Research shows teen drownings are surging, prompts calls to stop promotion of unsafe behaviour on social media

Teenagers are at a greater risk of drowning than at the start of the century, a new research paper studying death trends has shown, calling for action to stop risky behaviours driven by social media. The analysis, to be published on Tuesday in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found rates of drownings for young adults aged 15 to 17 rose by 13 per cent from 2002 to 2022 — the only demographic to see an increase. Among the changes recommended by the paper to stem the rise in deaths, were a dedicated water education program in high schools and bans around alcohol advertising showing waterways or the beach. “While most prevention activities that focus on young males has been communication or education focused with questionable effectiveness, several known high-risk activities including swimming after drinking alcohol, jumping from heights, or rapidly evolving social media-driven risky behaviour might be addressed with targeted policy interventions,” the paper stated. “As behaviour change in this group has proven elusive from existing efforts, future progress may depend on more robust system-level action such as embedded programs in high schools, establishment and enforcement of alcohol bans in public places near waterways, and stricter regulation of alcohol advertising targeting young people while depicting waterways and water recreation.” Using data of the 5692 drownings between 2002 and 2022, including 698 in WA, the research shows Australia’s national drowning rate has fallen over the past 20 years by 24 per cent. Concerns were also raised over the proportion of deaths involving over 65s, with steady rates attributed to Australia’s ageing population and pre-existing medical conditions, such as cardiovascular issues. While most locations, including baths and pools, recorded a significant drop in drowning rates, the number of beach deaths remained steady, and those from rocky coastal spots rose by 42 per cent. But in a sign laws mandating pool fencing are working, the research showed deaths of children aged under four dropped by 59 per cent — the greatest drop for any demographic over the period. Study author Lauren Miller said while the fall in childrens’ deaths was laudable, there was still much more work to be done among older swimmers. “Our progress has stalled in key areas — particularly among older Australians and males at rivers or beaches,” she said. “Our research shows drowning is not simply a childhood issue or limited to pools. It affects every Australian, in every part of the country.” Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said a lot of work had been done to lower the country’s drowning rates since the start of the century. “We can’t be complacent. It’s concerning that there has been a 13 per cent increase in drownings in the 15 – 17 age group and that 24 percent of all drownings were linked to alcohol,” he said. “We need to ramp up efforts to ensure people avoid alcohol before swimming and continue and improve efforts focused on males, the late teens, migrant populations and over 65 age groups.” The study’s release comes after WA recorded a 37 per cent rise in drownings over a horror summer period this year, with 15 people dying in waters around the State.