TORONTO - A review of drowning deaths in Ontario last summer is reporting a "disturbing" spike in the number of such deaths involving children under five.
More than twice as many children under five drowned in 2010 than in the previous two years -- a total of 13 last year compared to five in 2008 and 2009.
However, the report released Thursday by the chief coroner's office states 2010's total number of drowning deaths -- including all ages -- was similar to previous years.
The review was announced last July after a spate of drowning deaths in the province, including a four-year-old on July 15, 2010, and a two-year-old three days later.
The review team examined 89 accidental drowning deaths that happened in Ontario between May and September of last year.
Their task was to identify common factors that may have played a role in the deaths and if necessary, make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.
Among the highlights of the report:
-- There was a 260 per cent increase in drowning deaths in children under five, who totalled 13 of the 89 deaths, or 15 per cent.
-- Drowning is largely a male-related phenomenon, with 76 of 89 deaths, or 85 per cent, involving male victims.
-- Of those who drowned while operating boats, 96 per cent were not wearing life-jackets.
-- Alcohol was a contributing factor in 67 per cent of the drowning deaths of those between 15 and 64 years of age.
-- Among drowning victims whose heritage was known, 34 per cent were not born in Canada.
The review team made 12 recommendations in the areas of public safety and drowning prevention.
"The results of this review reiterate the need for greater awareness of the hazards of water and the measures that can prevent these preventable deaths," said Dr. Andrew McCallum, chief coroner for Ontario.
"Learning to swim, avoiding alcohol while swimming and boating, wearing a life-jacket and closely supervising children can save lives," he said.
While the report notes there was not an actual increase in total drowning deaths in the summer of 2010, "there was a perception of an increase."
"It was the belief that this actually occurred because of the large number of highly publicized deaths in children less than five years of age, which did experience a dramatic rise," the report states.
Dr. Bert Lauwers, who led the review team, said most drownings are preventable, especially those involving young children.
"Children less than five years of age are wholly dependant on their caregivers to ensure their safety around water, so we do view these deaths as preventable," he said.
