1999 Drowning statistics - Lowest figures on record;Annual Drowning statistics by activity to 1999;1999 Drowning Fact Sheet

Media Release: 5 January 2000. A total of 116 people drowned in 1999 which is a record low. The previous low being 130 in 1992 and the highest being 214 in 1985. This significant reduction is despite increased participation numbers in aquatic activities during recent years and La Nina weather conditions in early 1999.;A review of the 1999 year indicates that the majority of victims were male (80%). From a recreational point of view, swimming continues to be the major area of concern with 20 drownings during 1999.;Five pre-school children (under the age of 5) drowned in home swimming pools and another 6 as a result of immersion accidents. (This is the only statistic referring to children)