Older adults drowning at epidemic levels

Friday, 28 May 2021

Drowning among older adults is a “hidden epidemic” and it’s getting worse as the population ages, a new study has found.

“Targeted drowning prevention strategies are urgently needed” for older adults, the researchers implored.

They looked at drowning statistics from Canada, Australia and New Zealand and found New Zealand’s record was the worst and Canada’s the best.

“Compared to Canada, New Zealand recorded the highest relative risk of drowning in the 75–84 years age group,” they found.

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**

Kiwi men were at 1.5 times the risk as their Canuck peers, based on data from 2005-2014.

“Every year a significant number of preventable drownings occur among those over 65 years,” said Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Daniel Gerrard. “In 2018 and 2019, the 65+ age group had the most fatalities of any age group”.

In 2018, 15 older people drowned, from a total of 66 drowning fatalities. In 2019, it was 17 older drownings from a total of 82. In 2020, there were 11 preventable fatalities among those aged 65+.

A preventable drowning is when water safety education and activity could have had an influence on the outcome. Water Safety NZ has a goal of reducing preventable drownings to very low levels.

Water safety tips for adults 65+

Most of these apply to all age groups. From Water Safety NZ:

• Always take a buddy – when swimming, fishing, boating and even in the spa or bath (at least someone within earshot or who can check on you). Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

• Always wear a lifejacket – when fishing, boating, paddling or any activity near the water where there is a risk of falling in. Also take some form of waterproof communication when heading out on the water.

• Use caution around water – river banks after heavy rain or surf beaches with big waves present risk. Also consider things like slippery marinas or tripping hazards around pools.

• Know the risks – New Zealand has diverse environments and if you are travelling, get local knowledge and research the dangers. Always swim between the flags at a patrolled beach and check the forecast.

• Know your limits – we’re not as young as we used to be and swimming fitness diminishes quickly if we don’t train regularly. Don’t overestimate your ability.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol around water.

Drugs were mentioned in the international study led by Dr Tessa Clemens​ of the Drowning Prevention Research Centre​ in Toronto, Canada. She meant such things as heart medications, which were a risk factor, as were chronic medical conditions.

Water Safety NZ also analysed their data by location. The deadliest environment for people aged 65+ between 2015-2020 was tidal waters. These included estuaries, harbours, marinas, river harbours and bars.

Nineteen preventable deaths occurred on beaches and 12 in baths, spas and home swimming pools.

“The deadliest activity for this cohort was slips and falls, where 27 people lost their lives having ended up in the water unintentionally,” said Gerrard.

Boating and paddling was the next deadliest activity, followed by swimming, he said.

While these numbers are not large, the point is that they are preventable and the loss of any person prematurely is a tragedy.

The international team recommended all three countries step up their water education efforts. They should learn from countries such as Japan, which has programmes in place to lower drownings among the old in bathtubs, for example.