More older swimmers are drowning: report

One in three drowning victims is an older Australian and a surge in deaths has
prompted calls for ageing swimmers to be realistic about their strength in the
water.
Drowning deaths across all age groups have risen above 300 for the first time in six
years, new figures show.
Toddlers drowning in backyard swimming pools account for 10 per cent of all
fatalities, but the most alarming increase is among the over-55s, with their
drowning death rate surging by 42 per cent.
The Royal Life Saving Society report was launched on Monday by federal Youth
Minister Kate Ellis, who described drowning deaths across all age groups as "an
incredibly alarming" trend.
Early retirement means more baby boomers were moving to aquatic locations, Royal
Life Saving Society - Australia says.
"We think they're overestimating their ability from the days of their youth, placing
themselves at risk," chief executive Rob Bradley told AAP, advising older
Australians to learn emergency resuscitation.
A total of 302 Australians drowned in the year ending June 30, 2009 - 41 more deaths
than in the previous year, or a 16 per cent jump, new figures show.
This was the highest drowning tally since the year to June 2003, with almost every
age group recording more deaths against the five-year average.
Of these, 94 victims were aged 55 or older - a whopping 42 per cent increase on the
previous year.
Older drowning victims made up almost one third of drowning deaths.
Sixty per cent of toddler deaths, where the victims were under five, occurred in a
backyard swimming pool.
Australia's 32 toddler deaths made up 10 per cent of all drownings in 2008/09.
They were dying needlessly because local governments were failing to enforce
Australian Standard pool fencing regulations, Mr Bradley said.
"It's a tragic situation. The most disappointing thing is all of these deaths are
preventable."
In many cases, pool gates are not working, children can climb under fencing rails
and outdoor furniture is left next to fences which youngsters are able to climb
over, he added.
Rivers were the most common drowning location for victims aged between five and 14,
and for the over-55s category.
Men aged between 18 and 34 were more likely to drown at the beach during the warmer
months of the year.
Alcohol consumption figures were not available but water safety groups have
identified liquor as a priority area to prevent drowning among younger men.
Across Australia, NSW had the highest drowning tally of 104, followed by Queensland
(82), Western Australia (37), Victoria (35), South Australia (25), Tasmania (13),
Northern Territory (5) and the ACT with one death.