Water worry as near- deaths rise
THE number of near- drownings in Townsville has almost doubled in the past two years.
The Townsville Hospital emergency department recorded 33 “immersion- related presentations” last year, an alarming increase on the 17 in 2014 and up from 28 in 2015.
The average age of the patients has almost halved to about 11, with about two- thirds of cases deemed serious enough to require admission to hospital for further treatment.
Emergency physician Dr Clinton Gibbs said the higher number of present ations coupled with the declining age of patients was a stark reminder of the importance of adult supervision.
“Young children in particular are vulnerable because their lungs aren’t fully developed and as such they can’t hold their breath for very long,” Dr Gibbs said.
Doctors believed the majority of near- drownings recorded last year related to backyard pools, though a breakdown of the statistics was not available.
According to the Queens- land Building and Construction Commission, the required minimum height of a pool barrier from ground level is 1.2m. The maximum gap allowed from ground level to the bottom of any barrier is 100mm.
Dr Gibbs said water only needed to cover someone’s face for them to drown.
“These kids often come to us in a very bad way and need emergency lifesaving treatment,” he said.
“If they’re starved of oxygen there will be a brain injury.
“It is concerning. It can be hugely frightening time for families when they have to rush their child to the ED after an incident around water.”
Fifteen children drowned across Queensland last year, making it the leading cause of death for those aged under 14.
Surf Life Saving Queensland regional lifeguard supervisor Russell Blanchard said while the number of beach rescues had not increased, constant supervision was crucial.
“You don’t have to be in a metre of water to drown,” he said. “Kids coming down by themselves to the beach is something we are aware of.”
Townsville City Council community health and environment committee chair Ann- Maree Greaney said pool safety could not be compromised. “Every pool owner has a responsibility to make sure their fencing and gates are compliant and maintained in good condition,” she said.