The 2023/24 findings show why local risk, coverage and response deserve attention. Here is how to use that context when assessing a coastal camera.
The findings, in context.
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s September 2024 summary of the national report records:
- 150 coastal drowning deaths in 2023/24, the year ending June 2024.
- A 22% increase from 123 in the previous year.
- 69% of coastal drowning deaths occurred more than one kilometre from Surf Life Saving services.
- One in three beach drowning deaths was attributed to rip currents.
These are historical national findings. The beach statistic applies to beach drowning deaths; it should not be read as one third of all coastal drownings. Read the source summary and the 2024 report.
Start with the local risk.
A national statistic gives context, but it cannot decide where to install a camera. Identify the local activity, incident history, viewing conditions and operating hours. Then choose the observation that would be useful to the people responsible for that area.
That may be unexpected entry from a rock platform, people moving through a monitored water area or visible changes in surface flow. Each needs its own suitable view and receiving workflow.
Connect coverage to response.
A camera can observe an agreed area. Its useful coverage depends on target detail, obstruction, weather and lighting. Any alert also needs a named receiving team and a response arrangement.
Assess camera visibility, missed events, false alerts and delivery to the operator separately from rescue outcomes. National drowning figures provide context for the problem.
Put the context into practice.
Explore coastal safety monitoring, rip-current and water-flow analysis, or the SAIL operating example. An initial camera evaluation can help establish what your own site needs next.
Read the original public source
