Learn To Stay Afloat World Drowning Prevention Day

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club and Masters Swimming Qld are observing World Drowning Prevention Day to raise awareness of drowning incidents and its impacts.
World Drowning Prevention Day is held annually on 25 July. This global advocacy event highlights the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it. An estimated 236,000 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years. More than 90% of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage vessels and swimming pools in low- and middle-income countries, with children and adolescents in rural areas disproportionately affected.
Key Statistics
   • Children, males and individuals with increased access to water are most at risk of drowning with 80% of drowning deaths being males.
   • 25 drowning deaths among children aged 0-4 years; this is a 108% increase on last year and a 9% increase on the 10-year average
   • Rivers and creeks were the leading location for drowning (26%), followed by beaches (22%) and ocean/harbour locations (15%)
Risk factors
Age
Young children are the most at risk world-wide. In Australia: drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death in children aged 1–3 years.
Gender
Males are especially at risk of drowning, with twice the overall incident rate of females. They are more likely to be hospitalised than females for non-fatal drowning.
Access to water
Children who live near open water sources, such as ditches, ponds, irrigation channels, or pools are especially at risk.
Flood disasters
Drowning accounts for 75% of deaths in flood disasters. Flood disasters are becoming both more frequent as well as more severe.
Prevention
   • Learning to swim is a crucial element of lowering the statistics
   • Alcohol should be avoided
   • In the Ocean swim between the flags.
   • At the pool maintain focus on your children
   • Undertake a first Aid/CPR course as early intervention will improve the chances of a successful response to any assistance

Sinkers Sessions
Mondays: 515pm for 530-630pm
Wednesdays: 515pm- for 530-630pm
Saturday: 08-0900am
For further information visit www.facebook.com/NthMackaySinkers or phone 0413 805 156
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By Dan Stampa

Balnagowan on the Pioneer river - never swim alone, take a float to assist if needed and be aware of the water hazards that may exist in any swimming area. Image supplied