Leisure-related injuries at the beach: An analysis of lifeguard incident report forms in New Zealand, 2007–12

Abstract

From 2007–2012, New Zealand lifeguards provided first aid to almost 9,000 beachgoers, an average of 1,772 cases per annum; more than the average number of rescues (n = 1,343) each year. This study describes the aetiology of non-drowning related injuries occurring at surf beaches patrolled by lifeguards. The study design was that of a retrospective analysis of data collated during five summer seasons from 2007–2012. Cases included individuals who sustained recreational injuries while at a patrolled beach in New Zealand. Incident report forms, routinely completed by lifeguards in New Zealand, were the data source for this study. Of the 8,437 incidents evaluated, 57% of the patients were males, one half (52%) were aged less than 16 years. Most injuries (82%) were minor, almost half (43%) were to the lower limbs. Half (54%) of the injuries were sustained in the water, one third (32%) were attributed to land-based activities. Cuts/abrasions accounted for almost half (47%) of all injuries. First aid responses for both water and land-based incidents are indicative of the nature and extent of recreational injuries sustained at the beach. The diversity and frequency of such incidents suggests that public education promoting beach safety is warranted.

Keywords:

• recreational injury
• beach safety
• non-drowning related water injury
• first responder
• lifeguards

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the willingness of Surf Life Saving New Zealand to make their database available for research purposes, and wish to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of surf lifeguards to the provision of public safety at our beaches.

Notes

^*Some cases were treated for multiple injuries

*Some cases required multiple equipment use