Devastating rise in child drownings during lockdown

Victoria has suffered its highest drowning toll in 20 years with children accounting for a quarter of those water-related deaths in the past financial year.

The latest drowning report by Life Saving Victoria, released on Wednesday, shows 15 children aged between zero and 14 died in water in 2020-21, an alarming increase on the 10-year average of four child drowning deaths per year.

Last year was the worst for drownings in Victoria for 20 years as people emerged from extended lockdowns. Credit: Justin McManus

In 2020-21 there were 165 drowning incidents, including 61 deaths and 104 non-fatal instances where paramedics attended. This compared to 34 drowning deaths the year before.

Life Saving Victoria said the coronavirus pandemic had contributed to the drowning rate, with swimming lessons cancelled and more time spent at home.

Seven of the child deaths occurred in or around the home while eight happened in open waterways or public pools.

The prolonged closures of public swimming pools and cancellation of lessons amid a significant shortage of swimming teachers across Victoria were also identified as factors leading to drowning risk.

The report said social distancing may have led to more people visiting remote locations that were further from life-saving help.

And families spending more time at home while parents were working had resulted in “pandemic fatigue” that could lead to increased risk taking, complacency and reduced vigilance around local waterways and in the home.

Ash Napolitano lost her son last year. Credit: Eddie Jim

Shepparton resident Ash Napolitano is among the parents mourning the death of their child through drowning.

Her son, Hunter, drowned in a dam on his grandfather’s farm last year. Ms Napolitano left the two-year-old boy with his grandfather while she undertook a training course.

She has previously spoken about how Hunter’s grandfather only turned his back briefly on the child before he was gone.

This year the family will be marking its second Christmas without Hunter.

“It’s a hole that will never be filled,” she said. “No one should have to pick out a coffin ... for their two-year-old.”

Ms Napolitano is raising awareness and funds through her Hunter Boyle Children’s Swim Program, so children in regional communities can access swimming lessons. She said many families could not afford lessons.

Life Saving Victoria says children have missed 5.9 million swimming lessons due to pandemic restrictions. Credit: Louise Kennerley

“It’s very expensive and if you have multiple children and you’re struggling financially already, I can see why it’s overlooked.”

Life Saving Victoria’s health promotion and communications general manager Bernadette Matthews said parents juggling more duties at home, including work, remote learning and caring for children during lockdown had contributed to the increased rate of domestic deaths.

She said an estimated 5.9 million swimming lessons had also been missed following Victoria’s extended lockdowns.

Dr Matthews stressed it was important parents were not distracted and it was clear who was tasked with supervising kids in the water because drowning children did not necessarily make a splash or cry out for help.

“It’s important for people to understand how quickly a drowning can occur and it can be silent,” she said.

Last summer there was a spate of drownings after Life Saving Victoria warned many people would be unfit and unprepared for coastal swimming following months of lockdown.

“We’re concerned leading into the summer potentially we’ll see the same thing again,” Dr Matthews said.

She said last financial year’s deaths had left 61 families and their communities devastated. Lifeguard patrols will be increased this year.

In 2020-21, 23 of the drownings occurred during summer. Inland waterways accounted for 39 per cent of drownings, compared to 33 per cent in bays and oceans.

There were 11 drowning deaths where alcohol or illegal drugs were reported.

Life Saving Victoria will mark the drowning deaths of last financial year by placing 61 memorial rescue tubes at Sandridge Beach on Wednesday.

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