Analysis of unintentional fatal drowning in Australia 2002-2022: Progress, challenges and data to inform prevention

The purpose of this study was to analyse 20 years of drowning data in Australia, using the Royal Life Saving - Australia National Fatal Drowning Database (NFDD).

This study is a retrospective, total population epidemiological analysis of unintentional fatal drowning in Australia between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2022. Data were extracted from the NFDD, which was collected over the years using coroner's findings, toxicology reports, autopsy reports and police reports from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS), in conjunction with media reports.

There were 5,692 unintentional drowning deaths during the study period. Overall, drowning trends were found to decrease at a statistically significant rate of 2.60% annually over the 20-year period. The average annual age-standardised mortality rate was 1.22 per 100,000. Rivers/creeks were the leading location for drowning, accounting for 26.3% of cases. Trend analysis identified a significant decrease in the drowning rate among children aged 0-4-years, with an annual decrease of 5.41%, while there was no statistically significant change in older adults (+65 years), who had an annual decrease of 0.59%.

There was no evidence of statistical change in drowning rates at beaches or among people aged 65 years and over, indicating that this demographic and location remain priorities for drowning prevention campaigns.

There is an opportunity to enhance existing strategies and develop new and innovative strategies focusing on key populations, activities and risk factors. In addition, this study highlights the need to broaden our focus beyond just specific age groups and locations and to improve the availability of exposure data.