Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death in the world (World Health Organization, 2023). In Venus Bay, Victoria, Australia, drownings have increased over the past decade. Because of this, Surf Life Saving Australia has identified Venus Bay Beach Number 1 to 5 as a drowning “blackspot”. Many of these drowning incidents are linked to well-intentioned bystanders who expose themselves to danger by attempting a rescue. The limited patrol of the beaches, lack of quick access to rescue and communication equipment, and insufficient swimming ability of many who attempt rescues can lead to tragedy. In response to this pressing issue, Life Saving Victoria and its partners are working to install public rescue equipment stations across the beaches. These stations are equipped with an emergency call button featuring two-way communication technology, a rescue tube, and informational signage. Our project was conducted a few months before the installation of these stations and aimed to raise awareness and understanding of the PRE and its correct and safe usage through a safety campaign to reduce drowning death and injury on Venus Bay beaches. Interviews and focus groups with the beachgoer audience informed the creation of our campaign materials, a strategic dissemination plan, and recommendations for future outreach materials.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Broche Ortiz, Abelardo
• Hardiman, Sarah
• Sakamoto, Sophie
• Swain, Braeden

Subject

• Health
• Innovation
• Well-Being
• Water
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-121323-030817
• 115062

Keyword

• public rescue equipment
• water safety
• campaign
• Venus Bay
• drowning

Advisor

• Higgins, Lorraine D.
• Chee, Jonathan

Year

• 2023

Center

• Melbourne, Australia Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Life Saving Victoria

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Date created

• 2023-12-13

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Source

• E-project-121323-030817

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2024-02-08