The show summer is a deadly period for drowning in Australia. Sadly, between December 1 and January 9, due to drowning.
Authors
Amy Peden
Research fellow, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney
Rob Brander
Professor, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney
There are a why the season is one of heightened risk for water-related incidents. Our research shows drowning risk is twice as high for children during and similarly increased for adults on .
People may be more likely to visit unfamiliar places and waterways not patrolled by lifeguards. They may seek relief in the water on hot days and consume alcohol while swimming, fishing or boating. Such risks can, and do, lead to tragedy at our beaches, rivers and pools.
Two recent summer tragedies have involved bystanders who have drowned trying to rescue someone from the surf. On January 1, an drowned while rescuing his son who was caught in a rip current at a beach south of Narooma, New South Wales.
Just a few days later, a after trying to rescue his daughter from a rip current at Black Head Beach on the NSW mid-north coast. A nearby surfer was able to bring the girl ashore, but returned to assist her father and found him unresponsive. Both incidents involved rip currents at unpatrolled beaches and bystanders who drowned trying to save a child.
Researchers have a name for this tragic scenario: syndrome or “drowning for love”.
One chance, 5 ways to protect yourself
On average while performing a bystander rescue each year in Australia.
Our shows most people who rescue others will perform only one rescue in their lifetime. Their altruism will most likely be directed to family members including young children. Men are more likely to perform a rescue at a coastal location, while women are more likely to save a child struggling in a swimming pool.
So what steps can you take to reduce your risk of needing to perform a rescue in the first place? If you do need to perform a rescue – and most parents will want to do anything necessary to save a child – how do you do so safely?
Here are five evidence-based tips to help you avoid danger this summer:
1. Choose a patrolled beach
The guidance for beach safety in Australia tells us to “swim between the red and yellow flags”. Unfortunately, few beaches in Australia outside of populated areas are patrolled by (who are paid professionals) or lifesavers (volunteers affiliated with community clubs).
Our research also shows people choose to swim at because they are closer to their holiday accommodation or are less busy. Worryingly, many of those we surveyed at unpatrolled beaches were infrequent beachgoers with poor rip current hazard identification skills. Many did not observe safety signage, yet intended to enter the water knowing no lifeguard was present.
If you’re heading to the beach, plan your trip. Consult resources such as or download the app to find your nearest patrolled beach. It’s worth the extra 15 minute drive to find one.
2. Understand rips and learn how to spot them
, or rips, are strong, narrow offshore flowing currents that exist on many of the world’s beaches.
They begin close to the shoreline and flow offshore to the end of the surf zone (where waves are breaking) and various distances beyond. They are a global phenomenon because they are found on any beach with waves breaking across a surf zone.
Rip currents can be and are often appealing to swimmers due to the calm appearance of the water. They are dangerous because they can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
and, if in doubt, swim between the flags or speak to locals who know the safest places to swim.
3. Stay calm and make a plan
In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to think logically. But it’s imperative to take a moment to assess the situation.
There are a you can make without having to enter the water. These include talking to the person in trouble, throwing them something buoyant, wading or rowing to them or reaching out.
If you do need to enter the water, ensure someone else calls for help.
4. Take a flotation device with you
Our research shows those who drown while performing a rescue on the coast usually with them.
When adrenaline wears off and exhaustion kicks in, or if you need to support the weight of another person, having added buoyancy is vital. If you have a traditional flotation device such as a life jacket or boogie or surfboard, that’s great. If not, the humble esky or cooler, a pool noodle or even an empty soft drink bottle can provide some flotation assistance.
5. Learn how to perform CPR
Many people are alive today after almost drowning due to quick and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). First aid and CPR skills can assist someone who has been rescued from the water while you await emergency services.
While any attempt is better than no attempt, (chest compressions without rescue breaths) is not recommended in a drowning situation, given the importance of oxygen to the drowning victim. Consider enrolling in a .
It’s already been a heartbreaking summer for too many families. Heeding these tips may just save a life and ensure you and your loved ones enjoy time at the beach, river or pool safely.
Amy Peden receives funding from the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Health and Medical Research Council. She is an honorary Senior Research Fellow with Royal Life Saving Society – Australia.
Rob Brander receives funding from Surf Life Saving Australia and the New South Wales Government Department of Justice via the Water Safety Fund.
