Quick Facts
- From 2017 to 2021 there have been an average of 118 drownings per year.
- This is down from 140 average per year from 2012 to 2016.
- Males represent 76% of drownings in Irish waters from 2012 to 2021.
- Drownings often happen quickly and silently with 74% of drownings occurring within the home county of the victim.
- 2017 to 2021 shows that constant and vigilant supervision is the most important intervention to help prevent around 70% of children drownings.
- From 2012 to 2021, alcohol consumption was a factor in 26% of drownings.
- Activities of walking or hiking, bathing, and swimming account for 67% of activities prior to drowning during 2012 to 2021.
Drowning Statistics
Lifeguard Rescue Statistics
Our Local Authorities employ Water Safety Ireland assessed Lifeguards during the bathing season at popular bathing sites nationwide. This table gives a clear picture of the effectiveness and value they contribute to saving lives each year and we commend them for their work in drowning prevention.
“Although there were 80 drownings in Ireland in 2021, this figure could have been much higher were it not for the preventive actions performed by Water Safety Ireland assessed Lifeguards who rescued 473 persons from drowning, administered first aid to 6.787 people and reunited 516 lost children with their guardians.” Remarked Martin O’Sullivan, Chairman of Water Safety Ireland (2021).
Definitions
Rescue: Physical intervention with Canbuoy, a Rescue Board, or a Rescue Tube, Long distance pick up in Deepwater.
Assist: Wading, Reaching, Ringbuoy, Canbuoy Assist/Towing – No serious carries involved or Physical Contact, Short Distance.
Advice Given: General Safety Advice – Flag Meanings, Weather Conditions, Facility Locations, Verbal Advice by Lifeguard.
Accident Prevented: Blowing Whistles, Keeping people in LG Zone, Preventing Climbing on rocks, Advising Water Sports users to keep out of LG Zone, Verbal or Signal Intervention by Lifeguards
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2012
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2011
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2010
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2009
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2008
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2007
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2006
Analysis of Drowning Statistics 2005
statistics
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