Clubware
Clubware’s online gym software is not your run of the mill management system. It has been carefully designed to incorporate all the elements that a fitness club would need. How did we do that?…
read moreRecent research by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) investigated the impact of alcohol and drugs on unintentional coastal deaths between 1st July 2004 and 30th June 2020 (both drowning and non-drowning related).
Many people know that alcohol and drug use are considered risky behaviours. Alcohol and drugs can have a variety of physiological, psychological, and behavioural impacts leading to increased risk from impaired decision-making skills, and greater levels of risk-taking. Sadly this can also increase the chance of dying on the Australian coast.
Published in the Journal of Safety Research, SLSA found that 23% of coastal drowning deaths and 19% of fatalities involved alcohol and/or drug intoxication. This means that more than 500 people’s lives have been lost on the coast due to alcohol or drugs since July 2004.
Alcohol, benzodiazepine, and amphetamine use while recreating on the coast significantly increased mortality risk. The average BAC of decedents who were intoxicated with alcohol was 0.19 g/100 mL – this is nearly four times the Australian legal limit for driving!
Young adults, people born in Australia, and Indigenous Australians were also identified to be at a higher mortality risk due to alcohol and drug intoxication. Intoxication was found to increase mortality risk significantly for high-risk activities including recreational jumping (almost four times greater), personal watercraft (PWC, i.e. jet skis; almost three times greater) and fall-related deaths (over three times greater).
Alcohol and drugs are known to be significant risk factors leading to injury or death. This research presents the first comprehensive investigation into the impacts of alcohol and drug intoxication on coastal deaths. It explored common causal factors within coastal deaths, including risk-taking behaviours and the different risks associated with coastal activities or cultures.
High-risk target demographic groups were identified and will allow for practical applications of this research to inform future tailored intervention strategies around alcohol and drug usage in coastal environments, particularly for young Australians.
SLSA note “it is crucial that we know the increased risk we put ourselves, and others, in when we get intoxicated with alcohol and drugs on the coast so we can try to keep ourselves and our friends safe.”
In February this year, Adelaide-based Coopers Brewery became the official beer sponsor of World Surf League Australia under a new three-year deal.
This was questioned by Australasian Leisure Management Publisher Nigel Benton in an article Is beer and surfing the right mix?
To read the SLSA research paper in the Journal of Safety Research go to Strasiotto L, Ellis A, Daw S, Lawes JC. (2022) The role of alcohol and drug intoxication in fatal drowning and other deaths that occur on the Australian coast. Journal of Safety Research.
To understand more about coastal safety, how to keep yourself safe and to find your nearest patrolled beach, visit www.beachsafe.org.au
For all the latest coastal safety information – click here for the National Coastal Safety Report 2021.
4th August 2022 - Surf Life Saving NSW delivers culturally sensitive lifesaver training program
10th July 2022 - Surf Life Saving NSW development program commences today on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
22nd June 2022 - Surf Life Saving NSW delivers training to Indian Rescue Academy
27th February 2022 - Is beer and surfing the right mix?
21st February 2022 - World Surf League announces three-year Australian events sponsorship with Coopers brewery
25th January 2022 - Surf Life Saving South Australia receives $13 million to strengthen water safety
20th December 2021 - Surf Life Saving NSW online training course records high level of completion
1st December 2021 - Surf Life Saving NSW’s education program goes virtual for the first time
8th September 2021 - Surf Life Saving NSW releases new report offering beach safety warning ahead of COVID restrictions easing
15th March 2021 - Increase in summer drownings prompts plea from Surf Life Saving Australia
25th January 2021 - Surf Life Saving Australia warns drowning deaths more likely on public holidays
5th January 2021 - Surf Life Saving drones prove to be successful at keeping swimmers and surfers safe
17th December 2020 - Surf Life Saving Australia highlight the dangers of rip currents along Australia’s coast
16th November 2020 - Surf Life Saving NSW deploys drones to keep Sydney’s northern beaches and parks COVIDSafe
30th April 2019 - Research shows alcohol advertising in sport fuels a drinking culture
19th November 2016 - Royal Life Saving Society WA highlights risk of alcohol and aquatic environments
16th November 2016 - Research shows correlation between alcohol consumption and river drownings
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Clubware’s online gym software is not your run of the mill management system. It has been carefully designed to incorporate all the elements that a fitness club would need. How did we do that?…
read moreTPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…
read moreFun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…
read moreStadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…
read moreWe live for media production and global events, providing real-time networks for video, audio, data and communications.
read moreThe world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreLinks Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.
read moreSince 1989 Elite Pool Covers have designed and manufactured an extensive range of high quality affordable manual,semi-automatic and fully-automatic pool cover systems for the harsh Australian…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!