Non-fatal drownings ‘invisible’ scourge

QUEENSLAND’S water safety challenge is “far greater than people realise” with research revealing soaring numbers of non-fatal drownings.

For every drowning, there can be up to 10 non-fatal events, which can leave some victims with lifelong medical issues, including those linked to debilitating brain damage.

Such cases, more prevalent in children and adolescents, were often incorrectly labelled “near-drownings’’, before a World Health Organization clarification.

Research shows caring for those affected costs about $188 million per year nationwide.

A 13-year study, compiled by Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, showed non-fatal drownings had increased 42 per cent and Queensland was a hotspot.

The ground-breaking research showed that between 2002 and 2015, there were 1740 cases in the Sunshine State – about 134 each year. Only NSW (2021 cases) was worse.

According to the study, the number of non-fatal drowning incidents in Queensland climbed from 95 in 2002/03 to a high of 187 in 2014/15 (the last year of the study period).

The Samuel Morris Foundation is Australia’s first charity that provides support for children disabled by nonfatal drownings.

Co-founder Michael Morris said non-fatal drownings were increasing and “the forgotten and invisible part’’ of the nation’s water safety burden.