Snorkelling and breath-hold diving fatalities in Australian waters, 2014 to 2018.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study investigated snorkelling and breath-hold diving deaths in Australia from 2014-2018 and compared these to those from 2001-2013 to identify ongoing problems and assess the effectiveness of countermeasures.

Methods

Media reports and the National Coronial Information System were searched to identify snorkelling/breath-hold diving deaths for 2014-2018, inclusive. Data were extracted from witness and police reports, medical histories, and autopsies. An Excel® database was created and a chain of events analysis conducted. Comparisons were made with the earlier report.

Results

Ninety-one fatalities (78 males, 13 females, median age 48 years [range 16-80]) were identified with one third likely doing some breath-hold diving. Fifty-two of 77 with known bo

SUBMITTER: Lippmann J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10751292 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature