In the past year, 265 Australians lost their lives in drowning related incidents, according to the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia's 2006 National Drowning Report. This figure is a reduction on the five year average by 9 deaths, but it is 6 more deaths than the previous year. Males are four times more likely to have a drowning-related death than females.

The Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s National Drowning Report shows that 3 per cent more people drowned in 2006 than the previous year – 220 males and 45 females.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia CEO, Rob Bradley, said one-third of all drowning deaths occurred away from the coast, with 10 people drowning while attempting to transverse a flooded roadway.

Australians aged over 55 years were one section of the community where there was a sharp increase in the number of persons who drowned last year with 70 people drowning. This figure accounts for 26% of all drowning deaths.

A positive aspect highlighted by the Drowning Report was the 32 per cent reduction on the five-year average of drowning in the 6 to14 age group, with 8 less drowning compared with the previous year.

Other facts from the report include:

• 265 people drowned in Australia in the 2005-2006 financial year.
• 220 of the people were male (83%) 45 were female (17%)
• One-third of all drowning deaths occurred in lakes, dams and lagoons away from the coast.
• The main known activities people were undertaking immediately prior to drowning were swimming/leisure activity (80 deaths).  Followed by falling into the water (56 deaths).
• 10 people drowned while crossing flooded waterways.
• In the over 55 age group 70 people drowned, this is a 10% increase on the five year average.
• There were 37 deaths in the 0-4 year age group, which is a 4% increase (36 to 37) on the five year average.  The majority of theses deaths (13) were in backyard swimming pools and bathtubs (9).
• State/Territory drowning figures:

For further information on the 2006 National Drowning Report www.royallifesaving.com.au