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. 2020 Jun 30;50(2):105-114.
doi: 10.28920/dhm50.2.105-114.

Scuba diving fatalities in Australia, 2001 to 2013: Diver demographics and characteristics

John Lippmann  1   2   3 , Christopher Stevenson  4 , David McD Taylor  5   6
Affiliations

Scuba diving fatalities in Australia, 2001 to 2013: Diver demographics and characteristics

John Lippmann et al. Diving Hyperb Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study identified characteristics of victims of fatal scuba diving incidents to determine contributing factors and inform appropriate countermeasures.

Methods: The National Coronial Information System (NCIS) was searched to identify scuba diving deaths for 2001-2013, inclusive. Data were extracted from witness and police reports, medical histories and autopsies. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse these data.

Results: There were 126 scuba diving-related fatalities identified during the study period. The mean age was 44 years, 99 (79%) victims were male and 83 (77%) were either overweight or obese. Most deaths occurred in New South Wales and Queensland, often in a commercial setting. Twenty-three (79%) Queensland victims were overseas tourists. At least 52 (41%) were novices and 17 (13%) died during training or an introductory scuba experience. Only 35 (28%) were with a buddy when the incident occurred and at least 81 (64%) were still wearing weights when recovered.

Conclusions: The age of these victims may reflect an older cohort of participants and the associated higher prevalence of chronic medical conditions. The high prevalence of obesity suggests that this may be a risk factor. The high proportion of deaths in overseas tourists highlights an on-going need for appropriate screening and monitoring in what may be a higher risk cohort. The number of deaths that occurred under instruction highlights the importance of careful assessment of the site, prevailing conditions, an appropriate instructor-student ratio and close supervision.

Keywords: DAN – Divers Alert Network; Diving deaths; Diving incidents; Obesity; Research; Solo diving.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest and funding:

The authors have no conflicts to declare. This study was funded by DAN Asia Pacific and the ADSF.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of scuba fatalities by age and sex (n = 126)
Figure 2
Figure 2
BMI classifications by sex for scuba victims (n = 108)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Scuba diving deaths in Australia, 1965–2013 (n = 393)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Annual female deaths as a proportion of total deaths 1965–2013
Figure 5
Figure 5
Age of scuba victims, 1965–2013
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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