A new study by Australian water safety authorities found that the blockade of COVID-19 was the reason for the “tragic increase” in child drowning, and “exhausted” telecommuting parents could not supervise their children and swimming classes. Has been revealed to be interrupted.
Over the last 12 months, 294 drowning deaths have occurred on Australia’s coastlines, inland waterways and pools, up 20% year-on-year. Twenty-five of the deaths were children aged 0-4 years, an average increase of 9% over a 10-year period. Of all deaths, 17% are people between the ages of 25 and 34, the highest of all age groups.
The numbers are from the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) National drowning report And Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) National Coastal Safety Report Released on September 8th.
The study highlighted two major trends, including a surge in drowning “immediately after a major blockade.” And more Australians are spending their vacations domestically, swimming in unfamiliar (usually unpatrolled) waters.
We conclude that the impact of COVIDSafe restrictions on drowning is due to three things:
- Australians seek remote areas to escape the crowd, swim outside patrol hours, and visit isolated beaches, rivers, or lakes.
- Children who are “tired from work from home, homeschooling, and limited time in limited space” are at increased risk of drowning around the house and are distracted or unwatched by the water. May lead to.
- Swimming lessons were canceled due to the blockade, but Australians with limited access to the pool and lacking swimming skills began to open waterways.
Of all the drowning deaths, NSW recorded the highest number with 99, Queensland with 66, and Canberra with four.
Justin Scarr, CEO of RLSSA, was saddened by the tragic surge in child drowning and the unprecedented turmoil in children’s swimming lessons.
“Royal Lifesaving misses the lifelong benefits of being able to swim because it doesn’t meet basic water safety standards because many children are afraid not to return to lessons,” he said. rice field.
“Toddlers need to constantly monitor the waterfront. Pool owners need to ensure that pool fences and gates are functioning properly before the summer.”
Scarr also pointed out that alcohol and drugs are other important factors that can lead to drowning.
SLSA CEO Adam Weir admitted that the last 18 months have been tough for all Australians, given that spending time on the coastline is a country’s favorite pastime.
“Our simple message is to swim in the patrol area and yours at the water’s edge, as more Australians are spending their vacations at home and making the most of our iconic coastline. Be aware of your actions and decisions and know your limits, “he said. “We want everyone to enjoy our coastline safely and allow their loved ones to go home.”
Weir predicted that visiting a new location would be “top of the list of people when breaking out of the blockade.”
“Look for patrol beaches and download the Beachsafe app for surf lifesaving. Always wear a life jacket when boating, boating or rock fishing. You can save your life.” Weir says.
