Activities
Participating in certain activities increases the risk of drowning. Royal Life Saving sets out key safety measures that can be taken for specific at-risk activities without impacting or compromising enjoyment.
TOP ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO DROWNING

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25%
Swimming and Recreating
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18%
Boating
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15%
Fall
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7%
Rock fishing
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6%
Diving
Unintentional falls into water

Unintentional falls into water accounted for 15% of drowning deaths in 2019/20. This is particular risk factor in children aged 0 to 4 year and people aged 65+ years. Falls also play a part in alcohol- and drug-related drowning incidents, as well as those where people have misjudged the hazards present, such as uneven or slippery banks, strong currents and submerged objects.

75%
Children aged 0 to 4 years
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15%
People aged 65+ years
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11%
Children aged 5 to 14 years
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10%
Men aged 25 to 64 years
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7%
Young people aged 15 to 24 years