LSV detail concerningly high drowning numbers in 2021-22 report

LIFE Saving Victoria’s (LSV) 2021-22 drowning report has detailed a second consecutive increase in drownings in Victorian waters including concerning trends on the Surf Coast and in Greater Geelong.

LSV revealed statistics released on December 13, that between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, a total of 53 people drowned across the state, ten more than the previous decade’s average.

A further, 111 people survived non-fatal incidents that had been attended to by paramedics.

Both the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong local government areas ranked in the top 10 in overall frequency of fatal drownings during 2021-22.

Swimming, paddling, wading, and rock fishing were the four major key activities cited to have led to drownings in the LGAs.

LSV’s manager of research and evaluation Dr Hannah Calverley said she felt deep sympathies to those whose loved ones had been represented in this year’s report.

“Despite slightly fewer fatalities than last year’s record-breaking toll of 61, the reality is that 53 lives were lost to drowning this year – that’s 53 too many,” she said.

“This is the second consecutive year that the Victorian drowning toll has bucked what had otherwise been a downward trend.

“We’re urging Victorians to be vigilant around water to help put an end to drownings and prevent further tragedy.”

A total of 40 per cent of drownings occurred in inland waterways in 2021-22, with rivers, creeks, streams and lakes named as the most dangerous aquatic environments in the state.

While males continue to be overrepresented in the data and accounted for 40 of the 53 people that drowned in 2021-22, the drowning rate for females is now 19 per cent higher than the past decade average.

The overall increase in drownings also included children aged four years and younger, where the fatal drowning rate was doubled upon the 10-year average.

Females aged 0-4 years recorded the largest increase amongst all groups, with the rate of 1.59 more than double the 10-year average of 0.74.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said Victoria had grappled with rising drowning tolls in recent years, as evidenced within the report. “Safety must be the number one priority for people when they’re out enjoying our waterways,” Commissioner Crisp said.

“Safety is a shared responsibility and people must understand their risks when they’re in and around water.”

The full 2021 – 22 Victorian drowning report can be accessed at lsv.com.au/research/victorian-drowning-reports/