PEOPLE AND POPULATIONS

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have a close cultural connection with country (land and water), which includes inland waterways. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience higher rates of drowning and injury-related mortality and morbidity. Aboriginal children are also known to have a higher rate of fatal and non-fatal drowning , and many lack access to swimming and water safety programs.

Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, can increase access to culturally appropriate water safety and swimming education programs in regional and remote communities, build community capacity and leadership through culturally appropriate training in first aid, CPR and lifesaving, as well as ensuring access to safe swimming locations.

Multicultural communities

On average one in four people who drown in Australia each year are born overseas. Multicultural communities are at increased risk of drowning due to cultural differences in swimming ability and water safety knowledge. This includes visitors, international students and residents born overseas.

There is a need for tailored water safety strategies to target multicultural communities using messaging that is both culturally sensitive and educational. This includes specific information aimed at overseas transient populations (such as holiday makers, seasonal workers or those visiting on short-term business), new permanent residents and international students.

Pre-existing medical conditions

Every year dozens of Australians drown because of pre-existing medical conditions. Royal Life Saving Australia recommends that people aged 65 years and over undergo regular medical check-ups to ensure that any health conditions are detected early, treated effectively and monitored appropriately. Children and adults with medical conditions, such as epilepsy, should always be supervised when in, on or around the water.