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Surf Life Saving Australia's 2011 National Coastal Safety Report has confirmed a fall in coastal drowning deaths in 2010/11 with 61 confirmed coastal drowning deaths nationally, a reduction from the 2009/10 figure of 84 and the seven-year average of 89.

Commenting on the report Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Chief Operating Officer Peter George explained "the downward trend in coastal drowning deaths over the past seven years is a positive sign.

"The reduced coastal drowning toll in 2010/11 provides an indication that the drowning intervention strategies implemented by SLS and our industry partners are having the desired effect; it is also a testament to the great work done by our surf lifesavers and lifeguards.

"While these figures are very encouraging, we should never become complacent; there have been 61 lives lost due to coastal drowning and for the family members left behind, these lives can never be replaced."

Among the key findings the report unearthed:

OVERALL: There were a total of 61 coastal drowning deaths, below the seven year average of 89

DEMOGRAPHIC: 52 (85% ) were males; 14 (23% ) were aged between 20-29 year (the most common age-group); 21 (34% ) were of a foreign ethnicity of which 5 (8% ) were international visitors.

TIME: Eight (13% ) occurred between 3pm-4pm the most common time of day, while 25 (41% ) occurred during summer, the most common season.

ACTIVITY: 19 (31% ) were attributed to swimming/wading (the most common activity); 17 (28% ) were attributed to boating and 6 (10% ) were attributed to rock fishing.

RIP CURRENTS: Out of all coastal drowning deaths, 12 (20% ) were attributed to rip currents.

LOCATION: 29 (48% ) occurred at a beach (the most common location); 22 (36% ) lived less than 10km from their drowning location; and 31 (51% ) occurred less than 5km from a lifesaving service.

A worrying statistic for SLSA is the upward trend of coastal drowning deaths attributed to boating incidents with 17 (28% ) recorded in 2010-11, where George explained "the number of coastal drowning deaths attributed to boating has been steadily increasing since 2007.

"This is an area we will continue to address over the next 12 months, but the best advice boat users can heed is to avoid mixing alcohol and boating, and to always wear a lifejacket."

Another worrying trend is the disproportionate number of men drowning; 52 (85% ) coastal drowning victims were confirmed male.

Here George states "men continue to be over-represented in coastal drowning data and this is down to a mixture of bravado and an inflated sense of ability – we are still seeing too many young male lives cut short."

The Report did, however, confirm a downward trend in rip-related coastal drownings from 2009/10 which indicates that intervention strategies are having the desired effect. George stressed that despite this reduction, further work in this area is still required.

"Over the past two years SLSA has conducted campaigns to educate Australians on rip currents and we're pleased that this Report indicates a reduction.

"Ultimately, though, there were still 12 confirmed rip-related coastal drowning deaths and many more rescues attributed to rip currents, so SLSA is committed to furthering research and education and awareness programs to ensure the downward trend continues."

Surf Life Saving officials the launch to reinforce the importance of always swimming between the red and yellow flags and seeking assistance from surf lifesavers and lifeguards when in trouble, George concluding "in 2010/11, 31 (51% ) coastal drownings occurred five kilometres or less from a lifesaving service.

"Many of these incidents could have been prevented had individuals observed our primary safety message to swim only at patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags.

"It June we announced that Australia's surf lifesavers would keep the distinctive red and yellow cap as part of our uniform, so if you are in trouble at the beach, that's what everyone can look for.

"The beach is a fun and enjoyable place, and we encourage all Australians and visitors to Australia to familiarise themselves with basic beach safety advice to ensure their visit is a safe one."

With the summer season fast approaching and the first patrols of the season commencing, Surf Life Saving Australia is now recruiting for new volunteers. People aged 15 and over who are interested in training for their Bronze Medallion (the qualification needed to become a surf lifesaver) are advised to contact their local surf club or visit www.sls.com.au for more information.

To view the 2011 National Coastal Safety Report  go to http://sls.com.au/sites/sls.com.au/files/National-Coastal-Safety-Report-2011.pdf

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