Peden, Amy, Franklin, Richard, and Clemens, Tessa (2021) Can child drowning be eradicated? A compelling case for continued investment in prevention. Acta Paediatrica, 110 (7). pp. 2126-2133.

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Abstract

Aim: To explore temporal trends in fatal child drowning and benchmark progress across three high‐income countries to provide prevention and future investment recommendations.

Methods: A total population analysis of unintentional fatal drownings among 0‐ to 19‐year‐olds in Australia, Canada and New Zealand from 2005 to 2014 was undertaken. Univariate and chi‐square analyses were conducted, age‐ and sex‐specific crude rates calculated and linear trends explored.

Results: A total of 1454 children drowned. Rates ranged from 0.92 (Canada) to 1.35 (New Zealand) per 100 000. Linear trends of crude drowning rates show both Australia (y = −0.041) and Canada (y = −0.048) reduced, with New Zealand (y = 0.005) reporting a slight rise, driven by increased drowning among females aged 15‐19 years (+200.4%). Reductions of 48.8% in Australia, 51.1% in Canada and 30.4% in New Zealand were seen in drowning rates of 0‐ to 4‐year‐olds. First Nations children drowned in significantly higher proportions in New Zealand (X2 = 31.7; P < .001).

Conclusion: Continual investment in drowning prevention, particularly among 0‐ to 4‐year‐olds, is contributing to a reduction in drowning deaths; however, greater attention is needed on adolescents (particularly females) and First Nation's children. Lessons can be learned from each country's approach; however, further investment and evolution of prevention strategies will be needed to fully eradicate child drowning deaths.

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