Drowning Statistics

Drowning Death Statistics 2010 - 2011

According to the Royal Lifesaving National Drowning Report 2011, 315 lives were lost by drowning from 1^st July 2010 to 30^th June 2011. This was the 3^rd consecutive year where the number of drowning deaths in Australia increased. This may have been in part due to significant lose of life associated with the QLD floods.

Males accounted 241 of the lives lost or more than two-thirds.

Drowning deaths occured in every State and Territory of Australia with New South Wales and Queensland accounting for the majority of casualties. 38 (42%) of the drownings in Queensland occurred during the December / January floods.

114 (36%) of the drownings occurred in rivers, creeks and streams.
50 (16%) of the drownings whilst the victims were swimming or participating in in-water recreational activities.
47 (15%) of the drownings occurred as a result of falling or wandering into water.
Drowning deaths occurred all year round with 129 (41%) occurring in summer.

The NSW Government has released a discussion paper relating to swimming pool safety and setting up a swimming pool register and requirements for swimming pool inspections on properties being rented or sold.

A copy of the full 2010 – 2011 National Drowning Report can be accessed via the link.