An analysis of stratagems to reduce drowning deaths of young children in private swimming pools and spas in Victoria, Australia

Drowning has been identified as the leading cause of unintentional death of young children ages 0 - 4 years, worldwide. This Australian retrospective case series study examined the frequency and distribution of protective stratagems (legislative compliant safety barrier, adequate caregiver supervision, water familiarisation and early CPR) amongst drowning deaths of young children in Victoria. In 65% (52 out of 80) none of the four protective stratagems were in place, and in only one case were all 4 stratagems known to be present. These results suggest that if the presence of all four stratagems is increased, this may reduce the incidence of this type of drowning. The authors call for more research and also suggest that a consensus on the definition of adequate supervision is needed.