Patterns of drowning in Australia, 1992-1997

Objective: To determine patterns of victims, circumstances and locations of drownings in Australia in 1992-1997, inclusive. Methods: Population figures and available details of all drownings were obt ained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Accidental non-boating drow nings (ICD E910), boating incidents (E830-832), homicide (E964), suicide (E 954), and other deaths without a drowning E code but "flagged" because drow ning was involved (although not the primary cause of death) were included. Results: The overall accidental non-boating drowning rate was 1.44/100 000 population/year. The commonest sites for non-boating drowning were ocean or estuary (22%), private swimming pools (17%), non-tidal lakes and lagoons ( 17%), surfing beach (10%) and bathtub (7%). 22% of victims were aged under 5 years; this group had a drowning rate of 4.6/100 000 population/year. Ver y few young children drowned in the ocean or in boating incidents. The rate of boating drownings was 0.29/100 000 population/year. Overseas tourists c omprised 4.7% of all non-boating drownings, 18% of surf and ocean drownings , and 25% of all scuba drownings. Indigenous people had a much higher drown ing rate than the general population. Conclusions: Drownings in children aged less than 5 years continue to be th e greatest challenge for water safety organisations and legislators. Drowni ngs in the Indigenous community and among tourists requires more detailed s tudy and action. To assist in developing preventive strategies, the Nationa l Water Safety Council will need to clarify the categories described as "oc ean/estuary" and "lake, lagoon, dam and waterhole".