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Titel |
Rip current related drowning deaths and rescues in Australia 2004–2011 |
VerfasserIn |
B. Brighton, S. Sherker, R. Brander, M. Thompson, A. Bradstreet |
Medientyp |
Artikel
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Sprache |
Englisch
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ISSN |
1561-8633
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Digitales Dokument |
URL |
Erschienen |
In: Natural Hazards and Earth System Science ; 13, no. 4 ; Nr. 13, no. 4 (2013-04-22), S.1069-1075 |
Datensatznummer |
250018415
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Publikation (Nr.) |
copernicus.org/nhess-13-1069-2013.pdf |
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Zusammenfassung |
Rip currents are a common hazard to beachgoers found on many beaches around
the world, but it has proven difficult to accurately quantify the actual
number of rip current related drowning deaths in many regions and countries.
Consequently, reported estimates of rip current drowning can fluctuate
considerably and are often based on anecdotal evidence. This study aims to
quantify the incidence of rip current related drowning deaths and rescues in
Australia from 2004 to 2011. A retrospective search was undertaken for fatal
and non-fatal rip-related drowning incidents from Australia's National
Coronial Information System (NCIS), Surf Life Saving Australia's (SLSA, 2005–2011)
SurfGuard Incident Report Database (IRD), and Media Monitors for the period
1 July 2004 to 30 June 2011. In this time, rip currents were recorded as a
factor in 142 fatalities of a total of 613 coastal drowning deaths
(23.2%), an average of 21 per year. Rip currents were related to 44%
of all beach-related drowning deaths and were involved in 57.4% of
reported major rescues in Australian locations where rips occur. A
comparison with international operational statistics over the same time
period describes rip-related rescues as 53.7% of the total rescues in the
US, 57.9% in the UK and 49.4% in New Zealand. The range 49–58% is
much lower than 80–89% traditionally cited. The results reported are
likely to underestimate the size of the rip current hazard, because we are
limited by the completeness of data on rip-related events; however this is
the most comprehensive estimate to date. Beach safety practitioners need
improved data collection and standardized definitions across organisations.
The collection of drowning data using consistent categories and the routine
collection of rip current information will allow for more accurate global
comparisons. |
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