Drowning Deaths Among Anglers: Are Waders A Contributing Factor?

Recreational fishing has been a popular activity for Australians over at least the past two centuries. While the use of waders for recreational fishing is widely adopted by participants, there is considerable speculation as to whether waders are contributing to fishing-related drowning deaths. This study involved a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify relevant information and a pilot investigation in a swimming pool to understand the accuracy of the currently available information. Extensive searching indicated that there is no published peer-reviewed evidence on the contribution of waders to drowning deaths, although the grey literature and personal communication with fishers offer a range of opinions, some that aim to discredit the claim that waders contribute to drowning, and others that support it. Improved understanding of the actual effect of waders based on biomechanical buoyancy principles and a pilot study of submersion in controlled conditions contributes to enhanced safety of fishers who choose to wear waders, dispels current myths and informs future studies of fishers wearing waders.