As the weather warms up, many Aussies are becoming more eager to take a dip in the waters.

But there’s a serious problem we need to discuss. Lately, more older swimmers are drowning, and it’s a big concern.

So, members, if you’re planning to enjoy a swim, there’s some important info you need to know.

Water safety groups are urging older individuals, notably men, to exercise caution around water this summer due to an alarming rise in drownings among active seniors.

A recent state government initiative places a strong focus on providing water safety advice to those aged over 65.

The campaign emphasises the importance of checking if their medications may impact their ability to swim and being mindful of their limitations as the summer season approaches.

Drownings in NSW 2022-23, by age group. Image source: National Drowning Report 2023

According to a report from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, there is a growing concern about drowning rates in older adults.

While the number of drownings in children under the age of five was 33 per cent below the 10-year average in 2022-23, there has been a consistent increase in drownings among older adults.

In the last financial year, 75 adults aged 65 and over drowned in Australia, which is 19 per cent higher than the 10-year average. Notably, 77 per cent of those who drowned were men.

In New South Wales (NSW), the majority of drowning deaths were concentrated in the 65 to 74-year-old age group, accounting for 18 per cent of the 107 recorded fatalities.

CEO of Royal Life Saving NSW, Michael Ilinsky, pointed out that nearly one-third of the 2,000 drownings reported in NSW over the past two decades involved individuals over the age of 65.

‘Know your limitations, know your personal capabilities,’ he emphasised, stressing the importance of understanding the risks involved, particularly for members of this age group.

In the past financial year, 35 per cent of drownings in the state took place at rivers or creeks, 29 per cent at the beach, and 12 per cent on coastal rocks.

Over the weekend, the Royal Life Saving Society of NSW, in collaboration with the state government, launched a new campaign called ‘Active Adults’, which is designed to urge seniors to be cautious when near water.

NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison highlighted the successful decrease in child drowning deaths as proof that awareness campaigns can yield positive results.

‘One of the best sports for people as they age is water sports, so I really encourage people to get into the water as they age, but do it safely,’ she said.

Video source: YouTube/Royal Life Saving Australia​

Due to COVID-19 pool closures causing a shortage of swimming teachers, Ilinsky mentioned the successful recruitment of new instructors. He encouraged older adults to book lessons to improve their water skills.

‘We operate a facility in [western Sydney’s] Seven Hills, and 10 per cent of our “learn to swim” candidates are adults,’ Ilinsky explained while specifically motivating individuals from overseas without prior formal swimming training to come forward.

In the introduction to the yearly drowning report, both Royal Life Saving Society CEO Justin Scarr and Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir expressed their shared concern regarding the increasing trend of drownings in older adults.

‘Changing employment patterns, increased recreation by older adults and decreased swimming fitness may all have contributed to this concerning increase in fatal drowning for older adults,’ they expressed.

‘Active Adults’ campaign

Royal Life Saving’s mission is to ensure all Australians, regardless of age or background, can enjoy a water-based lifestyle.

The ‘Active Adults’ campaign encourages older Australians to adopt a lifelong engagement in aquatic activities to stay fit and enjoy the beauty of our local waterways.
Various marketing resources, including video content, social media materials, posters, and fact sheets, are available to use for organisations to use and spread the message.

Key Takeaways

• Water safety groups are warning older people, particularly men, to practice caution in the water due to a rise in drownings among active seniors.
• Seventy-five adults aged 65 and over drowned in Australia in the previous financial year, 19 per cent above the 10-year average.
• The Royal Life Saving Society of NSW and the state government announced a new Active Adults campaign, encouraging seniors to take precautions when on the water.
• Despite issues with teacher shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic, swimming lessons for adults are available and encouraged, especially for those who haven’t received formal swimming lessons before.

Members, how do you manage to enjoy water-based activities safely? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I wonder what the number of drowning by ethnicity is.

People in land locked countries shouldn't venture near the ocean. PROOF: Seven people of Afghan origin drowned at the Kiama Blowhole on the NSW in 1992 by getting washed off the rocks after climbing the safety barriers. I was there about an hour before it happened.

Five years later, two more people from the same family drowned at the same spot! Will they ever learn!

Now the surviving family members are trying to sue the Kiama Council. On what grounds? For their own family members' stupidity?

 

[marni]

Has anyone else noticed how many people try to save their child(ren) who get back to shore and the rescuer drowns? No doubt the urge to help makes them forget they are unable to swim well.