2015 National Coastal Safety Report

Surf Life Saving Australia’s annual National Coastal Safety Report has revealed there were 102 coastal drowning deaths, up from 83 the previous year. Swimmers and waders accounted for 34 of those fatalities. They were all swimming or wading outside the red and yellow flags.

The National Coastal Safety Report also identified the need for further education among rock fishing enthusiasts. Drowning deaths among rock fishers rose by one to 13 in 2014/15. The reports says only 18 per cent of all fishers reported that they always wear a lifejacket.

Boating and watercraft activities accounted for 28 fatalities or a bit over 27 per cent of drownings nationally. Only half of all boaters confirmed they always wear a lifejacket.

The fatality rate among all of these groups could be reduced if people followed safety advice. Particularly to wear a lifejacket. Authorities strongly encourage the wearing of a lifejacket for these recreational activities.

The stats show 86 per cent of drownings were male and the most common demographic was the 45 to 49 years age group.

Significantly, the majority of drowning deaths are Australians with just 7 per cent of all coastal drowning deaths being international tourists, down from 14 per cent last year. It reinforces that members of our communities should not underestimate the risks in the coastal environment.

The full National Coastal Safety Report 2015 can be downloaded here.

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