Readiness to Rescue: Bystander Perceptions of Their Capacity to Respond in a Drowning Emergency

Authors

Kevin Moran, The University of AucklandFollow
Teresa Stanley, WaterSafe Auckland

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.04.03

Abstract

From 1980-2012, 81 persons drowned in New Zealand while attempting to rescue others. Of these, most (80%) were male, and all rescue fatalities occurred in open waters. Festivalgoers (N = 415) attending a cultural event in Auckland, New Zealand took part in a water safety survey that included information on their readiness to respond in a drowning emergency. Many indicated they would jump in and rescue a victim (47%), less than one third (30%) would get flotation to the victim. Significantly more males responded that they would jump in and rescue (males 55%, females 40%). Most (62%) estimated that they could only swim less than 100 m; 85% reported having swum that distance a swimming pool rather than in open water where most rescues take place; and one half (50%) had last swum the distance more than one year ago. Ways of promoting safe rescue knowledge are discussed and further research directions are identified.

Recommended Citation

Moran, Kevin and Stanley, Teresa (2013) "Readiness to Rescue: Bystander Perceptions of Their Capacity to Respond in a Drowning Emergency," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 7: No. 4, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.04.03
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol7/iss4/3