Central Queensland News
Rural populations ‘over-represented’ in drowning statistics, tailored strategies needed in the bush
Learn-to-swim courses are too city-centric and should be more tailored to reduce the drowning risk in rural Queensland, a swim club says.
Key points:
- Statistics from Royal Life Saving Australia show that the drowning death rate is 6.5 times greater in very remote areas
- Remote residents are 65 times more likely to drown in inland waters compared to major city residents
- Metro-based swimming education does not translate well to rural areas and events designed ‘by locals, for locals’ are critical for the success of drowning prevention
The Secretary of the Alpha Amateur Swimming Club, Danielle Taylor, says a geographic-specific approach for swimmers and swim teachers is a vital missing link in drowning prevention strategies in Australia.
“The…
