Snorkelling-Related Drowning Literature
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. To help fill this knowledge gap, a group of researchers connected through the International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance (IDRA) to conduct a systematic review on the topic. The study was led by Dr. Cody Dunne from the University of Calgary, with co-authors Julia Madill from the University of Calgary, Dr. Amy Peden from UNSW Sydney, Bridget Valesco from the Hawaii State Health Department, Dr. John Lippmann from Monash University, Dr. David Szpilman from SOBRASA Lifesaving Brazil and Dr. Catarina Queiroga from the Universidade do Porto.
You can read the open access (free) article published in Resuscitation Plus here.
Snorkelling-related drowning accounted for 8% of all coastal fatal drownings in Australia between 2012 – 2018
The review captured any information in peer reviewed journals on snorkelling-related drownings over the past forty years. The aim of the review was to figure out what previous science has said about (1) the risk factors for injury and death, (2) what prevention strategies are currently employed to improve safety, and (3) what interventions are most effective at minimizing harm and poor outcomes for those who already experienced injury
Forty-three studies were identified, with almost two thirds discussing Australian data (this paper and this paper also found that Aussie drowning research dominates the global scene). This topic remains a high priority in Australia - Dr. Jaz Lawes and the team at Surf Life Saving Australia recently released a Coastal Safety Brief on Diving and Snorkelling Drowning.
For this review, the primary question of how many snorkellers drown each year was challenging to answer because so few organizations track and publish this information reliably. However, Australian data suggested locally 8% of coastal fatal drownings were snorkelling-related. If this is similar in other warm regions, snorkelling could account for hundreds of drowning deaths each year, and many more non-fatal events.
The review did shed light on who is most at risk of fatally drowning while snorkelling:
1.) Older, recreational snorkellers with pre-existing medical conditions (like high blood pressure and heart disease)
2.) Local spearfishers hunting alone
90% of snorkelling-related fatalities were alone when they drowned, despite most starting off their adventure with company
The data on fatalities helped the researchers develop recommendations to improve the safety of snorkellers (check out Table 3 in the paper). For example, 90% of the drownings happened when the snorkeller did not have anyone else nearby. A ‘buddy system’ is a simple strategy to prevent these tragic deaths. However, a buddy system is only useful if both partners are actively aware of the other’s activities and can quickly intervene at the first sign of trouble. Three quarters of the snorkelling-related drownings started off with a companion, and likely felt ‘safety in numbers’ but then were separated before or distracted when the drowning occurred. Having an alert ‘buddy’ can help prevent injury.
Another recommendation was based on the finding that a high rate of individuals had a pre-existing medical condition. Snorkelling is a recreational activity often touted as an option for more inexperienced swimmers. The physical stress placed on the body is often not recognized before entering the ocean. By implementing safety educational strategies and medical screening, recreational rental/tour companies could save lives.
This review has set the groundwork to improve data gathering around snorkelling-related drownings. Lifesaving organizations, governments and industry need to work together to improve the collection of information in this area while implementing strategies aimed at preventing drownings for high-risk groups. Check out the paper (HERE!) for more information on expert recommendations to improve snorkeler safety including information on data collection, risk factors, recreational snorkelers, spearfishers and rescue/resuscitation.
This project is an incredible example of international collaboration in drowning research, congrats to all involved and thanks again to International Drowning Researcher's Alliance and Dr. Cody Dune for connecting everyone.