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C OA S TA L S A F E T Y B R I E F
B OAT I N G S U R F L I F E S AV I N G A U S T R A L I A
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING2
N A T I O N A L O V E R V I E W
SECTION SECTION NAME
B O A T I N G S N A P S H O T2 0 0 4 -1 9
ANALYSISOn average, at least 23 people drown per year as a result of boating.
It’s the second highest number of deaths for an individual activity.
2016
-17
2015
-16
2014
-15
2013
-14
2012
-13
2011
-12
2010
-11
2009
-10
2008
-09
2007
-08
2006
-07
2005
-06
2004
-05
2018
-19
2017
-18
20 22 28 15 28 25 25 23 22 16 21 31 21 28 15
0.090.100.11
0.13
0.07
0.13
0.11 0.110.10 0.09
0.07
0.09
0.130.11
0.06
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS TREND
69
76
4737
29
65
17
DROWNING DEATHS
34093%
MALE
AVERAGE AGE
51
DROWNING DEATH LOCATION
PARTICIPATION3
• 2.7 million boaters in 2019
• 0.7 million frequent users (at least once a month)
• Occasional boaters average 10 hours per year
• Frequent boaters average 150 hours per year
3%
22%
20%
19%
14%
11%
9%
NT
TASSA
WA
VIC
QLD
NSW
QLD22%
5%
53%
14%
20%
32%
NoYesUnknown
No Lifejacket53%
LIFEJACKET USE AT TIME OF INCIDENT
AVERAGE DEATHS PER YEAR
23
RANK
2ndAVERAGE FATALITY RATE
0.10PER 100,000 POPULATION
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
MALES AGED
Australian residents, Australian born
60–75
Rate per 100,000 pop.
Total drowning deaths
Boating is an extremely popular activity in and around Australian coastal waterways. There are 2.7 million coastal boaters in Australia, of which 700,000 are frequent participants. An estimated 18% of Australians go boating each year, with the majority from Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales.
Behavioural research revealed that the most common reasons for boating are for fun and enjoyment (73%), relaxation (71%), being with friends and family (68%) and being outdoors or in the natural environment (65%). Furthermore, the most popular boating activities are reported as fishing (69%) and touring or cruising (58%). While many Australians enjoy recreating on the water, unfortunately there are too many incidents that end in injury and death.
There have been 340 coastal boating-related drowning deaths between 2004-2019, which is an average of 23 drowning deaths per year. There have been a further 232 fatalities that were not drowning-related, equating to a total of 572 boating fatalities between 2004-19. Recreational boating is consistently the second highest coastal drowning activity nationally (following swimming & wading), however it is ranked first in Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Between 2004-19, more than half (53%) of all coastal boating drowning deaths were known not to be wearing a lifejacket. However, this number could be much higher with 32% remaining unknown.
Lifejackets clearly positively impact the outcome of boating incidents yet are rarely worn as recommended. Currently, legislation is state-based and varies according to each state. Surf Life Saving Australia collaborates with the Australian New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) to develop educational interventions to increase the wear rate of lifejackets. Representing the key stakeholders in recreational boating safety across Australia and New Zealand, ANZSBEG is an excellent example of a cross jurisdictional collaboration working to establish consistency across key educational messages such as the International Lifejacket Principles initiative.
B O A T I N G I N A U S T R A L I A
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING2
L O C A T I O N
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
DARWIN
PERTH
1,000km
SCALE
0
3 4
3
3
2
2
6
2
3
34 34
2
2
3
33
32
2
2
2
614
2
2
42
2
2
22
39
2
2
2
22
2
6
14
4
22
6
3
3
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
2
54
7
23
2
2
2
3
4
2
2
2
2
3
3
2
AshmoreReef
5
2
2
5
2
4
2
2
4
2 3
2
2
243
34
2
3
4
7 23
33
6
34
3
2
3
23
2
3
2
3
3
2
2
4
2
2004 – 2019
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS (n=340) AND FATALITIES (n=232) BY STATE
NSW
Sutherland Shire (10) Port Stephens (9) Shoalhaven (6)
QLD
Gladstone (8) Townsville (8)Whitsunday (7)Redland City (7)
VIC
Mornington Peninsula (5) Hobsons Bay (7)
WA
City of Cockburn (7)Shire of Carnarvon (6)
TAS
Clarence City (6)
2004 – 2019
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS & FATALITIES BY STATE (n=572)
65 | 58BOATING DROWNING BLACKSPOTS
Key to Incident Location
Boating Drowning Deaths
Boating Fatalities
Multiple incidents at the same location
Capital city
4
30%
25% 18%
9%
6%
6%
5%3%
22%
20%
19%
14%
11%
9%
NT
TASSA
WA
VIC
QLD
NSW
5%
DROWNING DEATHS FATALITIES
DROWING DEATHS22%
OCCURRED IN QLD
FATALITIES30%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING3
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
DARWIN
PERTH
1,000km
SCALE
0
3 4
3
3
2
2
6
2
3
34 34
2
2
3
33
32
2
2
2
614
2
2
42
2
2
22
39
2
2
2
22
2
6
14
4
22
6
3
3
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
2
54
7
23
2
2
2
3
4
2
2
2
2
3
3
2
AshmoreReef
5
2
2
5
2
4
2
2
4
2 3
2
2
243
34
2
3
4
7 23
33
6
34
3
2
3
23
2
3
2
3
3
2
2
4
2
17 | 11
76 | 70
29 | 22
69 | 42
47 | 1537 | 14
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING4
C A U S A L A N A LY S I S 2 0 0 4 -1 9
93%MALE
2004 – 2019
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES CONTINENT OF BIRTH
2004 – 2019
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES INCIDENT LOCATION
70%
4%
18%
Rock/Cliff
1%
4%
BayBeachJettyOffshorePort/MarinaRiver/Creek
2%
40%
12%
25%
2%
18%
DROWNING DEATHS FATALITIES
DROWNING DEATH FATALITY
90%MALE
DROWING DEATHS70%
OCCURRED OFFSHORE
FATALITIES40%
24%
51%
6%7%
11%
72%
Latin America/Carribbean
16%
8%
1%
AustraliaEuropeAsiaOceaniaAfricaNorth America
2%<1%
DROWNING DEATHS FATALITIES
DROWING DEATHS72%
AUSTRALIAN BORN
FATALITIES49%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING5
2004 – 2019
SECONDARY ACTIVITY FOR BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES
2004 – 2019
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS AND FATALITIES TOXICOLOGY
C A U S A L A N A LY S I S 2 0 0 4 -1 9
Average age of deceased
51YEARS
22%AGED 60-69 YEARS
17%AGED 45-54 YEARS
DROWNING DEATH FATALITYAverage age of deceased
53YEARS
23%AGED 60-69 YEARS
18%AGED 45-54 YEARS
5%2%
78%
10%4%1%
66%
4%7%
6%
17%
AlcoholAlcohol & DrugsDrugsNoneOtherUnknown
DROWNING DEATHS FATALITIES
DROWING DEATHS7%
ALCOHOL
FATALITIES5%
41%
21%
23%
2%
6%
9%
56%
12%
5%
17%
3%
Fishing (Work)Swimming/WadingAsylum SeekerBoating (Work)OtherUnknown
<1%
Fishing (Rec)Boating (Rec)Fall
1%
DROWNING DEATHS FATALITIES
DROWNING DEATHS56%
RECREATIONAL FISHING
21%FATALITIES
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING6
C A U S A L A N A LY S I S D R O W N I N G D E A T H
2 0 0 4 -1 9
51YEARS
21%AGED 60-69 YEARS
20%AGED 45-54 YEARS 85+80-8475-7970-7465-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-2920-2415-1910-145-90-4
2 13
5
12
18
23
2931
27
32
23
35
40
32
14
10
2
29% DECEMBER-FEBRUARY
26% MARCH-MAY
22% 7-10AM
21% 12-3PM
AGE
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS BY AGE (n=339*)
TIME
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS BY TIME (n=254*)
MONTH
BOATING DROWNING DEATHS BY MONTH (n=340)
11 -
12am
10 -
11pm
9 - 1
0pm
8 - 9
pm
7 - 8
pm
6 - 7
pm
5 - 6
pm
4 - 5
pm
3 - 4
pm
2 - 3
pm
1 - 2
pm
12 -
1pm
11 -
12pm
10 -
11am
9 - 1
0am
8 - 9
am
7 - 8
am
6 - 7
am
5 - 6
am
4 - 5
am
3 - 4
am
2 - 3
am
1 - 2
am
12 -
1am
0
5
10
15
20
25
16
2
4
7
12
6 6
11 11
21
23
14 14
18
21
16
87
6
14
1
4
7
5
JuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuaryDecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJuly
30
15
20
34
26
34
40
26 27
41
21
26
* This number does not include ‘unknown’ age. Age was unknown for one case.
Shading denotes seasons
*This number does not include ‘unknown’ time of death, this is due to under reporting of night-time deaths which are usually not recorded until the morning and have occurred without witnesses. 25% (n=86) of cases occurred at unknown times.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING7
C A U S A L A N A LY S I S F A T A L I T Y
2 0 0 4 -1 9
53YEARS
28%AGED 60-69 YEARS
18%AGED 45-54 YEARS
85+80-8475-7970-7465-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-2920-2415-1910-145-90-4
02 1
4
12 13
7
1714
21 20
31
23
29
18
13
3 4
28% DECEMBER-FEBRUARY
27% SEPTEMBER-NOVBEMBER
19% 7-10AM
20% 3-6PM
AGE
BOATING FATALITIES DEATHS BY AGE (n=232)
TIME
BOATING FATALITIES BY TIME (n=181*)
MONTH
BOATING FATALITIES BY MONTH (n=228*)
11 -
12am
10 -
11pm
9 - 1
0pm
8 - 9
pm
7 - 8
pm
6 - 7
pm
5 - 6
pm
4 - 5
pm
3 - 4
pm
2 - 3
pm
1 - 2
pm
12 -
1pm
11 -
12pm
10 -
11am
9 - 1
0am
8 - 9
am
7 - 8
am
6 - 7
am
5 - 6
am
4 - 5
am
3 - 4
am
2 - 3
am
1 - 2
am
12 -
1am
10
2
8
4
9
1
4
9
13
1011
8
12
8
11
13
1112
8
3
5
34
2
JuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuaryDecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJuly
17
2123
2018
27
2017
19 2017
9
Shading denotes seasons
* This number does not include ‘unknown’ month. 2% (n=4) of cases were unknown.
*This number does not include ‘unknown’ time of death, this is due to under reporting of night-time deaths which are usually not recorded until the morning and have occurred without witnesses. 22% (n=51) of cases occurred at unknown times.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING8
WHERE
WHY
WHEN
80%MORE THAN 5KM TO A LIFESAVING
SERVICE
70%WERE BOATING OFFSHORE
(MORE THAN 500M)
17%AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
53%NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
WHO
71%LIVED MORE THAN 10KM FROM INCIDENT
LOCATION
98%WERE AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS
69%BOATING BETWEEN 6AM–6PM
30%DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS
DROWNING DEATH FATALITY
76%MORE THAN 5KM TO A LIFESAVING
SERVICE
40%WERE BOATING OFFSHORE
(MORE THAN 500M)
12%AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
78%NOT WEARING A LIFEJACKET
73%LIVED MORE THAN 10KM FROM INCIDENT
LOCATION
76%WERE AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS
70%BOATING BETWEEN 6AM–6PM
28%DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING9
BOATERS BELIEVE THAT BOATING IS SOMEWHAT
HAZARDOUS
H A Z A R D P E R C E P T I O N
Extremely hazardous Somewhat hazardousVery hazardous Not very hazardous Not at all hazardous
5%
15%
38%
33%
8%
47%
35%
9%7%
1% 1%0%
Occasional Frequent
Can't say
2015 – 2019
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF FREQUENT VS OCCASIONAL BOATERS Q. How hazardous do you believe boating to be?
Somewhat hazardous
45%
Very hazardous
10%
Not very hazardous
34%
Not at all hazardous
9%
Can't sayExtremely hazardous
2% 0%
2015 – 2019
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF BOATINGQ. How hazardous do you believe boating to be?
36%
Somewhat hazardous
49%
Very hazardous
13%
Not very hazardous
23%
Not at all hazardous
10%
Can't sayExtremely hazardous
5%
1%
2014 – 2019
COASTAL HAZARD PERCEPTION OF BOATERSQ. How hazardous do you believe the coast to be? (Including the ocean, surfzone and adjacent rocky coast)
BOATERS BELIEVE THE COAST IS SOMEWHAT
HAZARDOUS
49%
45%
FREQUENT BOATERS BELIEVE BOATING IS
EXTREMELY /VERY HAZARDOUS
20%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING10
700,000FREQUENT COASTAL BOATERS (AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH)
2.7 MILLION COASTAL BOATERS
BOATING HOURS PER FREQUENT BOATER
PER YEAR
50+35 - 4925 - 3416 - 24
23%
20%18%
15%
2014 – 2019
AGE OF BOATERS
Cant SayHighy CompetentCompetentAverageWeakUnable to Swim
6%
23%
34%
26%
10%
1%
2014 – 2019
OCEAN SWIMMING ABILITY OF BOATERS
2014 – 2019
NATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN COASTAL BOATING
TASWASA/NTQLDVICNSW/ACTFemaleMaleTotal
18%
21%
15%
20%
13%
20%
17%18%
21%
AUSTRALIANS PARTICIPATE IN
BOATING ACTIVITIES
P A R T I C I P A T I O N P R O F I L E
BOATERS ARE WEAK SWIMMERS OR
UNABLE TO SWIM IN THE OCEAN
18%
142
29%
BOATERS ARE 16-34 YEARS
OF AGE
43%
2019
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING11
2016 – 2019
TYPE OF BOAT USED
2019
SELF-REPORTED BOATING EXPERTISE
2016 – 2019
HOW DO BOATERS CHOOSE THEIR LOCATION?
2014 – 2019
WHERE DO BOATERS USUALLY GO?
26%
AdvancedIntermediateBeginner
48%
26%
Offshore >2NMOffshore < 2NMEstuary/MangroveBay/Harbour
40%
23%21%
14%
OtherSail boat on trailerSail boat onmooring/marina
Power boat onmooring/marina
Power boat on trailer
73%
19%14%
6% 3%
Watersportsarea
My club/my boatis there
Hasamenities
Is secluded/uncrowded
Is closeto home
My friendsgo there
Is close towhere I launch
my boat
Is easy topark
Easylaunching
Is safe/protected
Goodfishing
Seaconditions
Weatherconditions
69%62%
57%50% 48%
35%29%
23% 21% 19%12%
8% 8%
BOATERS ARE ADVANCED
USERS
26%
USE POWER BOAT ON A TRAILER
73%
GO BOATING IN THE BAY/HARBOUR
40%
CHOOSE LOCATION BASED ON WEATHER
CONDITIONS
69%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING12
L I F E J A C K E T U S E 2 0 1 6 I P S O S R E P O R T
Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) main goal is to reduce coastal
drowning deaths. Nationally, boating is consistently the second
highest activity drowning victims are participating in when the
fatality occurs. Lifejacket usage plays an important role in the
outcome of boating incidents and where participants survive or
not. In 2016, we commissioned Ipsos Social Research Institute
to conduct a qualitative research project into the conceptions
and behaviours of boaters with regards to lifejacket usage.
This research revealed that wearing a lifejacket is the exception
rather than the norm. The belief that (in non-threatening
situations), lifejackets are only necessary for people who
can’t swim is a clear signal about inadequate or inappropriate
perceptions of risk associated with boating. The survey indicates
that boaters are more likely to report always wearing a lifejacket
when the boat is moving (40%) versus stationary (28%). Only
20% of skippers say they always see other boaters wearing
lifejackets. While 73% of skippers always ensure children wear
a lifejacket, only 41% do so for adult passengers. While 67% of
boaters own a lifejacket (89% of skippers, specifically), boaters
born overseas are less likely to own one (60%).
When asked why they always wear a lifejacket, boaters said
to be safe (58%), to be prepared for unexpected situations or
accidents (25%), because it can save your life (19%) or because
it’s the law (11%). Among those who wear a lifejacket at least
some of the time, common situations were when conditions
become rough (76%), threatening weather is approaching
(66%), or they are in the open ocean (56%), among other
common reasons relating to passengers and conditions.
Boaters who do not always wear a lifejacket say it is because
they are too bulky or uncomfortable (31%), restrict movement
(28%), and are too hot in warm weather (27%), or because they
don’t think they’ll go in (23%), have never really thought about
it (20%), or because no one else wears one (15%). One in five
boaters think lifejackets are for people who cannot swim, but
only one in ten believe those who wear them are being overly
cautious. The majority disagree with the statement ‘lifejackets
are for those who take risks’ (61%). Similar proportions of
boaters believe lifejackets are worn by experienced boaters
(25%) and by inexperienced boaters (24%), highlighting mixed
perceptions.
Nearly two thirds (64%) believe there is lifejacket legislation in
their state, yet there is confusion about the details, with many
assuming there is legislation about the number of lifejackets
to be carried and children’s use of lifejackets (regardless of
whether this was true). More than half (54%) support lifejackets
being made mandatory at all times when boating, with boaters
in Tasmania most likely to support this (74%), and those in
Queensland least likely (44%). However, the vast majority
support lifejackets being mandatory when boating at night
or alone (both 80%), or crossing coastal sandbars or boating
offshore (both 74%).
52%
60%
51%91%
48%
40%
47%*
2016 IPSOS REPORT
LIFEJACKET LEGISLATION AWARENESS BY STATE AND TERRITORY* Caution low base size in NT, treat as indicative only
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING13
2016 IPSOS REPORT
IN WHAT SITUATIONS ARE BOATERS MOST LIKELY TO WEAR A LIFEJACKET
OtherCoolerweather
Lots ofboats around
FishingParticipatingin water
sports
Crossingcoastal sandbar
Whitecapson the ocean
When it'swindy
Boatingalone
Boatingwith children
Open ocean
Threateningweather
approaching
Roughcoditions
76%
66%
56%51% 50% 49% 46% 44% 42%
17% 16% 15%
4%
WHEN CONDITIONS GET ROUGH
76%
2016 IPSOS REPORT
WHAT ARE THE MAIN REASONS YOU ALWAYS WEAR A LIFEJACKET?
Don't knowOtherSet a goodexample
Poorswimming
ability
Being sensible/
responsible
Gives meconfidence/
peace of mind
It's importantBouyancy and/or
visibility
Always weara lifejacket
It's the lawIt can saveyour life
Be preparedfor accident/
the unexpected
To be safe
58%
25%19%
11%8% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 4% 1%
WEAR A LIFEJACKET TO BE SAFE
58%
2016 IPSOS REPORT
WHAT ARE THE MAIN REASONS YOU DON’T WEAR A LIFEJACKET MORE OFTEN?
OtherBoat isnot
moving
It would domore harmthan good
if I fell in
Boat sizeTooexpensive
I don't likethe way
they look
Lookinexperienced
Difficult toaccess
my pockets
Boat isclose
to shore
No oneelse wears
one
Never reallythoughtabout it
I won’tfall or
get swept in
Too hot inwarm
weather
Restrictsability to
move
Too bulky/not
comfortable
28% 27%23%
20%
15%
8%6%
3% 3% 3% 2%
10%
3% 2%
DON’T WEAR A LIFEJACKET BECAUSE
IT’S TOO BULKY OR UNCOMFORTABLE
31%
76%
58%
31%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING14
OtherBuoyancy aidFlaresRadioTorchBucketAnchorMobile phoneLifejacket
93% 89%81% 77% 75%
69% 66%61%
12%
S A F E T Y P R A C T I C E S
Ensure all passengerswear a lifejacketor buoyancy aid
Wear a lifejacketor buoyancy aid
Avoid boating\fishingunder the influence
of alcohol\drugs
Avoid speeding on thewater in regulated areas
Carry necessarysafety equipment
Check weatherconditions prior to
leaving on your voyage
Use only registeredand seaworthy vessels
81%
10%
6%
Always Most of the time Sometimes Never Can’t say
74%
15%
8%
78%
13%
6%
76%
15%
6%
73%
15%
8%
49%
21%
20%
53%
20%
19%
8% 5%
2%1% 3%2%
2%1%
2%1%
2%1%
2%2%
2014 – 2019
SAFETY PRACTICES OF BOATERS Q. How often do you follow each of these practices when you go boating?
2015 – 2019
SAFETY EQUIPMENT USE BY BOATERSQ. Please indicate what equipment you carry or use when boating?
BOATERS CARRY A LIFEJACKET WHEN
BOATING
93%
BOATERS CHECK THEWEATHER BEFORE
THEIR VOYAGE
74%
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING15
None/Can't say
OtherMagazineRegularemail
newsletter
NewspaperRadioTVUsing an appon smartphone
or tablet
Online
75%
26%21%
18%13%
6% 5% 4%9%
Can't say
Other
Swellnet
Beachsafe
Local council
Swimm
ing, s
urfing, fi
shing,
boating, s
norkellin
g,
diving clu
b
State
governm
ent
marit
ime agency
Marin
e rescue
organisatio
n
Weath
erzone
Surf Life
Saving,
lifesavers,
surf life
savers
Coastalw
atch
Lifeguard
s
Coastguard
s
Bureau of
Mete
orology
56%
51% 50%
44%42% 41%
29%27%
20%18%
16%
7%
2% 3%
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
Where boaters obtain safety informationOnline sources are the most popular method for obtaining coastal safety information. Women are more likely to have obtained boating
information from family (41% compared with 27% of men), whereas older boaters (50+ years) are more likely to have learned new information
by reading signage at launch locations (26% compared with 11% of 18-34 year olds and 18% of 35-49 year olds).
SEEK INFORMATIONONLINE
2014 – 2019
AUTHORITIES THAT BOATERS TURN TO FOR COASTAL SAFETY INFORMATION
2014 – 2019
PLACES WHERE BOATERS USUALLY SEEK COASTAL SAFETY INFORMATION
75%
56%FROM THE BUREAU OF
METEOROLOGY
50%FROM LIFEGUARDS
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING16
CORE BEHAVIOUR FACTORS KEY SOURCES OF BEHAVIOUR
Experienced open
water boaters:
• Perceive risk but are
prepared and equipped
• More likely to check/
observe conditions
in detail
• More likely to boat
in riskier spots and
conditions
• More likely to boat
by themselves
Experienced
inshore boaters:
• More likely to check/
observe conditions
for comfort
• Less concentration on
safety as they are inshore
(seen as less risky)
• Boat to their ability
Four in ten ‘always’
wear lifejackets
when moving
Lifejackets are
often only used to
mitigate tricky
conditions/situations
CAPABILITY
(Knowledge and skills)
Psychological
• Many believe they are experienced and cautious. They believe
that this minimises their risk
• Past experience suggests they won’t get into trouble
• They believe they have the ability to avoid problems
• Experience leads to overconfidence in rough or tricky
conditions (e.g. sandbar)
• Belief they could swim or float to survive
• Lack of consideration of lifejackets outside of tricky situations
CAPABILITY
(Knowledge and skills)
Physical
• Perceptions of experience are greater for self than others
MOTIVATION
(Brain processes that energise
and direct behaviour)
Reflective
• Desire for relaxation and (for some) solitude or exhilaration,
works against safety messaging
• Safety considerations do influence when and where they boat
• Safety behaviour is limited by attitudes
(I’m experienced; I play it safe)
• Overconfidence in ability to manage risk
• Lifejackets seen as impractical and counter to some
drivers of enjoyment (relaxation, etc.)
• Confusion about legal status of lifejackets
MOTIVATION
(Brain processes that energise
and direct behaviour)
Automatic
• Some haven’t given lifejackets much thought beyond
making sure they are on board
• Lack of thought about possibility of ‘going in’
OPPORTUNITY
(Factors outside the individual)
Social
• Don’t see many others wearing lifejackets
• Some behavioural norms work against lifejacket use – they are
for the inexperienced, for children or don’t see them being worn
B E H A V I O U R A L F R A M E W O R K F O R K E Y A U D I E N C E S
Desired Behaviour Change
5. Always carry emergency
equipment
1. Always wear a
lifejacket
2. Always check
weather conditions
3. No boating under the
influence of drugs and/or
alcohol
4. Know your ability
and that of others
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING17
WHO ARE THEY? RISK BEHAVIOUR HOW DO WE TALK WITH THEM?
Over confident and
experienced boaters
They are less likely to believe they’re at risk of getting
into trouble and believe they have a stronger swimming
ability. They are also more likely to be familiar with the
area where they go boating
Emphasise that boating incidents involve all sorts
of boaters, and that the unexpected can happen at
any time to anyone
Self-exempting
when it comes to
mitigating risk
They are more likely to participate in boating
alone and less likely to wear a lifejacket at all times.
May also mix drinking/drugs and boating but believe
they have a stronger swimming ability
Challenge existing beliefs about their capabilities
and the dangers of boating while also giving them
strategies to minimise the risks
Everyone elseMore likely to have a weaker swimming ability and
not wear a lifejacket because it is not a social norm
Tap into the boating mindset by using relatable
language that promotes common sense and can
help change boating norms
POTENTIAL BARRIERS COMMUNICATIONS APPROACH
Boaters can think that
safety messages impact on
their enjoyment
Some boaters believe that the wearing of a lifejacket at all times is limiting to their enjoyment.
This frame of mind is contradictory to the aim of boating for relaxation. Therefore, safety
messaging needs to remind participants that the range and availability of lifejackets and
safety equipment have improved functionality and comfort
Confusion among boaters
with regard to state
lifejacket legislations
There is a reasonable level of support (or at least, acceptance) for legislation regarding
lifejackets for boaters. However, changing social norms takes time, and some feel that
things are moving in this direction. Yet there is likely to be continued strong resistance
within some circles. Expectations regarding enforcement are likely to impact on behaviour,
and it’s clear that the diversity and complexity of laws across different states and territories
causes confusion. Ideally, legislation would be nationally consistent and simplified
K E Y T A R G E T S
Target Segmentation• Men 45-75 years
• Australian residents, Australian born
• In small open power boats
Communication Barriers
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING18
GENERAL
• State/territory marine authorities
• State/territory water police
• State/territory marine rescue organisations
• Boat shows/conferences
• TV ads
• Radio
WEATHER
• www.bom.gov.au
• www.buoyweather.com
• www.weatherzone.com.au
• www.marineweather.net.au
• www.seabreeze.com.au
WEBSITES/MAGAZINES
• My Boating Life
• Pacific Powerboat Magazine etc
POWERBOATS
• Powerboat World ( www.powerboat-world.com/australia)
• Australian Boat Mags (www.australianboatmags.com.au)
• Trailer Boat (www.trailerboat.com.au)
• Go Boating (www.goboating.com.au)
• Marine News (www.marinews.com/tbf.php)
SAILING • Sail World – International Collective
• Afloat Magazine
• Australian Sailing – National Sporting organisiation
• Sails Magazine – Sail racing magazine
• Offshore Yachting – Australia’s longest serving yachting magazine
SAILING/BOATING SCHOOLS
• Australian Boating College
• Yacht Master
• Sea School Marine Training
• Plus many more…
SUPPLIERS
• Australian Boating Chandlery
• Bias Boating Warehouse
• Whitworths
• Boating Camping Fishing
• Jetski Warehouse
ONLINE TRADING
• www.boatsonline.com.au
• www.boatpoint.com.au
• http://yachthub.com
• www.australiaboats.com.au
What information are boaters searching for?Among those who have searched for boating information in the last 12 months, information about the weather or swell conditions (77%) and
information about locations (60%) were most commonly searched for. Passengers are more likely to say they have searched about weather or
swell conditions in regard to boating (81% compared with 71% of skippers). However, a much greater proportion of skippers are searching for
a broader range of information, including:
How to Reach Boaters
H O W T O R E A C H B O A T E R S
SAFETY TIPS
60%
(compared with
48% of passengers)
BOATING GEAR
47% (compared with
34% of passengers)
BOATING TECHNIQUES
44%
(compared with
23% of passengers)
BOATING MAINTENANCE
40%
(compared with
21% of passengers)
SURF LIFE SAVING AUS TR ALIA COA S TAL SAFET Y BRIEF – BOATING19
Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal
Safety Report 2019
The Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal
Safety Report (NCSR) is published annually and
contains information on Australian community
behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS
capability and membership capacity; rescues
and emergency response; and coastal
drowning deaths. The 2019 NCSR represents
the statistics from the period of 1 July 2018 to
30 June 2019. Trend analyses from 2004-19 are
also included.
All care is taken to ensure the statistical
information included within this report is
correct. However, pending the outcome of
ongoing coronial investigations and as SLS
state/territory entities update their operational
information, this data may be amended.
Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal
Safety Surveys
The annual Surf Life Saving Australia National
Coastal Safety Surveys collect Information
about community swimming ability,
behaviours and attitudes to coastal safety.
The survey is conducted by Newspoll Market
Research and Omnipoll and is run online over
a four-day period each April among a national
sample of approximately 1,400 respondents
aged 16 to 69. The study is carried out
in compliance with ISO 20252 - Market,
Social and Opinion Research. To reflect the
population distribution, results were post-
weighted (on age, gender, geographic strata
and education) and projected to Australian
Bureau of Statistics data.
Ipsos Social Research Institute Boating
and Watercraft Report 2016
The Ipsos Social Research Institute Boating
and Watercraft Report 2016 was a result
of research comprised of two distinct
methodological phases: a qualitative research
component, followed by a quantitative
research component. Both phases covered
similar topic areas: boating attitudes and
behaviours, risk perceptions and safety
strategies, rip current identification and
safety, information needs and sources,
lifejacket use and legislation, and other
interventions. The quantitative research
phase was carried out in February 2016.
This component comprised a national online
survey of n=983 male and female boaters,
aged 18 years or more who had been boating
in the last 12 months. This was followed by
comprehensive analysis of the data. Given
the geographic spread of the Australian
coastline, Ipsos SRI used a representative
sample of Australian boaters, involving
the application of non-interlocking quotas
according to the following demographic
characteristics: gender, age, state, and area.
Weighting was then applied to the sample to
ensure the representativeness of the data was
maintained.
Data illustrated in figures may not always
add up to 100% due to rounding.
References
Ipsos Social Research Institute (2016) Boating
and Watercraft Report 2016 . Ipsos: Sydney
Surf Life Saving Australia (2019) National
Coastal Safety Report 2019. SLSA: Sydney.
Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal
Safety Survey (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018,
2019). Newspoll/Omnipoll Online Omnibus
April 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
Data correct at 31 January 2020. Changes may
occur at a later date.
© 2020 Surf Life Saving Australia
This publication is copyright. Except as
expressly provided in the Copyright Act 1968
and the Copyright Amendment Act 2006, no
part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted
by any means (including electronic,
mechanical, microcopying, photocopying,
recording or otherwise) without prior
permission from Surf Life Saving Australia.
For enquiries concerning reproduction,
contact SLSA on: phone 02 9215 8000; email:
Every attempt has been made to trace
and acknowledge copyright, but in some
cases this may not have been possible.
Surf Life Saving Australia apologises for
any accidental infringements and would
welcome any information to redress the
situation.
Acknowledgements
Surf Life Saving Australia wishes
to thank Frederic Anne (Omnipoll)
for their contribution to this report.
Suggested Citation
Cooney, N., Lawes, J., Daw, S. (2019) Coastal
Safety Brief: Boating. Surf Life Saving
Australia: Sydney.
R E F E R E N C E S