Published 20th April 2022
NEW RESEARCH TO SHED LIGHT ON COMMUNITY WATER SAFETY IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
South East Queensland residents are being encouraged to get involved in new research to help reduce fatal and non-fatal drowning in the region, as part of a push towards the creation of a regional water safety strategy.
Royal Life Saving is calling for South East Queensland residents to complete an online survey about their ideas for addressing water safety issues in the region.
The quick online survey comes as water safety experts across South East Queensland gather on 15th and 16th May develop a water safety strategy, which is being designed to meet the specific needs of the region.
South East Queensland was selected because of the very high drowning rate in the region during the past decade.
Royal Life Saving Society – Queensland Executive Director, Paul Barry, said the variety of recreational areas in the region, including home pools, public pools, rivers, dams, and the ocean needed to be incorporated in the water safety strategy.
“The South East Queensland Water Safety Forum has been established to guide coordinated activities towards improving drowning prevention in the region,” Mr Barry said.
“Royal Life Saving recognises that drowning is a complex problem and that a range of contributions from partners, businesses, government and community is essential to reducing drowning in the long term.”’
City of Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, encouraged local residents to get involved in the survey.
“We know that South East Queenslanders love the water, but that tragically too many locals and visitors have drowned here over the last decade,” said Mayor Tate.
“We really encourage local residents of the region to complete the community water safety survey, it’s the best way that locals can inform decision makers as to what strategies to develop for local communities.”
Royal Life Saving research has shown that across South East Queensland more than 366 people have drowned over the last 10 years.
Royal Life Saving General Manager RJ Houston said while anyone can drown, people are often surprised by the research.
“Royal Life Saving research shows that while beaches and swimming pools remain prominent, 30 per cent of drowning across the region occurred in rivers,” said Mr Houston.
“Another misconception is that only tourists drown, when in fact only 22 per cent of drowning in this region has been by overseas tourists, with 86 per cent of all drowning occurring within an hour’s drive of the person’s home.”
“Men account for more than three-quarters of drowning deaths in the region, with the leading age group being 25–34-year-olds, and a fifth of all drowning deaths involving excessive alcohol consumption.”
“This tells us that more coordinated and concerted effort is needed to target drowning prevention initiatives and resources where they are needed.”
The community water safety survey responses will be used to inform the development of the region’s water safety strategy. Interested locals are encouraged to complete the survey.
A draw to win one of 10 x $100 JB Hifi Gift Vouchers will be completed for survey participants who choose to enter the draw.
The survey is live and available to complete here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R58VFJP
For more information visit the Royal Life Saving website www.royallifesaving.com.au
Notes
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia’s research, education and advocacy work in drowning prevention and water safety is supported by the Australian Government.
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