Almost third of state’s drowning deaths flood related: new data

There has been a 25 per cent increase in water deaths in Queensland in the past year, with statistics showing two issues contributing to the huge rise.

Queensland has seen a shock rise in drowning fatalities with flooding and skipped swimming lessons during the Covid pandemic contributors to the death toll.

New data released on Friday reveals the state has seen a 25 per cent increase in water deaths from last year and one third of those were flood related.

There has also been a spike in deaths of school-aged children, with experts blaming the loss of four million swimming lessons over the Covid pandemic.

According to the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2022, in the last 12 months 339 people died from drowning in the country, the highest number in 25 years.

“In Queensland, 11 per cent of the 84 deaths were children aged five to 17,” Nikki Thornhill, state manager of education and training at the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland said.

“This has been a bad year for children as many children had never had any experience with water. During the pandemic public pools were closed and swimming lessons were missed.

A lapse in swimming lessons during Covid has contributed to a spike in drownings.

“The floods have had a big impact on drowning deaths overall and with more flooding forecast for the state there is a huge concern this upward trend of deaths will continue.”

The largest number of drowning deaths in the state occurred among people aged 25-34 years.

Rivers and creeks accounted for 45 per cent of the deaths, followed by beaches.

The data showed non-aquatic transport was the leading activity prior to drowning (29 per cent), followed by a fall into water.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia chief executive Justin Scarr, said the pandemic and the wet, hot weather combining to create a terrible year for drowning on waterways.

“This is the worst year for drowning since 1996,” he said.

“Increased drowning deaths in school aged children is tragic. Swimming and water safety lessons are critical to child safety,” he said.

Emergency crews in Brisbane suburbs during flooding in early 2022. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“Drowning deaths in older people, aged over 65 years, now represents 26 per cent of all fatal drowning. We urge adults of all ages to consider the impacts of medical conditions, alcohol, and swimming ability has on their water safety,” Mr Scarr said.

SLSA reports that 49 per cent of coastal drowning deaths occurred more than 5km from a surf

lifesaving service, a factor that may have resulted from people seeking out more secluded

swimming spots.

Originally published as Almost third of state’s drowning deaths flood related: new data