COA S TAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 - SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA
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COA S TAL SAFE T Y RE POR T 2021
S U R F L I FE S AV I N G TA S M A N I A
C O A S TA L D R O W N I N G S N A P S H O T
TA S M A N I A 2 019/21 CONTENTS
IN T RO D U C T I O N 03
COASTAL MALE
DROWNING
DEATHS
S EC TION ONE:
COM MUNIT Y 04 S EC TION THRE E:
DROWNING A N A LYS IS 22
COA S TA L PA RT I CIPAT I O N 06 COA S TA L D ROWNIN G &
FEMALE AC T I V I T Y PA RT I CIPAT I O N 07
FATA L I T Y OV ERV IE W 24
COA S TA L D ROWNIN G
S WI M M IN G A B IL I T Y 09
Location OV ERV IE W 26
COA S TA L S A FE T Y 11
D ROWNIN G LO C AT I O N S 29
U NIN T EN T I O N A L
COA S TA L FATA L I T IE S 30
12
AT THE BEACH BAY AT LEAST 5KM FROM A S EC TION T WO:
LIFESAVING SERVICE C A PA B ILIT Y U NIN T EN T I O N A L
FATA L I T Y LO C AT I O N S 31
D ROWNIN G D E AT H VS . FATA L I T Y 32
C A PA B IL I T Y 14
OFFSHORE
S U RF L IFE S AV IN G S ERV I CE S 16
M EM B ER S HIP C A PACI T Y 17
Activity
A S S E T C A PA B IL I T Y 18 G LOS S A RY 34
RE S CU E S 19 REFEREN CE 36
PRE V EN TAT I V E AC T I O N S 20
30% 20%
SWIMMING/
FIR S T A ID 21
FALLS WADING
10
10%BOATING
10%
WATERCRAFT
NB: Total for 2019/20 and 2020/21 combined
01
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA Contents
INTRODUCTION
T
he past 18 months can be described as unprecedented. friends and communities, including surf lifesaving personnel
Tasmania has experienced major storms, fires, major and other first responders. Involvement in any major rescue,
events including mass whale rescues and COVID-19, trauma or fatal event can create enduring financial and social
with this last reporting period being a mixture of them all. impacts on the health and well-being of the community and of
lifesaving personnel.
At times, COVID-19 restrictions have limited visitations to the
coast, however with the systems put in place within Tasmania The Tasmanian Coastal Safety Report 2021 is a comprehensive
we have been fortunate enough that the community has been summary and analysis of the research undertaken by Surf Life
able to continue day to day activities largely uninhibited. Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Tasmania and presents
evidence relating to participation, perceptions, lifesaving service
Coastal visitations for the 2020/21 as determined through the
delivery, coastal drowning and other fatal coastal incidents.
National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS), for those 16 years and
above have shown for the past year 360,000 visitors to the coast Lifejackets have been identified in the past as an item that when
on average 4.8 times per month. This suggests there were over worn correctly can significantly improve the outcome of coastal
20 million individual visitations to the Tasmanian coast in the incidents, especially with regards to survival. Boating, rock
past 12 months. Of these swimming and wading was by far the fishing and watercraft are three of the activities being undertaken
most popular coastal activity with fifty-seven per cent, followed for coastal drowning. Research has shown for Tasmanian
by fishing (rock and land) twenty-two per cent and boating at participants only sixty-four per cent of watercraft users always
fourteen per cent. wear a lifejacket, while ninety-two per cent of boaters always or
most of the time wear a lifejacket. A total of fifty-four per cent of
Tasmania is renowned for its extensive and diverse coastline
rock fishers advised they never wear a lifejacket.
attracting visitors from within the state, internationally
and interstate. However, despite its beauty, the coast can Since 2004, alcohol and drug consumption has contributed
pose a hazard to many, with surf lifesavers and lifeguards, to one in three (34%) of coastal unintentional fatal incidents in
as well as members of the public, often going to the aid of Tasmania. Rip currents are known to have contributed to
those unsuspecting or lacking knowledge who get caught thirteen per cent of coastal drowning deaths in the past 16 years,
in hazardous situations. although this could be much higher with many cases unknown.
In the past year surf lifesavers and lifeguards have performed The aspirational goal to have zero preventable deaths in
rescued, assisted and provided first aid treatments to more the Australian waters is one that needs to be maintained and
than 5,500 people. If not for these actions undertaken by surf championed if we are serious about reducing fatalities and
lifesavers and lifeguards, the number of drowning deaths and injuries in the future.
fatalities would be much higher.
I commend this report to you, while at the same time taking
Tragically, despite the incredible efforts of many, lives were still a moment to acknowledge the loss of life which has resulted in
lost. A total of 13 lives were lost along the Tasmanian coastline the need for a publication such as this.
over the past two years (2019/21). Of these 10 have been
attributed to drowning, with a further three fatalities recorded.
Fall related incidents recorded the highest number of drowning
deaths (30%), followed by swimming (20%), then boating, scuba
diving, watercraft, personal water craft (PWC) and rock fishing.
Males continue to be overrepresented within coastal drowning Tony van den Enden
incidents representing one hundred per cent of drowning deaths.
CEO
As mentioned above, surf lifesavers and lifeguards performed Surf Life Saving Tasmania
numerous rescues and first aid treatments. A number of these
resulted in hospitalisation ranging from short term to long term
stays and lifelong impacts as a result of incidents. The loss of life
or any long-term injury, has a devastating impact on families,
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 02 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 03
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA INTRODUCTION
COMMUNIT Y
SECTION ONE
360K 255K 20M
Tasmanian Coastal activity Individual coastal
adults visited participants visitations
the coast
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 04 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 05
Section one community
C O A S TA L V I S I TAT I O N A C T I V I T Y P A R T I C I P AT I O N
TA S M A N I A N V I S I TAT I O N & PA R T I C I PAT I O N PA R T I C I PAT I O N BY G E N D E R & F R E Q U E N C Y
Coastal participation varies by activity, gender and frequency. These pages explore the demographics of Tasmanian adults
who participate in each activity, their gender, and frequency of participation over from NCSS2020 and NCSS2021.
2020/21
360K 4.8 2.1 255K
HOURS/
VISITS/MONTH
TOTAL COASTAL VISIT COASTAL ACTIVITY SWIMMING/WADING SURFING WATERCRAFT
VISITORS PARTICIPANTS
NCSS2020/21: COASTAL VISITATION & PARTICIPATION SUMMARY
Australians love the coast. To better understand how the coast is used, the National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) explores coastal
participation, behaviours and perceptions within the Australian community. Our results report that over 360,000 Tasmanian adults
(16 years and above) visit the coast annually, averaging 4.8 visits each month. This suggests that there are around 20 million individual
visitations to the coast each year, with 255,000 coastal activity participants (Figure 1).
PARTICIPATION
Scu
Wa ming/
ba
ding
Swim
Div
ing
48% 5% 9%
2% 48% d
se
PW -ba
C nd
La hing
175K – COASTAL VISITORS Fis
2%
4.7 – VISITS PER MONTH 20%
2.3 – HOURS PER VISIT
GENDER
125K – COASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
Surfin
g 5% Boating 46% | 54% 66% | 34% 43% | 57%
18%
TOTAL 200K TOTAL 20K TOTAL 40K
8% 9%
22% 78% 22% 78% 26% 74%
FREQUENCY
g
W
in
5+ times per week
at
sh
er
185K – COASTAL VISITORS 9%
Fi
1−4 times per week
cr
ck
af
1−3 times per month FREQUENT OCCASIONAL FREQUENT OCCASIONAL FREQUENT OCCASIONAL
Ro
t
4.8 – VISITS PER MONTH
Snorkelling
3−11 times per year
Less often 45K 155K 5K 15K 10K 30K
1.9 – HOURS PER VISIT
130K – C
OASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
10% 3 IN 4 64%
Figure 1 ARE WEAK OCEAN SURFERS CAN SWIM OF WATERCRAFT USERS
NCSS2020/21:COASTAL PARTICIPATION BY ACTIVITY & GENDER SWIMMERS THAT DO NOT 50M IN THE OCEAN ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET
Tasmanian females visited the coast more, both frequently and overall, and also participated in coastal activities more than males. Swimming ALWAYS SWIM BETWEEN
and wading was the most popular activity (48%), followed by land-based fishing (20%) and boating (18%). THE FLAGS
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 06 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 07
Section one community
A C T I V I T Y P A R T I C I P AT I O N
PA R T I C I PAT I O N BY G E N D E R & F R E Q U E N C Y
Coastal participation varies by activity, gender and frequency. These pages explore the demographics of
Tasmanian adults who participate in each activity, their gender, and frequency of participation over 2020/21.
ROCK FISHING LAND-BASED FISHING BOATING PWC SNORKELLING SCUBA DIVING
PARTICIPATION
PARTICIPATION
8% 20% 18% 2% 9% 2%
GENDER
GENDER
73% | 27% 69% | 31% 62% | 38% 73% | 27% 47% | 53% 37% | 63%
TOTAL 35K TOTAL 85K TOTAL 75K TOTAL 9K TOTAL 35K TOTAL 7K
53% 47% 22% 78% 21% 79% 0% 100% 0% 100% 0% 100%
FREQUENCY
FREQUENCY
FREQUENT OCCASIONAL FREQUENT OCCASIONAL FREQUENT OCCASIONAL FREQUENT OCCASIONAL FREQUENT OCCASIONAL FREQUENT OCCASIONAL
20K 15K 20K 65 K 15K 60K 0K 9K 0K 35K 0K 7K
54% 73% 92% 28% 7 IN 10 0%
OF ROCK FISHERS DO NOT CONSIDER OF BOATERS ALWAYS OR BELIEVE PWC USE TO BE SNORKELLERS ALWAYS OF DIVERS BELIEVE
NEVER WEAR CONSUMING ALCOHOL MOST OF THE TIME WEAR EXTREMELY OR VERY SNORKEL WITH A BUDDY THEY ARE EXPERIENCED
A LIFEJACKET BEFORE FISHING IS OK A LIFEJACKET HAZARDOUS ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 08 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 09
Section one communityC O A S TA L S W I M M I N G A B I L I T Y C O A S TA L S A F E T Y
C O N F I D E N C E & A B I L I T Y I N C OA S TA L WAT E R S H A Z A R D PE R C E P T I O N & R I S K
45
41 Overall
40
Ocean
50 Coast
35 35 48 PWC 73
34 Beach
4% 5% I can swim constantly for over one Land-based Fishing 70
6%
10% hour and float as long as I wish 30 40 40
Swimming/Wading 54
I can comfortably float and gently
swim for up to 60 minutes 25 34
18%
Percentage (%)
23 Snorkelling 44
22
Percentage (%)
I can comfortably float and 30
gently swim for up to 30 minutes 20 26 Watercraft 42
6% 23% I can comfortably float and gently
swim for about 15 minutes
15
18
20 19
Surfing 39
CANNOT SWIM
OR FLOAT I can comfortably float for over Rock Fishing 37
1 minute and swim a little distance 13
10 9
8 10 Boating 29
I cannot float or swim 10
5
33% Can't say 5 4
4 4 Scuba Diving 0
1 1 2
1 1
0 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Unable Weak Average Competent Highly Can't say Extremely Very Somewhat Not very Not at all Can't say
to swim swimmer swimmer swimmer competent hazardous hazardous hazardous hazardous hazardous Percentage (%)
swimmer
Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 6 Figure 7
NCSS2020/21: UNAIDED SWIMMING ABILITY IN COASTAL WATERS NCSS2020/21: OVERALL SWIMMING ABILITY NCSS2020/21: HAZARD PERCEPTION OF THE COAST NCSS2020/21: PARTICIPANTS WHO BELIEVE THEY ARE
The unaided swimming ability of Tasmanians greatly varies with 6% of adults COMPARED TO ABILITY TO SWIM IN THE OCEAN VS. THE BEACH EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO TAKE SOME RISKS IN THEIR
being unable to float or swim at all. Only 5% believe they could swim for Swimming ability in the ocean is significantly below Two-thirds (65%) of Tasmanians believe the coast (ocean, COASTAL ACTIVITY
longer than one hour or float without a time limit. people's overall swimming ability. In the ocean, surf zone and adjacent rocky coast) to be somewhat, very or No scuba divers believe they are experienced enough to take
43% of Tasmanians are weak swimmers or can't swim, extremely hazardous, and generally consider the coast to be some risks compared to 73% of PWC riders.
and only 4% are highly competent. more hazardous than the beach.
80
80 Activities
This year 7 No/Can't say
'Yes Hazards
70 66 67
Last year 19 62 62
60 58
39%
2 to 5 years ago 49
Percentage (%)
14 50
More than 5
years ago 34
61% 40
35 37
CANNOT SWIM 50M
30 27 28
IN THE OCEAN
Never 20 WITHOUT TOUCHING
20 19
61% THE BOTTOM
13 13
Can't say 6 10 8 9
7
5
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 0
ing g ing ing ft ng g C es g s re rs les ks rs ts
Percentage (%) ed tin ll rc
ra rfi vin PW av hin rm su ge di ar ge re
n
ad as g a m ke i is fo o in Sh in
W d -b ishin Bo im or at
e Su aD W
kF lat xp St oc
o
St Cu
r
an F Sw Sn W ub c yP nE ine Cr ine Ri
p
L Sc Ro ck Su ar ar
o M M
/R r l
Figure 4 Figure 5 cks he ica
Ro Ot p
NCSS2020/21: THE LAST TIME PARTICIPANTS NCSS2020/21: ABILITY TO SWIM 50M IN THE OCEAN WITHOUT Tro
SWAM MORE THAN 50M IN THE OCEAN TOUCHING THE BOTTOM Figure 8
Only 7% of Tasmanians swam further than 50m in Swimming ability is not always very high amongst coastal activity NCSS2020/21: COASTAL HAZARDS & ACTIVITIES RATED EXTREMELY OR VERY HAZARDOUS
the ocean this year while 34% have not swum this participants. Only 39% of Tasmanians can swim more than 50m in the Rip currents remain the highest rated coastal hazard by Tasmanians, while rock fishing is regarded the most hazardous coastal activity.
distance in the last 5 years. ocean while 61% cannot. Tasmanians believe coastal hazards to be far more dangerous than coastal activities.
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 10 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section one community 11C A PA B I LI T Y
SECTION T WO
22 741
PROFICIENT
20,803
RESCUES MEMBERS VOLUNTEER PATROL HOURS
35 15 2
IRBs Clubs RWC
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 12 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 13
Section T WO capabilityC A PA B I LIT Y AWARD PROFICIE NCY
A
s Australia’s peak authority on coastal safety, Surf Life AS PART OF THE SLS DROWNING
Saving exists to save lives, create great Australians
and build better communities. Central to our ability
PREVENTION STRATEGY REGULAR
ROVING SURVEILLANCE PATROLS ARE
✓ ✓
to achieve this goal is the capacity to provide and deliver core
surf lifesaving services along the coast. Core services include Advanced Resuscitation Silver Medallion
coastal surveillance patrols and aquatic search and rescue (SAR)
CONDUCTED TO ACTIVELY MONITOR Techniques IRB Driver
operations, which are dependent on our surf lifesaving clubs, the
Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) and our dedicated members.
STRETCHES OF OUR COASTLINE.
SIDE-BY-SIDE VEHICLES (SSV) AND
264 158
Emergency services acknowledge the capability of SLS working
in partnership to support their public safety efforts in coastal and
aquatic environments, after-hours and during natural disasters.
The Tasmanian public and local emergency services are
provided reassurance that these services are delivered to a
4WDS PLAY AN INTEGRAL ROLE
IN MAKING THIS POSSIBLE. LAND
OPERATIONS AND SURVEILLANCE
✓211 First Aid
✓312
IRB Crew Certificate
consistent and high standard based on the diversity of awards
held by our 644 Bronze Medallion holders and 97 Surf Rescue
ARE ALSO SUPPORTED THROUGH
Certificate holders (totalling 741 proficient surf lifesavers) AERIAL SURVEILLANCE WHICH BE
through the 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs and seven Marine Rescue
Services. The two Australian Lifeguard Services in Tasmania
UNDERTAKEN BY OUR FLEET OF
employs lifeguards through full-time, part-time, UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS).
and casual contracts providing further capability and coverage
of our coastline.
Our members are able to deliver these services thanks to the SLS services extend beyond the red and yellow flags to provide
standard of gear, equipment, and technology available for use, surveillance and emergency response in isolated and hazardous Bronze Medallion Surf Rescue Certificate
644 97
including the radio communications network linked through coastal areas. In Tasmania there are two agile rescue water craft
coastal radio networks or integrated into government radio (RWC) aided by one jet rescue boat (JRB), seven offshore rescue
networks. Radio networks are monitored and maintained by boats (ORBs) and five rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs) extending
SLS communication and operations centres in Tasmania, which the SLS response capability into blue-water rescue areas
provide vital operational support, incident management, data providing longer range surveillance and SAR operations.
collection and emergency service liaison services.
AUSTRALIAN LIFEGUARD SERVICE
VOLUNTEER SURF LIFESAVERS The Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) is the largest supplier Advanced Resuscitation Techniques 264 Emergency Care
Powercraft
As the largest volunteer movement in Australia, and one of the of professional lifeguards in Australia. ALS Tasmania provides Aquatic Rescue
First Aid* 158
largest worldwide, the diversity and capabilities of our members lifeguard services to our local government councils and land
is essential to our success. With over 2,900 members, of which managers for both beach and pool environments.
Silver Medallion IRB Driver 312
717 performed a patrol last year, the collective effort to keep ALS Tasmania operations are fully integrated and
the community safe around the coast is enormous. In the last complimentary to SLS patrol services, providing seamless IRB Crew Certificate 211
year, surf lifesavers contributed 20,803 volunteer patrol hours, coverage to communities and local government areas for up
performed 22 rescues, 5,498 preventative actions, and provided to 365-days a year. ALS operations and SLS services support Bronze Medallion 644
65 first aid treatments. each other to provide coverage required in each area including
weekdays, weekends, public holidays, and after-hours response. Surf Rescue Certificate 97
Our volunteer surf lifesavers are supported by fit-for-purpose
gear and equipment and trained to use it safely in challenging Becoming a lifeguard is a pathway opportunity our volunteer
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
conditions. Across Tasmania Surf Life Saving Clubs have several members as qualifications and training standards are consistent
surf rescue boards and rescue tubes mainly utilised around the between ALS and surf lifesaving clubs; some specialised training
red and yellow flagged area during patrol. Further to this there is undertaken to meet ALS requirements. Figure 9
are 35 inflatable rescue boats (IRB), allowing surf lifesavers Some councils around Tasmania operate internal lifeguard 2020/21: PROFICIENT AWARDS HELD BY SLS MEMBERS IN TASMANIA
to quickly navigate the ocean environment and travel further services. Statistics for those services have not been included in There are 741 proficient members in Tasmania, of which 644 hold a bronze medallion award and 97 hold a surf rescue certificate.
distances for prolonged periods of time. this report. Many of these members also hold a number of other lifesaving awards, totalling over 1,600 awards. This highlights the extent of
additional training our surf lifesavers undertake to ensure they are highly skilled first responders.
*Total includes First Aid, Apply (Senior) First Aid, Silver Medallion Advanced First Aid awards
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 14 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section T WO capability 15S U RF LIFE SAVIN G S E RVI CE S M E M B E R S H I P C A PAC IT Y
Female
Figure 10 Male 700
644
2020/21: SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA SERVICES
600
There are currently 24 SLS services in Tasmania. There are 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs, seven marine rescue affiliates and the
Australian Lifeguard Service provides two lifeguard services in Tasmania. 269
500
Number (n)
400
448
300
200
37% 63%
100 97
0
Bronze Medallion Surf Rescue Certificate
Figure 11 Figure 12
2020/21: PATROLLING SURF LIFESAVERS 2020/21: PROFICIENT MEMBERS
There were a total of 717 members who performed a patrol. Of There were a total of 644 proficient Bronze Medallion
the patrolling members, 63% were male and 37% were female. holders and 97 Surf Rescue Certificate holders. Tasmania
has 741 proficient members.
1% Support Operations
8 Club
Hobart
7 7
6
6
Surf Life Saving Club / Lifeguard service
Marine rescue affiliate 5
5
4
20,803
Number (n)
99%
3
3 HOURS
2
1
1
0
Board IRB Rescue JRB/ Other
Tube ORB/RIB
Figure 13 Figure 14
2020/21: EQUIPMENT USED IN RESCUES 2020/21: VOLUNTEER PATROL HOURS
Boards were used in six Tasmanian rescues (27%), followed by A total of 20,803 volunteer patrol hours were undertaken by
IRBs (23%) and rescue tubes (14%). Tasmanian SLS services in 2020/21, of which SLS clubs provided
99% (20,528 hours).
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 16 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 17
Section T WO capabilityA S S E T C A PA B I LIT Y RESCUES
Figure 15 Figure 16
2020/21: SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA MAJOR ASSETS 2020/21: RESCUES PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA)
Tasmania maintains a fleet of two rescue watercraft (RWC), one jet rescue boat (JRB), seven offshore rescue boats (ORB) Tasmanian surf lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 22 rescues across Tasmania.
and five rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIB). Their locations and service ranges are depicted on this map.
22
Key to Asset Location
Hobart
Rescue Water Craft (RWC) Hobart
Jet Rescue Boat (JRB) Key to Rescues per LGA
Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat (RIB) < 14 Rescues
Offshore Rescue Boat (ORB) 15 - 49 Rescues
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 18 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 19
Section T WO capabilityP R E V E N TAT I V E A C T I O N S FIRST AID
Figure 17 Figure 18
2020/21: PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA) 2020/21: FIRST AID PER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA (LGA)
Tasmanian surf lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 5,498 preventative actions across Tasmania. Tasmanian surf lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 65 first aid treatments across Tasmania.
5,498 65
Hobart Hobart
Key to Preventative Actions per LGA Key to Preventative Actions per LGA
< 1,499 Actions < 1,499 Actions
1,500 - 4,999 Actions 1,500 - 4,999 Actions
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 20 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 21
Section T WO capabilityD R O W N I N G A N A LY S I S
SECTION THREE
10 2019/21 COASTAL
DROWNING DEATHS
100
MALE
% 0 %
FEMALE
DROWNING CAUSAL FACTORS 2004/21
Medical/Injury Alcohol/Drugs Rip Currents
38% 34% 13%
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 22 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section THREE 23 DROWNING ANALYSISC O A S TA L D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y O V E R V I E W
TA S M A N I A 2 019/21: T WO -Y E A R R E V I E W
W
Coastal drowning death
hile the challenges we face are ongoing, our love
Coastal fatality
and affinity with the coast continues – as does 23%
the need for ensuring surf lifesaving services are
there in times of need. With restrictions and environmental
pressures affecting how we interact with or recreate on the
coast, adaptability and resilience are key to maintaining relevant
safety practices.
SLST monitors both drowning and other coastal fatalities to better
13
FATAL
understand the collective impact on Surf Life Saving services and INCIDENTS
77%
the Tasmanian community. A total of 13 deaths were recorded
along the Tasmanian coast between 2019/20 and 2020/21. The Drowning death
majority were due to drowning (n=10), with a further three coastal Unintentional fatality
fatalities from other causes (all three of these were unintentional).
Males continue to be over-represented, accounting for 100% of the
past two years coastal drowning deaths. Falls was the top activity Figure 19
followed by swimming and wading. Over the past two years falls and 2019/21: OVERVIEW OF FATAL COASTAL INCIDENTS
swimming/wading incidents were above average, while boating
was below average. Nearly all (90%) drowning deaths over the
past two years occurred greater than five kilometres from a Surf Hobart
Life Saving service. Similarly, over half (60%) of the past two years
drowning deaths occurred at an unpatrolled location, outside of the
patrol season.
10
DROWNING
3
COASTAL
These results highlight the importance of Surf Life Saving services DEATHS FATALITIES
in Tasmania. Coastal incidents can have devastating impacts on
families and communities, including surf lifesaving personnel.
Involvement in major rescues, traumatic or fatal events can have
long-lasting effects on the health and wellbeing of those involved.
10
COASTAL
0
OCEAN
0
INTENTIONAL
3
UNINTENTIONAL
Research plays a central role in monitoring changes, identifying new
areas or populations of concern, and guides future prevention or Figure 21
mitigation strategies. As Tasmania’s peak coastal safety authority, 2019/21: TASMANIAN COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS & FATALITIES
understanding this informs resource allocation to support Surf Life 0
AQUATIC
3
NON
Over the last two years, 2019/21, Tasmania has recorded 10 drowning deaths and three coastal fatalities. Red and blue numbers
Saving members and the community service they provide. AQUATIC indicate drowning death and fatality numbers respectively.
25 2019/21: LOCAL GOVERNMENT COASTAL BLACKSPOTS
Unintentional fatality
Drowning death A blackspot is an area that has recorded a concentration of incidents and has a high probability or risk of ongoing reoccurrence.
20
These Tasmanian local government areas recorded the highest numbers of fatal coastal incidents in 2019/21.
Percentage (%)
15
West Coast: 3
Hobart: 2
10 Glamorgan-Spring Bay: 2
5
0
West Coast Hobart Glamorgan- Clarence Devonport Dorset Sorrell Tasman Tasmania Parks
Spring Bay and Wildlife Service
Figure 20
2019/21: OVERVIEW OF FATAL COASTAL INCIDENTS AND MORTALITY RATES FOR TASMANIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 24 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section THREE 25 DROWNING ANALYSISC O A S TA L D R O W N I N G O V E R V I E W
TA S M A N I A 2 019/21: T WO -Y E A R R E V I E W
35 2.5
30
2.0
10
DROWNING
0.92
RATE/100,000
25
Rate per 100,000 pop.
DEATHS POPULATION
Percentage (%)
1.5 20%
20
50%
15
1.0 20% 40%
10 30 %
5
0.5
40%
SPRING
0 0.0 40%
100% 0% Winter
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
0-9
Spring
INNER-REGIONAL OUTER-REGIONAL REMOTE Summer
Figure 22 Figure 25 Figure 26
2019/21 COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS BY AGE (N=10) 2019/21: REMOTENESS CLASSIFICATION OF DROWNING 2019/21: COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS BY SEASON
Ten drowning deaths were recorded on the Tasmanian over 2019/20 and 2020/21, with an average mortality rate of 0.92/100,000 LOCATIONS Most drowning deaths occurred equally during Spring
population (2019/21). All decedents were male (100%), with an overall mortality rate of 1.87/100,000 men (2019/21). The highest number Half of Tasmanian drowning deaths occurred in inner-regional (Sep-Nov) and Summer (Dec-Feb) months (40% each).
of drowning deaths recorded in Tasmania were 60-69 year olds, who also recorded the highest mortality rate (2.11/100,000 pop.). locations (50%), followed by remote (30%) then outer-regional
areas (20%). The ‘remoteness classification’ was coded using
Australian Statistical Geographic Standard Remoteness Areas.
100
90
Fall
80
Swimming/
Wading
Boating 10% 10%
Percentage (%)
Scuba Diving 60
30%
Watercraft
20%
60%
Unpatrolled
40
30%
30% Patrolled location, but
PWC Beach 60% location outside outside patrol periods
Bay
patrol season Unpatrolled location,
20
BEACH Port/Marina but during patrol period
Rock Fishing Offshore 10
Rock/Cliff Unpatrolled location,
20% 20% outside patrol seaon
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 0
0
Percentage (%) 5km
Figure 23 Figure 24 Figure 27 Figure 28
2019/21: COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY 2019/21: COASTAL DROWNING DEATHS BY 2019/21: PATROL STATUS OF DROWNING LOCATIONS 2019/21: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH DISTANCE FROM A
Fall-related incidents recorded the most Tasmanian drowning LOCATION Almost two-thirds of drowning deaths occurred at unpatrolled SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
deaths (30%), followed by swimming/wading incidents (20%). Over the last two years, most drowning deaths occurred locations outside of patrol season (60%). Almost all coastal drowning deaths (90%) occurred greater than
at beach (30%), followed equally by bay, port/marina 5km from a Surf Life Saving service.
and offshore locations (20% each).
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 26 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section THREE 27 DROWNING ANALYSISC O A S TA L D R O W N I N G O V E R V I E W D R O W N I N G L O C AT I O N S
TA S M A N I A 2 0 0 4/21: 17-Y E A R R E V I E W TA S M A N I A 2 0 0 4/21: 17-Y E A R R E V I E W
Female Male
12 2.5
10
2.0
Rate per 100,000 pop.
8 3%
5%
1.5 2%
Number (n)
6 12%
35%
1.0 3
4
2
0.5
19%
35%
OFFSHORE
Offshore
Beach
2
2
Bay
0 0.0 Rock/Cliff
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2007/08
2017/18
Port/Marina
24% Jetty
2 2
River/Creek
Figure 29 Figure 30
2004/21: COASTAL DROWNING DEATH TRENDS (N=92) 2004/21: DROWNING LOCATION CATEGORY
The number of coastal drowning deaths in 2020/21 for Tasmania (n=4) and Since 2004/05, Tasmanian offshore waters have
HOBART
2 9
the mortality rate (0.74/100,000 pop.) were lower than the 17-year average recorded the most drowning deaths (n=32),
of five deaths and 1.06/100,000 pop. followed by beaches (n=22) and bay locations (n=17). 2 2 2
3
Boating
Swimming/
Wading
Fall
5
AVERAGE
1.06
AVERAGE RATE Attempting a Rescue
2
7 2 2
Rock Fishing DROWNING PER 100,000 Boating & PWC
DEATHS POPULATION Fall
Watercraft
Jump
Scuba Diving
Land-based Fishing
Attempting
a Rescue Non Aquatic Transport
Rock Fishing
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Other 2004/21 Snorkelling
2019/21
Unknown Swimming/Wading
Watercraft
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 88% 12%
Percentage (%) Other
Unknown
Figure 31
2004/21: PROPORTION OF DROWNING DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
COMPARED TO 2019/21
25-44 55-69
YEAR OLDS YEAR OLDS
Other
4 Multiple instances per
activity at the same location
Capital City
Since 2004/05, boating has recorded the most drowning deaths (41%),
followed equally by swimming/wading and fall-related incidents (12% each). The 25-44 year old age group accounts for
Over the last two years, boating was below, while fall and swimming/wading 39% of drowning deaths, while 55-69 year olds
incidents were above average. represent 28%.
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 28 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section THREE 29 DROWNING ANALYSISU N I N T E N T I O N A L C O A S TA L F ATA L I T I E S U N I N T E N T I O N A L F ATA L I T Y L O C AT I O N S
TA S M A N I A 2 0 0 4/21: 17-Y E A R R E V I E W TA S M A N I A 2 0 0 4/21: 17-Y E A R R E V I E W
Female Male 2
6 0.35
5 0.30
7%
0.25
Rate per 100,000 pop.
4 2%
9% 26%
Number (n)
2.00
3
1.50 9%
2
26%
2
1.00 2
1 Bay
0.50 BAY Offshore
21%
26% Beach
0 0.0 River/Creek
Port/Marina
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
Rock/Cliff
Jetty
Figure 32 Figure 33
2
2004/21: UNINTENTIONAL COASTAL FATALITY TRENDS (N=43) 2004/21: FATALITY LOCATION CATEGORY
The number of unintentional coastal fatalities (n=2) and the mortality rate Since 2004/05, Tasmanian bays and offshore
HOBART
(0.11/100,000 pop.) for Tasmania in 2020/21 were just below the averages waters have equally recorded the most 2 2 3
(n=3 and rate 0.15/100,000 pop.). unintentional fatalities (26% each), followed by
beaches (21%). 2
Boating
Non Aquatic
Transport
Fall
3
AVERAGE COASTAL
0.15
AVERAGE RATE Attempting a Rescue
FATALITIES PER 100,000 Boating & PWC
Scuba Diving
POPULATION Fall
Watercraft Jump
Swimming/ Land-based Fishing
Wading
Non Aquatic Transport
PWC Rock Fishing
Scuba Diving
Other
2004/21 Snorkelling
Unknown 2019/21
Swimming/Wading
Watercraft
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 88% 12%
Percentage (%) Other
Unknown
Figure 34
2004/21: PROPORTION OF COASTAL FATALITIES BY ACTIVITY
COMPARED TO 2019/21
35-59 55-69
YEAR OLDS YEAR OLDS
Other
4 Multiple instances per
activity at the same location
Capital City
Since 2004/05, boating has recorded the most coastal fatalities each year
(40%), followed by non aquatic transport (14%) and then scuba diving and The 35-49 year old age group accounts for 27%
falls equally (7%). Over the last two years, boating was below, while non of other coastal fatalities, while 50-64 year olds
aquatic transport was above average. represent 36%.
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 30 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section THREE
SECTION 31 DROWNING ANALYSISD R O W N I N G V S . F ATA L I T Y D R O W N I N G V S . F ATA L I T Y
TA S M A N I A 2 0 0 4/21: OV E R V I E W TA S M A N I A 2 0 0 4/21: C AU S A L A N A LY S I S
D DROWNING FATALITY
rowning deaths represent
the majority of unintentional
coastal deaths, with more than
HOW HOW
two drowning deaths recorded for every
coastal fatality in Tasmania since 2004/05.
While boating record the most deaths
for both drowning deaths and coastal
13% 70% 0% 84%
fatalities, there are differences observed
Figure 35
across coastal activities, with drowning
2004/21: COASTAL
more prevalent for swimmers, waders and 2.1 : 1 DROWNING & FATALITY
fall-related incidents, while non aquatic RIP RELATED NOT RIP RELATED RIP RELATED NOT RIP RELATED
RATIO
transport-related incidents are more often
For each coastal fatality,
coastal fatalities. Australia records 1.7 coastal WHY WHY
Alcohol and drugs are known risk factors drowning deaths, whereas
for coastal deaths, known to contribute to
34% coastal drowning deaths and 19% of
other coastal fatalities. Mixing alcohol and DROWNING : FATALITY
Tasmania records the third
largest ratio with 2.1 coastal
drowning deaths per fatality.
38%
DUE TO MEDICAL/INJURY
86%
DUE TO MEDICAL/INJURY
drugs with coastal activities is dangerous,
with some activities riskier than others
(Figure 36). Boating & PWC, falls & jumps, 14 Coastal fatalities (%)
an swimming/wading can be especially Drowning deaths (%)
deadly when combined with alcohol and
drug consumption.
12 22%
DUE TO MEDICAL FACTOR
17%
DUE TO INJURY
58%
DUE TO MEDICAL FACTOR
28%
DUE TO INJURY
Fatal incidents can be influenced 10
45% 38% 48% 33%
by multiple factors, but some may be
Percentage (%)
more common in one incident type 8
compared to another. Rip currents are MEDICAL-RELATED AGED INJURY-RELATED AGED MEDICAL-RELATED AGED INJURY-RELATED AGED
contributing factors in thirteen per cent 55-69 YEARS OLD 45-59 YEARS OLD 55-69 YEARS OLD 15-29 YEARS OLD
6
of coastal drowning deaths and no coastal
fatalities. On the other hand, precipitating
medical factors and injuries dominate
4 WHO WHO
unintentional coastal fatalities (86%)
compared to 38% of coastal drowning 2
deaths.
0
Since SLS extended its research to
C
ps
g
aft
ue
ng
g
in
in
PW
m
cr
sc
ivi
include all coastal fatalities, we are able to
ad
ish
Ju
er
Re
aD
&
W
dF
at
&
g
ga
g/
ub
W
lls
in
se
better understand the challenges facing
in
in
at
Sc
Fa
a
91% 3% 81% 16%
m
-b
pt
Bo
im
nd
m
our membership which helps to develop
te
Sw
La
At
a holistic approach to managing coastal
safety and resource allocation for surf AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT AUSTRALIAN RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT
Figure 36
lifesaving services across Tasmania.
36/21: ALCOHOL & DRUGS IN COASTAL DEATHS 84% 7% 79% 10%
Alcohol and drugs are known to contribute to 34% of drowning deaths and 19% of AUSTRALIAN-BORN EUROPEAN AUSTRALIAN-BORN NORTH AMERICAN
coastal fatalities in Tasmania. However they are more prevalent in some activities
compared to others. Boating & PWC, falls & jumps and swimming/wading can be 34% 41% 23% 40%
especially deadly when mixed with alcohol and drugs. LOCALS (LIVEGLOSSARY
Adult – For the purpose of this report, adult refers to a person Drugs – A medicine or other substance which has a physiological Lifejacket – A buoyant or inflatable garment or device designed RIB – Rigid-hull inflatable boat.
16 years of age and over. effect when ingested or otherwise introduced to the body. The to keep a person afloat in water and increase their likelihood Rip current – A seaward flowing current of water moving
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques – A certification providing category includes therapeutic, over-the-counter and illicit drugs. of survival. through a surf zone.
the skills and knowledge required to use specialised equipment Emergency response – An action taken by an SLS entity Lifesaving Service – A coordinated group that exists to provide River – A natural stream of water flowing into an ocean, lake or
in the provision of resuscitation in line with the Australian in response to a call for assistance from an emergency aquatic safety services to the public. This includes Surf Life other body of water.
Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines. management organisation. Saving Clubs, Lifeguards, SurfCom, RWCs, RIBs, JRBs, ORBs, Rock/cliff – A rock platform that may or may not have a high
ALS – Australian Lifeguard Service. Falls (trips/slips) – Events that result in a person coming to rest Rescue Helicopters and 4WD units. steep face.
Apply First Aid – A certification providing the skills and knowledge inadvertently on the ground or other lower level. Local Government Area (LGA) – Also known as local councils, Rock fishing – The act of attempting to catch fish from a coastal
required to provide a first aid response to a casualty. Fatality – A fatal incident arising from circumstances other LGAs include cities, towns, shires, municipalities or boroughs. rock platform .
Aquatic Fatality – refer to non-drowning related incidents which than drowning (eg. Medical condition, injury, self-harm, Marina – a man-made boat basin having sea walls or breakwaters Rock shelf – A section of rock above or below the water level
have occurred at a coastal location in the water. marine creature). and offering dockage and other services for water vessels. that projects out from the coast.
Attempting a rescue – Trying to retrieve a person in distress and First Aid – Assessments and interventions that can be performed Medical – For the purpose of this report, medical refers to an RWC – Rescue water craft.
deliver them to a place of safety. by a bystander (or by the victim) with minimal to no equipment. aquatic incident that was caused by a medical episode, e.g. a Scuba diving – Swimming underwater with the aid of scuba
AWSC – Australian Water Safety Council also Australian Water Fishing – The act of attempting to catch fish from anywhere except heart attack or epileptic seizure. equipment for recreational or commercial purposes.
Safety Conference. coastal rock platforms Mortality rate – A comparative rate of mortality to the size of the Service season and hours – Vary between states due to climatic
AWSS – Australian Water Safety Strategy. Foreign ethnicity – Describes an individual who identifies with population for a given area or activity. factors, but in the context of this report, the season is for the
Bay – A body of water partially enclosed by land but with a wide a cultural group other than Australian based on heritage, NCIS – National Coronial Information System. period July 2020 to June 2021.
mouth, affording access to the sea. language or shared customs. This identification is extrapolated NCSS – The National Coastal Safety Survey conducted annually Snorkelling – Swimming with a snorkel and face mask. Includes
Beach – A wave-deposited accumulation of sediment –usually from reported data such as the individuals’ country of birth and to gather information about Australian coastal participation, freediving and spearfishing.
sand, but ranging in size up to boulders, deposited between the main language spoken at home. swimming ability, risk perception, behaviours and attitudes to SurfCom – SLS radio communications centre that assists in
the upper swash limit and wave base. Hazard – A source of potential harm. coastal safety. managing the communications of lifesaving operations and
Blackspot – An area where incidents are concentrated and a ILS – International Life Saving Federation. Non aquatic fatality - Non-aquatic fatalities refer to non-drowning data collection.
high probability/risk of ongoing recurrence. Incident – Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving related incidents which have occurred at a coastal location but Surf lifesaver – An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach
Boating – Using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for services intervention. not in the water. or other aquatic environment. They are typically a nonsalaried
recreation and/or fishing. Inland – An area that is beyond the line of mean high water or Non aquatic transport – Any form of transport that is not meant for member qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue.
Bystander – A person who is present at an incident but not part within a landward distance of five times the width of the coastal the water such as airplanes, bicycles, and motor vehicles. Surf Life Saving Club – A SLS affiliated not-for-profit
of it initially. inlet/river mouth. Ocean – The seabed, water and air space above the water between organisation that has volunteer members who provide coastal
Coastal – Describes the foreshore, seabed, coastal water and air Inshore – The coastal water area within 500m of the low tide area 3nm and 12nm (the Australian Territorial Sea) offshore. safety services to the community.
space above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including of the foreshore. Offshore – Describes the coastal water area beyond the surf zone Swimming – Moving through water by moving the body or parts
areas up to 3nm offshore and of which the landward boundary Intentional fatality – Any intentional incident, including homicide and inshore area from 500m to 200nm. of the body.
is the line of mean high water, except where that line crosses and self-harm related incidents. ORB – Offshore rescue boat. Territorial seas – The seaward limits of Australia’s maritime zones,
a river/inlet, the landward boundary at that point shall be the International – Describes an individual who is confirmed to reside Other – An uncommon known activity not otherwise listed from the coastline to 12nm from the low tide line.
point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width overseas and/or is a temporary visitor to Australia. (e.g., paragliding, jogging). Total Service Plan – An assessment of current and future lifesaving
of the river/inlet mouth by five. (Adopted from the Resource IRB – Inflatable rescue boat. Patrol – Service undertaken to monitor activities in/around an resources, trends, national blackspots and coastal safety issues
Management Amendment Act 1993 New Zealand). IRD – Incident report database. A web-based portal used by aquatic environment and respond accordingly through either combined with evidence-based mitigation strategies to address
COD – Cause of death. SLS services to electronically record incident reports. preventative actions or rescue operations. these issues.
Dangerous surf warning – An alert issued by the Bureau of Jetty – An artificial structure that projects out into the water Patrol flags – Red and yellow horizontally divided flags which Toxicity – The degree to which a chemical substance or a particular
Meteorology indicating that surf conditions in an area are unsafe from land. are set after performing a risk assessment to determine the mixture of substances is toxic or poisonous to an organism. In
for coastal activities. The warnings are calculated based on wave JRB – Jet rescue boat. most suitable area for swimming. The flags identify a zone for the context of this report, toxicity refers to alcohol or drug use
height, swell direction and swell period and must exceed the Jump(ing) – The activity of launching off a cliff, rock platform, swimming and bodyboarding within a patrolled location. by a victim.
predetermined limitations to be in effect. pier, jetty. Aka tombstoning (UK/Europe/North America). Patrolled location – A location supervised by a lifesaving service. Unintentional fatality – Deaths other than drowning deaths (such
Drowning – The process of experiencing respiratory impairment Lake – An inland body of water surrounded by land. Preventative action – Direct action taken to reduce or eliminate as medical incidents, injury, accidents, or marine creature),
from submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified Lifeguard – An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach or the probability of a specific rescue, first aid or other reportable excluding homicide and self-harm related incidents.
as death, morbidity and no morbidity. another aquatic environment. He/she is typically a salaried incident from happening in the future. Wading – Walking through water while partially immersed.
Drowning death – A fatal drowning incident arising from the member, qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue. PWC – Personal water craft, also known as a jet ski. Watercraft – A piece of non-powered recreational equipment used
process of respiratory impairment as a result of submersion/ Rescue – The retrieval of a person in distress, delivering them to in water. Examples include surfboards, stand-up paddle boards,
immersion in liquid. a place of safety and the application of first aid and basic life bodyboards, windsurfers or kayaks.
support as may be required.
Resuscitation – Prevention or restoration of life by establishing
and maintaining a person’s airway, breathing and circulation.
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 34 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section THREE 35 DROWNING ANALYSISREFERENCE
METHODOLOGY DROWNING & FATALITY DATA ANALYSIS TCSR 2018 TCSR 2019 TCSR 2020 TCSR 2021 For enquiries concerning reproduction, contact SLSA on:
The Surf Life Saving Tasmania Coastal Safety Report 2021 SLSA collects incident data from SurfGuard, the IRD, SurfCom, 2004/05 5 5 5 5 phone 02 9215 8000; email: info@slsa.asn.au
contains information on community behaviours, perceptions, the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) and by 2005/06 5 5 5 5
and attitudes to the coast; SLST capability and membership monitoring media reports for coastal and ocean incidents. 2006/07 2 3 3 4 Every attempt has been made to trace and acknowledge
capacity; rescues and emergency response; and coastal The information is verified with the assistance of each state/ 2007/08 8 8 8 8 copyright, but in some cases this may not have been
drowning deaths and other fatalities that occurred in Tasmanian territory SLS entity and compiled for analysis by SLSA’s Coastal 2008/09 5 8 8 8
possible. Surf Life Saving Australia apologises for any
waters for the period of 1 July 2018 – 30 April 2021. This Safety Department. The following variables are used to match accidental infringements and would welcome any information
2009/10 3 6 6 6
information is correct as of 2 August 2021. All care is taken to fatal incidents from more than one data source: incident date; to redress the situation.
2010/11 5 5 5 5
ensure the statistical information included within this report is location; age; gender; and incident description. The NCIS is
considered the ‘gold standard’ when there is a discrepancy 2011/12 5 5 5 5
correct. However, pending the outcomes of ongoing coronial
investigations and as SLST update their operational information in the detail collected from different data sources. Deaths 2012/13 4 6 6 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
this data may be amended. Data in figures may not always are excluded as a coastal drowning if they are reported as 2013/14 4 5 5 5 SLSA wishes to thank the following people and organisations
add up to 100% due to rounding. Total mortality rates were ‘intentional deaths’, they occur at inland locations, or ‘drowning/ 2014/15 2 3 4 3 for their contribution to the SLST Coastal Safety Report 2021:
calculated using the number of deaths divided by the population immersion’ is not a contributory factor as noted by the coroner. 2015/16 4 4 3 3 the Australian Government: Department of Health; National
(per 100,000) from Australian Bureau of Statistics, while Coastal incidents that are deemed intentional or not due to 2016/17 8 9 10 10 Coronial Information System: Leanne Daking & Jessica Bryan;
comparative activity mortality rates used the number of coastal drowning/immersion are logged as coastal fatalities instead. 2017/18 6 6 6 6 Department of Justice and Community Safety; Omnipoll:
participants (per 100,000 participants) identified in the National The authors are responsible for the use made of the data in Frederic Anne; SLST, Boyd Griggs & Tony van den Enden; TAS
2018/19 3 3 3
Coastal Safety Survey for a given state. this report. State Centre, clubs, support operations and ALS; SLSA major
2019/20 5 6
national corporate partners: DHL, Isuzu, Ampol and Westpac.
2020/21 4
THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY ANALYSIS DROWNING DATA LIMITATIONS
Information about community swimming ability, behaviours and Over years of investigation as part of the NCIS process, some This report was compiled by Shane Daw, General Manager
attitudes to coastal safety, risk perceptions, safety strategies cases are amended prior to their closure, resulting in changes SUGGESTED CITATION: Surf Life Saving Australia (2021). Coastal Safety; Dr Jasmin Lawes, Researcher; Belinda Cooper,
and rescues was gathered from the SLSA National Coastal Safety to the classification of cases in our datasets. Therefore, the Tasmania Coastal Safety Report 2021. SLSA: Sydney. Project Coordinator Coastal Safety; Jessica Ledger, Research
Survey. Conducted by Omnipoll Market Research, the latest number of coastal drowning deaths published in this report Assistant; Jamie Findlay, Lifesaving Operations Manager;
survey was run online over the period 8 - 25 April 2021 among may be different from annual totals previously reported. REFERENCES Luke Strasiotto, Lifesaving Officer and Kirk Patton, Coastal
a national sample of 3,050 respondents aged 16 and above. To produce a timely report on the current year’s data we • Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021, Australian Demographic Safety Support Officer.
The study was carried out in compliance with AS-ISO 20252 - acknowledge that these figures will change. Each year, the Statistic, accessed 28 July 2021,https://stat.data.abs.gov.au/
Market, Social and Opinion Research. To reflect the population changes that occur in the previous year’s report will be made Index.aspx?DataSetCode=ERP_QUARTERLY# Cover Image: Courtesy of Surf Life Saving Tasmania.
distribution, results were post-weighted (on age, gender, transparent. The data in this current report are not the final • SLSA National Coastal Safety Survey Design: Anika Martin, missluzi design.
geographic strata and education) and projected to Australian figures as 62% of 2019/21. (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021).
Bureau of Statistics data. The Australian population aged 16 and Tasmanian fatal incidents (drowning deaths and fatalities) • Newspoll/Omnipoll Online Omnibus
above (the reference population for this survey) is 18,712,000. remain open cases and 8% of cases do not yet have a cause (April 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021).
For this report, data has been summarised using Tasmanian of death (COD) listed. Once NCIS closes a case, SLSA modifies • SLSA Annual Reports (2009-2020).
participant responses from the two annual surveys conducted those with unknown intent and those where the cause of
in 2020 and 2021. death is not drowning, from ‘coastal drowning’ to ‘coastal
fatality’. Incidents are included in our annual totals and © 2021 SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA CONTACT INFORMATION
CAPABILITY AND RESCUE ANALYSIS analysis, and they will remain so until a COD is listed other This publication is copyright. Except as expressly provided SLSTAS receives Government funding to commence
SurfGuard, the Incident Report Database (IRD) and SurfCom than drowning/immersion. in the Copyright Act 1968 and the Copyright Amendment valuable initiatives and programs. However, we rely on
management system (SurfCom) are web-based applications Act 2006, no part of this publication may be reproduced, the generosity of the community and corporate support
and part of a suite of applications that enable members, CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted by any means to ensure they continue.
clubs, branches, state offices and SLSA to enter and access As part of the NCIS investigation process, some cases are (including electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying,
SLS operational (including rescues and first aids), capability amended prior to their closure and have resulted in changes recording or otherwise) without prior permission from Surf Life To help Surf Life Saving please donate to:
(including assets and services), educational and administrative to our datasets. This year SLSA has commenced a thorough Saving Australia. Surf Life Saving Foundation— slsfoundation.com.au
data. Information was extracted from SurfGuard to identify review of its coastal and ocean fatality database to update all
how many rescues were performed by volunteers, lifeguards cases to the same inclusion standards. See Table on next page. For more information:
and lifesaving services during 2020/21; and how many active Surf Life Saving Australia—sls.com.au
surf lifesavers and award holders there were during 2020/21. Surf Life Saving Tasmania—slst.asn.au
The data was verified by SLST. Information about assets and
services was gathered from SLST.
SURF LIFE SAVING TASMANIA 36 COASTAL SAFET Y REPORT 2021 Section THREE 37 DROWNING ANALYSISC O A S TA L D R O W N I N G & F ATA L I T Y S N A P S H O T
TA S M A N I A 2 019/21
MALE
FATAL
COASTAL
INCIDENTS FEMALE
Location
AT THE BEACH PORT/MARINA AT LEAST 5KM FROM A
LIFESAVING SERVICE
BAY
Activity
23% FALL
15%
BOATING
16
15%
SWIMMING/
8%
ROCK
WADING FISHING
NB: Total for 2019/20 and 2020/21 combinedYou can also read
