Men run the greater risk of drowning
MOST of the 48 people who drowned in Tasmanian rivers, creeks and streams in the past 15 years were middle aged men, new research shows.
The Royal Life Saving Society will today release its findings on drowning deaths in Australia between July 1, 2002 and June 30 last year.
“[In Tasmania] ... it is predominantly men falling out of boats or wading into rivers and inland waterways ... and a combination of things is causing them to get into trouble,” Royal Life Saving Society Tasmania spokeswoman Pene Snashall said.
Ms Snashall said consumption of alcohol and other drugs, and water users over-estimating their fitness level were among the factors contributing to drownings.
“People are also underestimating the fact that [with] cold water immersion you can drown really, really quickly ... in Tasmania our lakes and waterways are accessed year [round],” she said.
“Water currents are really strong and there can also be some issues around submerged rocks and tree branches.”
Ms Snashall said boat users not wearing life jackets continued to be a concern, with the research showing of those who drowned when using boats and watercraft nationally, just 5 per cent were wearing a life jacket.
Across Australia, there were 1113 drowning deaths in rivers, creeks and streams between July 2002 and June last year.
Inland waterways are the leading location for drownings in Australia.
Of those who drowned in Australia during the 15-year period, 81 per cent were men, 30 per cent were aged 25-44 years, and 74 per cent drowned within 100km of their home.
The Royal Life Saving Society research shows of the men who drowned, 51 per cent had a contributory level of alcohol or other drugs in their system.
“Men are prone to taking unnecessary risks and over-estimating their abilities, but with the changeable conditions in rivers, this can, and does, put their life in danger,” Royal Life Saving Society Australia chief executive Justin Scarr said.
Royal Life Saving will continue its Respect the River campaign to help educate water users of the dangers of inland waterways.
Ms Snashall said the focus in Tasmania would be on the Derwent, Meander, Mersey and Tamar rivers.