When NSW introduced mandatory lifejacket legislation for rock fishing, what affect did it have on unintentional drowning deaths?

Costa Rica has some of the world's best beaches and is a top-rated global tourist destination. Unfortunately, Costa Rican beaches are also dangerous and drowning among tourists has been a particular problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic altered beach behaviour and coastal use. In Australia, the COVID-19 outbreak immediately followed the worst bushfire season on record: the ‘black summer’ fires burned 18.6 million hectares (46 million acres), killed at least 34 people, significantly reduced air quality, and forced thousands to evacuate (many via water).

Despite being a significant cause of death in coastal waters, data on who is at risk and the best way to prevent snorkeller death and injury is scarce. International researchers connected through IDRA to conduct a systematic review on the topic.

We reviewed 146 coastal drowning studies from around the world in an attempt to characterise the peer-reviewed scientific literature in the field. This study aimed to identify the key concepts, findings, evidence and gaps in the science in order to help guide future research and inform prevention activities.

An important new study led by Jaz Lawes of Surf Life Saving Australia was recently published in the journal PLOS ONE which documents and characterises bystander rescuer fatalities within Australian coastal waterways between July 2004 and June 2019.