Spike in drowning deaths recorded across Queensland

A SPIKE in drowning deaths recorded in Queensland may continue for years, with experts warning Covid has closed swim schools, changed routines and forced people to spend their leisure time in unfamiliar waterways.

The annual Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report reveals there was a 20 per cent increase in drowning deaths across Australia in 2021, with a 6 per cent increase in Queensland.

In the 2020-21 financial year, 66 Queenslanders died, with the majority of them men (77 per cent) and 32 per cent of fatalities happening at the beach.

Across the nation, 296 people drowned.

The organisation’s chief executive Justin Scarr said “tragically” 25 children across Australia drowned.

This is a 108 per cent increase on the previous year and a 9 per cent hike compared to the 10-year average.

“The increase in drowning among children under five years is devastating,” said Dr Scarr. “Young children are at high risk of drowning, particularly as they become more mobile and curious about their surroundings.

“Prolonged periods of stayat-home directives while working and schooling from home is challenging for parents and carers, increasing the likelihood of distractions around the home environment and lapses in child supervision.

“Keep watch encourages parents to follow four simple actions to prevent child drowning; supervise, restrict, teach and respond.”

Mr Scarr said the ongoing fear and uncertainty of the Covid pandemic had left a mark on families, workplaces, and communities, with lockdowns and restrictions changing routines and impacting lifestyles.

“These changes will contribute to drowning risk over the coming months and potentially, years,” he said. “Swim school closures and falling learn to swim enrolments may have generational impacts on swimming and lifesaving skills.

“Restrictions are forcing more Australians to recreate in unfamiliar waterways, often without lifeguard services.”

Dr Scarr said people aged 25 to 34 years accounted for 17 per cent of the total number of deaths in Australia.