Child deaths - rural drowning

Child deaths : rural drowning examines the deaths of children in rural drowning incidents and the need to develop specific drowning prevention strategies for the unique environments of rural areas.  The findings are presented in this issues paper by the Commission for Children and Young People in Queensland, and they are based on a review of deaths from the Queensland Child Death Register from 2004 to 2011.  During this time there were 75 reported child drownings, 18 on farms and 35 on other private properties.  Rural water hazards contributed more deaths than swimming pools.

Drowning prevention strategies need to address the geographical and social barriers of rural life, while maintaining a balance between minimising the risks and keeping the things that make country life fun for children.