Findings

Fatalities

The 15 - 24 age group had the lowest total fatalities in 2018 since records began in 1980.

In 2018, 95% of fatalities for ages 15 - 34 were male.

67% of all preventable drowning deaths were aged over 35 in 2018.

The 0 - 4 age group saw less fatalities in 2018 than the previous year and the 2013 - 2017 five year average.

Hospitalisations

The highest age group for hospitalisations was 0 - 4 in 2018, with a 53% increase on 2017.

The 65+ age group saw the highest amount of hospitalisations on record in 2018. An increase of 18% on 2017 and 37% on the 2013 - 2017 average. 

In 2018 Female hospitalisations were the same as male hospitalisations in the 15 - 24 age group, this is the first time they have made up more than 20% on the gender ratio of hospitalisations. 

25 - 34 age group is has decreased hospitalisations by 22% in 2018 compared to 2017. And a further 35% reduction on the 2013 - 2017 average.