The latest in beach safety research
This blog is a space to share the latest on beach safety research. We provide information and updates on our own projects, and also love to share what others in the community are up to. If you would like to submit a blog, please get in touch
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Effects of COVID-19 and Bushfires on Coastal Drowning
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).
Coastal Bystander Rescue Drowning
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.