SYDNEY, Austrlia (4 Feb 2007) -- Australia was a deadly destination for 2433 overseas visitors in the past seven years – including at least 25 children. Statistics have revealed the hidden toll Australia's harsh environment takes on tourists with drowning the third most common cause of death. Lifesavers said many tourists failed to see rips and wildlife experts said even a koala could "carve up" an inquisitive foreigner who invaded its space. Between 2003 and 2005, 28 tourists drowned while 65 were killed in car crashes and another 276 died of natural causes. Heat stroke claimed the lives of three tourists, seven died scuba diving or snorkelling, two died hiking, one died parachuting and another died after being bitten by an animal. The statistics from the National Coroners Information System, which recorded 474 deaths in three years, also revealed that men are almost three times more likely to die while visiting Australia than women. Eight children aged under 10 on holidays with their families were among the dead with another 17 children aged 10 to 19 also dying. Surf Life Saving Australia spokesman Sean O'Connell said the drowning deaths highlighted the need for more education campaigns on inbound flights. "There is much more of an emphasis on Australia's beautiful beaches without talking about how to enjoy those beaches safely," Mr O'Connell said. "You could conceivably hop off a plane, go to your backpackers hostel, hop on the bus and you could be swimming at Bondi within four hours and there is a terrible rip you wouldn't even know about. "In some cases the rip appears to be the calmest part of the water." Just last week German surfer Sven Rueby went missing off Lennox Head on the North Coast. In seven years from 1999 the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded the deaths of 2433 people nationwide and 823 in NSW who would normally reside overseas. | | The deaths are a small fraction of the millions of tourists who have visited Australia in that time. With at least one visitor dying from an animal bite and others from exposure, the Australian Reptile Park's Craig Adams said tourists should admire native wildlife without touching. They should also know first aid, he said. "Going bush here is a far cry from the urbane European lifestyle," he said. "Crocodiles can be found in the most unlikely areas, a mud pool can hold a 4m or 5m crocodile. "People don't realise a koala will give you a nasty bite or carve you up with its claws, a wombat can knock you over but that does not mean they are going to attack. "It is all part of the excitement of coming to this country that you can actually get into wild places and it is what makes it great." Traffic services commander Chief Superintendent John Hartley said police tried to educate overseas visitors - especially those who would normally drive on the other side of the road. SOURCE - Daily TelegraphSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
