2024
Alcohol, Water, and Industry Influence
As summer approaches, the beach is calling, and the alcohol industry is starting to make waves. Please click here to check out our newly released Croakey Health Media Article "Alcohol, Water, and Industry Influence: Why the UK's 'Don't Drink and Dive' campaign misses the mark for public health". Whilst we celebrate 2024, our New Year's wish is simply if aquatic organisations are approached to form a partnership with alcohol industry actors, that they just say no.
World Drowning Prevention Day Games and Challenges
This year, the DEEP Team recognised World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD) with a range of online activities and challenges. These included Wordle, word search and Connections activities via LinkedIn to get people thinking about strategies to prevent drowning, learn more about what the DEEP Team does and our research, and call for investment in and implementation of targeted, evidence-based drowning prevention strategies that address inequalities across the globe.
The opportunity to talk about our research and how it informs practice and policy over a "coffee and a DEEP cookie" was also timely to remind ourselves of this year's theme, Anyone Can Drown, No One Should, highlighting the urgency of preventing fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents in WA.
Meet the Perth charity teaching autistic children to surf - ABC listen
The charity Ocean Heroes launched in Perth in 2016 and is teaching autistic children to surf for free, with them being three times more likely to drown than other children. Justine Leavy speaks on the importance of teaching not only swimming and water safety skills, but also life skills for children with autism.
Please click here to listen to the story.
2023
World Drowning Prevention Day Collage
To mark the third annual World Drowning Prevention Day, the DEEP Team called for photos of favourite local waterways, activities involving water and most picturesque photos taken of water to create a collage for our network of practitioners, researchers and policy makers.
We hoped to create awareness for the importance of water in our lives as a memory, a moment, a destination - simply a collection of photos that would remind people of the power of water.
DEEP Team Welcomes World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution on Accelerated Action on Global Drowning Prevention
Worldwide, drowning claims the lives of over 236,000 people each year, with children, young people and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged being most at risk. We are pleased to see the WHA Resolution - supported by the 192 WHO Member States, calling for accelerated action and increased investment in drowning prevention efforts. This resolution signifies a vital step towards prioritising and implementing effective strategies to prevent drowning and reduce its impact on communities globally.
“By emphasising the need for comprehensive national water safety plans, stronger public awareness campaigns, and increased access to swimming and water safety education, this resolution acknowledges the multi-faceted nature of drowning prevention across the life course.”
– Associate Professor Justine E. Leavy
DEEP has a commitment to raising awareness around water safety and drowning prevention. We believe that everyone, regardless of age or location, deserves the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills and have access to safe aquatic environments. This resolution aligns with our goals, and we are ready to support its implementation through our ongoing research, policy and partnerships.
“Our mission is to build drowning prevention and water safety research and evaluation capacity and support an evidence-informed, public health approach to prevent drowning. Through collaboration with partners and stakeholders, we strive to develop and disseminate knowledge that will inform effective interventions and policies.”
– Dr Gemma Crawford
As a research team focused on drowning prevention, we recognise the power of collaboration and partnerships in driving change. We encourage governments, non-government organisations, and communities to work together to implement the recommendations outlined in the WHA Resolution. Together, we can make significant progress in reducing drowning rates and ensuring safer water environments for all.
2022
World Drowning Prevention Day Playlist
To mark the second annual World Drowning Prevention Day, the DEEP Team Called for water-related songs to create a playlist for our network of practitioners, researchers and policymakers. We hoped to create awareness for the importance of water in our lives as a memory, a moment, a destination - simply a list of songs that would remind people of the power of water.
With over 60 water-related songs, click here to view to view the playlist - don't forget to like it!
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