For many years, the definition of drowning was confusing. Additional terms to describe the type of drowning only added to the confusion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is a major global health problem and in 2005 it moved to redefine ‘drowning’, with consensus given to removing terms like wet, dry, active, passive, silent, and secondary drowning. The definition was simplified, so there would be no confusion around whether a person had ‘drowned’ or not.
WHO’s definition of drowning is: the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. Drowning outcomes should be classified as: death, morbidity and no morbidity – but all are considered “drowning”.
If you have suffered respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid – regardless of the outcome – you have officially ‘drowned’ and should be recorded as a drowning statistic.
The main reason for the change in definition was the growing misconception that if someone was resuscitated poolside, they would make a full recovery and we could all breathe easy. If only that were true. All too often many of these people suffer permanent disability, requiring 24/7 medical care for the rest of their lives. While the drowning may not be ‘fatal’, the devastation is acute.
In Australia, there is still limited reporting of drownings in our public pools and no central register to understand just how many people are drowning in community pools. If people are resuscitated, taken to hospital and later released, there is very little record-keeping, incident-reporting or follow-up.
Based on general hospital data, it is estimated that on average 65 people drown in public and holiday resort style pools every year in Australia. But how many of these people fall into the categories of death, morbidity and no morbidity, is still not clear.
That’s why we would like to see a Central National Register of Drownings in Australia, with clear reporting around where the drowning occurred, the age of the person and the outcome.
The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report for 2017 puts the average cost of just ONE FATAL DROWNING at $4.2 million; which begs the question…what is the cost (economic, social and emotional) of just one drowning where the person has suffered permanent injury requiring permanent medical care?
We think it’s time local, state and federal government in Australia cared a little more about ensuring they have access to accurate data, so they can better understand the true toll drowning is having on this country.
is there any excuse for pool attendants/lifeguards at council owned pools not to be aware of the dangers of the occurrence of hypoxic blackout in any country today?
We agree Teresa, it can happen at any time and to swimmers of all ages who could be successfully rescued if detected quickly. Sadly, detection rates at present within the required 10:20 rule (ten seconds for detection and 20 seconds to rescue before risking permanent injury) are very low. We always recommend that you try to swim with a buddy and watch out for each other or ask the lifeguard to keep a good eye on you if you are swimming alone. There is a misconception at public pools that if you are a grown adult you can swim and everything will be fine. We are working to raise awareness of Poseidon technology and encourage Government to install it in public pools here in Australia. It is presently in over 250 public pools around the world and is saving lives. Enjoy the summer and happy swimming.
The same can be said for the United States. Drowning is a pandemic. It’s a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
Let’s ALL push for data collection and educational programs. One without the other is meaningless.
So true. Too many incorrect articles and news releases re drownings. Time for the media to get it right. A register would be ideal as many are going under the radar and people in Australia think our public pools are perfectly safe. Sadly the best lifeguard can still miss a life in trouble. Lighting, reflections on water is just a couple of the issues they face. As a family who’ve lost a great swimmer to breath holding, Shallow Water Blackout, we want to see these technologies in every pool. Seeing it in action at our local Blacktown pool, is amazing. Lifeguards and parents should check it out. Definitely want to see this across pools in Oz. ONE drowing is TOO MANY!
Sharon @SWBAustralia
Thank you for your feedback Sharon. We are saddened by the loss of a member of your family to drowning. This is why we will continue to work to raise awareness of the technology now available to prevent similar tragedies. Drowning is preventable and more needs to be done to protect swimmers of all ages.