Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on October 27, 2013, 08:54:13 PM
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Drowning report highlights risks for old guys fishing inland
NSW RecFisher
Royal Life Saving Society's National Drowning Report 2013 contains some worrying statistics. It seems that if you're in NSW, on inland waterways, male and over 55, you're in a very high risk group.
• 291 people drowned in Australia between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013. This is an increase of 5% on 2011/12
• 82% of all drowning deaths were male (238 drowning deaths)
• 114 (39%) drowning deaths occurred in people aged 55 years and over
• 104 (36%) drowning deaths occurred in New South Wales
• 99 (34%) drowning deaths occurred in inland waterway locations
• Boating/watercraft accidents accounted for more than half of drowning deaths in ocean/harbour locations (58%) and were the leading cause on inland waterways (20%)
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the report highlighted the risk of drowning for recreational boaters and the need to make safety their highest priority.
Commissioner Tannos said while boating was one of the most popular pastimes for male babyboomers, especially after their retirement, the report illustrated the risks involved.
“Those of us in this age group need to remember we’re not 20-years-old anymore and to take our health and level of fitness into account when we’re heading out. It’s crucial to always check the conditions and preferable not to go boating alone,” he said. Commissioner Tannos said all boaters should wear a lifejacket whenever they were on board.
Royal Life Saving Society's National Drowning Report 2013 contains some worrying statistics. It seems that if you're in NSW, on inland waterways, male and over 55, you're in a very high risk group.
• 291 people drowned in Australia between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013. This is an increase of 5% on 2011/12
• 82% of all drowning deaths were male (238 drowning deaths)
• 114 (39%) drowning deaths occurred in people aged 55 years and over
• 104 (36%) drowning deaths occurred in New South Wales
• 99 (34%) drowning deaths occurred in inland waterway locations
• Boating/watercraft accidents accounted for more than half of drowning deaths in ocean/harbour locations (58%) and were the leading cause on inland waterways (20%)
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the report highlighted the risk of drowning for recreational boaters and the need to make safety their highest priority.
Commissioner Tannos said while boating was one of the most popular pastimes for male babyboomers, especially after their retirement, the report illustrated the risks involved.
“Those of us in this age group need to remember we’re not 20-years-old anymore and to take our health and level of fitness into account when we’re heading out. It’s crucial to always check the conditions and preferable not to go boating alone,” he said. Commissioner Tannos said all boaters should wear a lifejacket whenever they were on board.