day. Five (21%) incidents occurred during the peak summer period from December and January.

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS 2009-10 VICTORIA 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 VICTORIA

23% 38%

31%

38%

23%

Graph

Beach Marina/jetty Open ocean Other/unknown Rocks/cliff

31%

Graph

10km - 50km Greater than 50km Less than 10km

Location of coastal drowning death

Drowning victim’s residence to drowning location

Five (38%) coastal drowning deaths occurred on beaches, with a further three (23%) occurring both further offshore and around rock and cliff areas. Six (46%) incidents occurred greater than 5km from a lifesaving service. Five (38%) incidents were away from a supervised location but during season and hours.

Six (46%) victims that drowned lived less than 10km from the coast and five (39%) drowned less than 10km from home. Four (31%) victims drowned over 50km from their place of residence.

CASE STUDY sls EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM Surf Life Saving’s centralised emergency response system allows for greater integration with emergency service organisations by providing one number for tasking agencies - such as the Police - to access coastal lifesaving services. This replaces the traditional method of agencies having to rely on localised and coastal lifesaving contacts during time-critical incidents. This system continues to improve and has saved countless lives since its inception. During 2009/10 the service helped to save over 100 lives throughout Australia. A key benefit of this system is the callout capability of coastal lifesaving services, with a number of dedicated Duty Officers and Surfcom Bases on-call to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is now fully operational in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

COASTAL drowning deaths IN 2009-10 tasmania 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 TASMANIA 8

7 6 1

5 4 3

Graph

-9 Un 9 sp ec ifie d

9 -8

9 -6

-7 70

-5 50

-4 40

-3

2009-10

-2

2008-09

2007-08

-1

2006-07

2005-06

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths

Coastal drowning deaths by age groups

There were three coastal drowning deaths, down from seven in 08/09 and below the five year average of five. Tasmania represents 4% of the national drowning death toll.

Two out of the three coastal drowning death victims were aged between 40-59 years. Males represented two out of three coastal drowning deaths.

100%

Graph

Boating (inc. fishing)

Graph

Coastal drowning deaths by activity

Coastal drowning deaths by time

Boating related activities were attributed to all of Tasmania’s coastal drowning deaths with one occurring close to a beach and the other two occurring slightly further offshore.

Two of the three coastal drowning deaths occurred between 5pm-6pm. Two incidents occurred during the summer peak between December and February.

COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS 2009-10 NORTHERN TERRITORY 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal drowning deaths in 2009-10 NORTHERN TERRITORY 3

> TIME: 7:00pm - 8:00pm > GENDER: MALE > AGE: 10 - 19 years

> ACTIVITY: ATTEMPTING RESCUE > RESIDENCE TO COASTLINE & DROWNING LOCATION: BOTH LESS THAN 10KM

> GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: BEACH 0

2005-06

Graph

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

Five year trend of coastal drowning deaths There was one coastal drowning death in the Northern Territory in 2009/10. This is below the five year average of 1.4. Details of the victim are provided.

CASE STUDY - RIP currents Rip current coastal drowning deaths – 5 year trend 30 24

20 20

15 10 5

09 20

20 - 08 20

07 20

06 20

05 20

20 - 04 20

From 2004-2010, a tragic 118 people were confirmed drowned as a result of being caught in a rip current while swimming. Being able to identify a rip current and survive when caught in one is critical to reducing fatalities on Australian beaches. The first phase of a three-year campaign by Surf Life Saving was launched last summer. This included the launch of a dedicated rip current website, advertising across mainstream media, release of a television commercial and outdoor advertising. The campaign received strong post evaluation results in the first year, in particular a high recall rate among 18-34 year old males – the primary target market for the campaign. To further this positive progress, SLS has partnered with the University of NSW to embark on a comprehensive rip current research program over the next three years. This will investigate the physical characteristics of rip currents using GPS technology, and examine human behaviour in rip currents. The results from this program will add to a catalogue of evidence-based research that underpins critical surf safety advice used by SLS and the lifesaving industry. 17

COASTAL LIFESAVING ACTIVITY IN 2009-10 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal Lifesaving activity in 09/10 The data represented below details the rescues, preventative actions, first aid treatments and resuscitations performed by surf lifesavers, SLS support operations, ALS lifeguards and local government employed lifeguards in 2009/10. These figures demonstrate the immense number of actions performed by coastal safety providers, and the challenge faced in keeping Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beaches safe. They also form an important part of evidence-based decision-making by Surf Life Saving and all coastal safety providers. Different definitions have been used by different providers in compiling these statistics and caution must therefore be used in their interpretation. Further work is required by all lifesaving providers to improve data collection and validation, consistent with international definitions.

Preventatives

nsw

qld

vic

tas

2010 2009 % National total National total Change

Total lifeguards

662,852

365,118

25,264

2,990

21,666

1,500

18,285

1,097,675

1,113,347

-1%

Total surf lifesavers 128,795

58,844

21,703

12,816

5,075

431

299

227,963

208,865

total

791,647

423,962

46,967

15,806

26,741

1,931

18,584

1,325,638

1,322,212

0.3%

First aids

nsw

qld

vic

tas

2010 2009 % National total National total Change

Total lifeguards

38,051

39,941

1,152

215

2,591

171

82,195

47,230

74%

Total surf lifesavers 13,766

15,136

3,219

561

2,474

179

35,354

21,783

62%

total

51,817

55,077

4,371

776

5,065

350

117,549

69,013

70%

Rescues

nsw

qld

vic

tas

2010 2009 % National total National total Change

Total lifeguards

8,131

2,795

294

655

296

12,202

14,841

18%

Total surf lifesavers 4,616

3,131

464

245

865

9,420

10,621

-11%

total

12,747

5,926

758

272

1,520

300

21,622

25,462

15%

Resuscitations

nsw

qld

vic

tas

2010 2009 % National total National total Change

Total lifeguards

35%

Total surf lifesavers 28

total

11%

prevention of coastal drowning deaths 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Prevention of Coastal Drowning Deaths Tourist & Migrant Drowning Prevention in Australia

National Blackspot Reduction Program

With over 5.6 million tourist visitations1 to Australia each year and over 543,000 permanent and temporary visas2 granted annually, large transient populations continually pass through popular tourist locations, unfamiliar with Australia’s unique coastal hazards. The result is an over-representation of persons of a foreign ethnicity or birthplace in drowning data.

In partnership with the Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA), SLS commenced a project in 2008 aimed at eliminating the incidence of drowning in Australia through targeting high-incident locations called ‘Blackspots’. After identifying these locations through the SLS Total Service Plan, SLS developed lifesaving strategies and plans to introduce interventions into these areas, including:

This high-risk group lacks the water safety knowledge, skills and awareness required to enjoy Australian beaches safely. Additional challenges often include limited English skills, limited or overestimation of swimming ability, unfamiliarity with the coastal environment and in the case of tourists, short duration of stay and non-prioritisation of water safety during that time.

• Targeted infrastructure, resources and services as deemed appropriate at these locations;

In 2009, SLSA commenced the development of an initiative to target both of these groups in collaboration with industry partners, Tourism Australia and multicultural marketing experts. This initiative aims to communicate essential beach safety messages to a diverse audience, who may be unfamiliar with beach and water safety practices. It provides a balance of informative messaging and imagery that can be used by water safety practitioners, tourism providers and facilitators of immigration. The initiative will use distribution streams across government, transport, tourism and education, and will be targeted towards high-risk groups throughout their temporary and permanent stays. Streams used in 2010/11 will include airline prelanding vision to reach over 2 million visitors, tourism conventions to achieve industry buy-in and on-beach use of resources by surf lifesavers and lifeguards. For further information, please visit www.beachsafe.org.au

• E xpansion of SLS services beyond the traditional “between the red and yellow flags” patrolling methods, to include weekend and public holiday patrols; and • Growth of services into areas of projected population increase and infrastructure development along the Australian coastline. In the coming 2010/11 season, service expansion will include: - Extension of early morning patrols on the Gold Coast (Qld) and regular patrols into Tallebudgera Creek (Qld). - Introduction of a second lifeguard on Green Island (Qld). - Introduction of Rescue Water Craft (RWC) services in the areas of Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Shoalhaven (NSW). - Installation of an Emergency Alert Beacon (ERB) on the Bass Coast (Vic) and the introduction of an RWC service on the Bass Coast (Vic). - Rollout of a remote outpost patrol on the South Australian South Coast, around Goolwa and Middleton. - Provision of additional lifeguards at Cottesloe (WA) and installation of remote surveillance cameras in Albany (WA). - Continued development of an Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB) service in Darwin (NT).

Tourist and Migrant Drownings - 5 Year Trend 30

SLS would like to acknowledge the support of the DOHA and the State and Territory Centres, branches and support services and local governments that have made these projects possible.

References:

9 5

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

1.Tourism Australia, 2007 2.DIAC, Australian Government, 2007

GLOSSARY of terms 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ALS Australian Lifeguard Service. AWSC Australian Water Safety Council – also Australian Water Safety Conference. AWSS Australian Water Safety Strategy. Blackspot An area with a high concentration of coastal/ ocean incidents and a high probability/risk of ongoing reoccurrence. Coastal death A fatality arising from various circumstances occurring (e.g. Heart Attack, Suicide, Boat Collision) where the location of the death is coastal or in the ocean up to 1nm offshore. Coastal drowning death Where the location of the drowning is on the coast or in the ocean up to 1nm off-shore. Crude drowning rate The crude drowning rate is a comparative rate of drowning to the size of the population in that area. Drowning Respiratory impairment as a result of submersion/ immersion in liquid. Drowning death A fatality arising from the process of respiratory impairment as a result of submersion/immersion in liquid. Hotspot An area with a low/medium concentration of coastal/ ocean incidents combined with a high number of rescues/preventative actions. HRS Helicopter rescue service. ILS International Life Saving Federation. IRB Inflatable rescue boat or ‘rubber duckies’. JRB Jet rescue boat. Lifeguard Typically a paid employee at a beach or another aquatic environment whose job is to rescue people in danger of drowning or prevent them getting into that situation. Lifesaving service A service which exists to provide aquatic safety services to the public. NCIS National Coroners Information System.

Ocean death A fatality arising from various circumstances occurring (e.g. Heart Attack, Suicide, Boat Collision) where the location of the death is in the ocean greater than 1nm offshore, but no greater than 12nm (the Australian territorial waters limit). Ocean drowning death Where the location of the drowning is in the ocean greater than 1Nm offshore, but no greater than 12nm. ORB Offshore rescue boat. 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. RIB Rigid inflatable boat. Rip current A moving current of water, sometimes strong or fast flowing. It will usually start near the shoreline and flow away from the beach. The flow velocity, direction, and circulation potential are constantly variable. RWC Rescue water craft - sometimes called a personal water craft. Rockfishing death A fatality arising from various circumstances occurring (e.g. wave motion, loss of footing) where the victim was participating in fishing activities immediately prior or during the incident. Service Gap An area identified as having an inadequate level of resources to meet public safety demands. Service season & hours Vary between states due to climactic factors, but in the context of this report, the season is for the period July 2009 to June 2010. Support Operations Rapid response rescue units, not tied to any one surf life saving club. Surf lifesaver Typically a volunteer at a beach or another aquatic environment whose job is to rescue people in danger of drowning or prevent them getting into that situation. Total Service Plan An assessment of current and future lifesaving resources, national blackspots, hotspots and trends.

THANKS TO 2010 National Coastal Safety Report

Thanks to: Surf Life Saving Australia wishes to thank the following people and organisations for their contribution to the 2010 National Coastal Safety Report: The Australian Government, principally the Department of Health and Ageing; Australian Lifeguard Service providing lifeguard services to local government NSW: Tweed Shire, Salt Resorts, Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, Bellingen Shire, Nambucca Shire, Kempsey Shire, Greater Taree City, Great Lakes, Port Stephens, Munmorah State Park, Pittwater, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Shoalhaven City, Eurobodalla Shire, Bega Valley Shire, Qld: Burdekin Shire, Bundaberg, Cairns City, Cassowary Coast, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gympie, Hinchinbrook, Mackay, Morton Bay, Rockhampton, Redland, Southbank Corporation, Townsville City, Whitsunday Regional, Vic: East Gippsland Shire, Wellington Shire, Parks Victoria – Wilsons Promontory, South Gippsland Shire; Bass Coast Shire, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Shire, Warrnambool City, Moyne Shire, SA Holdfast Bay City, WA City of Wanneroo, City of Joondalup, Town of Cambridge, Town of Cottesloe, City of Rockingham, Shire of Busselton, City of Geraldton – Greenough, City of Albany, Tas Clarence City, NT Darwin City; local government-operated lifeguard services – City of Stirling, Gold Coast City Council, Gosford City Council, Kiama Municipal Council, Lake Macquarie City Council, Manly Council, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Randwick City Council, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, Shire of Broome, Shire of Denmark, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Sutherland Shire Council, Warringah Council, Waverley Council, Wollongong City Council; SLSA partners including DHL, Telstra and Westpac; Surf Life Saving state centres, branches, clubs and support operations; SLSA expert advisors, including Barry Bruce (CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research), John West (Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Zoo), Royal Life Saving Society Australia.

Surf Life Saving receives valuable 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 at www.sls.com.au For more information on this report Surf Life Saving Australia www.sls.com.au +61 2 9300 4000 To contact a specific State Centre Surf Life Saving New South Wales www.surflifesaving.com.au Surf Life Saving Northern Territory www.lifesavingnt.com.au Surf Life Saving Queensland www.lifesaving.com.au Surf Life Saving South Australia www.surfrescue.com.au Surf Life Saving Tasmania www.slst.asn.au Life Saving Victoria www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au Surf Life Saving Western Australia www.mybeach.com.au Australian Lifeguard Service www.lifeguards.com.au For information on local government lifeguard services, please contact the relevant local government.