FOUR out of every five people who drown in Australia are men, according to research by the Royal Live Saving Society, with alcohol found to be a significant contributor to the sobering statistics.
The research shows that 2188 males drowned in Australia between July 2010 and June 2020, accounting for 79 percent of total drowning deaths during this period, with men aged 25 to 44 being at greatest risk of drowning.
According to Royal Life Saving’s chief executive officer, Justin Scarr, it’s men who are more willing to take risks and overestimate their own abilities around the water.
“Males are over-represented in drowning statistics, especially men aged 25 to 44 years; in the past year, over 90 percent of those who drowned in this age group were males,” Mr Scarr said.
Alcohol consumption has been found to be a significant factor to drowning, with almost one in five cases of fatal drowning among men aged 25 to 44 involving a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent or more.
The findings show that most people who had consumed alcohol did not intend to be in the water and drowned following an unintentional fall into water.
Most importantly for Greater Shepparton residents, in the past 10 years, most drowning deaths in men aged 25 to 44 years occurred at unpatrolled inland waterways such as rivers and creeks (accounting for 31 percent of deaths), more than any other location.
More than 40 percent of these deaths occurred in the summer months, and alcohol was found to be involved in 36 percent of deaths.
“Alcohol consumption in, on and around waterways increases risk-taking behaviour, reduces coordination, and impairs judgement, and too many Australian men are drowning as a result,” Mr Scarr said.
“As we head into the summer break, our message to men is ‘Make the Right Call’ and look out for each other while holidaying, camping and boating on our waterways. Have fun but stay safe. Swim sober, wear a lifejacket and don’t go alone. Know your limitations and don’t take risks.”
