Descriptive epidemiology of drowning deaths in a surf beach swimmer and surfer population
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan , Triggs, Thomas
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 14, no. 1 (2008), p.62-65.
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- Description: Retrospective data extraction from two complementary mortality datasets determined the descriptive epidemiology and population rates in unintentional drowning deaths at surf beaches (n = 129). The annual average crude surf beach drowning rate was 0.28 per 100 000 population for males and 2.36 per 100 000 population for international tourists. The study generated hypotheses for risk assessment to assist intervention: adult males, international tourists, people with cardiovascular conditions, and exposure to rip currents.
Direct observation measurement of drowning risk exposure for surf beach bathers
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan , Triggs, Thomas
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 12, no. 72 (2009), p. 457-462
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- Description: Because not all persons bathe at surf beaches, drowning rates based on resident population are likely to be underreported. To facilitate more precise drowning risk exposure data, this study aimed to develop a reliable direct observation measure of frequency and duration for surf beach bather exposure to water, by gender and age group. Bathers were defined as persons entering the water to wade, swim or surf with equipment. Observed bathers were systematically selected entering the water in daylight hours at six patrolled or unpatrolled beaches over 10 days. Variables measured were: weather and water conditions, water entries, duration of water exposure, water exposure location and person factors. The dataset comprised 204 (69.6%) males and 89 (30.4%) females, with males more likely to be in an older age group (p < 0.05). Compared to females, males spent longer in the water, were more likely to use surfing equipment, and mainly used a surf zone located farther from the shore in deeper water (p < 0.05). Two factors were significant predictors of bathing duration (adjusted R2 = 0.45): main surf zone occupied (based on water depth and distance from shore); and surf equipment used. The study provides new information about water exposure for bathers at surf beaches and new methods for measuring exposure to drowning risk. The findings suggest that overrepresentation of adolescent and adult males in surf beach drowning statistics is in part a product of greater total exposure to the water plus more frequent exposure to deeper water and bathing farther from shore.
Self-reported water and drowning risk exposure at surf beaches
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan , Triggs, Thomas
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health Vol. 33, no. 2 (2009), p. 180-188
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- Description: OBJECTIVE: To document patterns of water exposure at surf beaches by gender and identify factors that predict bather confidence to return to shore if caught in a rip current. METHOD: Recreational surf beach bathers (N=406) provided self-completed data on water exposure patterns, surf activity behaviours and potential drowning risk and protective factors. RESULTS: Relative to females, males visited surf beaches more frequently, expected to spend longer in the water and in deeper water, and more often bathed after using alcohol (p<0.05). Confidence to return to shore if caught in a rip current was predicted by confidence to identify a rip current, self-rated swimming ability, gender, times visited any beach, and age in a standard linear regression model (adjusted R(2)=0.68). CONCLUSION: The study supports explanations that high male drowning rates result from more frequent exposure to water than females at high situational risk levels. IMPLICATIONS: Controlled studies are required to determine the role in drowning of overconfidence, swimming ability, surf experience, floatation .
Surf bather drowning risk and exposure-related factors identified by an expert panel
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 4 (2012 2012), p. 336-349
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- Description: In the absence of an established literature, identifying and quantifying surf bather drowning risk factors requires a clearly defined problem-focused research strategy. To initiate this strategy, nominal group technique (NGT) was used to identify and rank risk and water exposure-related factors based on consensus of an expert panel. The results identified, in order, level of experience (encompassing swimming ability in surf conditions), lack of local knowledge (encompassing awareness of surf hazards, including rip currents), and surf conditions (encompassing prevailing wave height and rip currents) as the three most influential surf bather drowning risk factors. Factors most influential on exposure to water were identi fied and ranked as prevailing weather geographic location (encompassing bather accessibility to the beach), and infrastructure (encompassing the presence of artificial beach amenities). This study provides direction for future analytic epidemiological research and complementary studies on drowning at surf beaches and other locations. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
Development and trial of a water exposure measure of estimated drowning risk for surf bathers
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 7, no. 2 (2013 2013), p. 116-135
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- Description: To better address drowning issues, risk assessment at the group and sample levels would be enhanced by precise measures of exposure to water. The aim of the study was to develop and pilot test a method of measuring exposure to water based on estimating immersions for surf bathers. Validated direct observation counts provided peak-bathing period point estimates and a daily bather immersion profile for an identified sampling frame comprising 20 beaches over 39 summer days. An estimated 10,089 water immersions occurred at the peak-bathing period in the sampling frame. Swimmers comprised 86.0% and surfers with equipment 14.0% of the observed bathing sample, respectively. For swimmers only on patrolled beaches, 77.1% bathed in the lifesaver supervised (flag) zones. The study has implications for the provision of organized bather supervision and provides a foundation for generation of hypotheses on the nature of drowning risk for selected surf bather groups.
Identification of observed factors that predict bather water-immersions at beaches
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Ocean and Coastal Management Vol. 84, no. (2013), p. 180-183
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- Description: Coastal managers require accurate and relevant visitor information to manage visitor's leisure and recreation experiences. The study reports the development of a predictive model of bather water-immersions at selected beaches in Victoria, Australia for the daily peak-bathing period. Criterion variable data were collected over two summer periods to provide external validation. Predictor variables were observed on site or from secondary data. Results showed a statistically significant model meeting the required assumptions: Adjusted R2 = 0.65: F2, 292 = 270.50, p < 0.001; R2 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.71. Significant predictor variables were daily maximum air temperature and level of service (no service, toilet/water, or kiosk/club). Further research is required to assess the model generalisability to other beach locations and time frames
Surf lifeguard rescues
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Vol. 24, no. 3 (2013), p. 285-290
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- Description: Objective This study assessed the utility of lifeguard rescue data for providing information on person and situation factors to inform surf bather drowning prevention research. Methods The dataset comprised 872 beach-days (daily lifeguard reports) obtained from 26 beaches over a 95-day period in Victoria, Australia. Results The rescue rate was 128 per 100,000 in-water bathers. One or more rescues were required on 125 beach-days (14%). Rescue on a beach-day was more likely for offshore wind conditions, relatively high daily air temperatures, and high bather numbers (P < .05). Compared to female bathers, males were more frequently rescued (65%) and more likely (P < .05) to be from a younger age group (30 years or less), although being older was associated with a relatively poorer condition on rescue. Conclusions Although rescues are proportional to water exposure, frequencies are also influenced by situation and person factors. Bathers at relatively high risk of rescue are hypothesized to be overrepresented in amenable sea and weather conditions, and poor patient condition on rescue may be associated with exposure to a preexisting health condition.
Assessment of visual attention to water quality safety signs using laboratory-based eye tracking equipment
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Matthews, Bernadette , Smith, Liam , Andronaco, Rob
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Technical report , Research Report
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- Description: A research study was conducted at Monash University in December 2013 to measure eye-tracking participant presented visual images of water quality signs. The method relied on the assumption that eye-fixation indicated attention and cognition resulting in behaviour change. The study procedure first presented 16 visual images of water quality signs located in beach environments varied by distance from observer, sign type and level of distraction. This was followed by 18 images of water quality signs varied by text messages and water quality ratings. The study was supported by a range of self-reported data from the 30 participants.
Developing a regional resilience monitor
- Authors: Lawton, Alan , Valenzuela, Ernesto , Duffy, Michelle , Morgan, Damian , Joiner, Therese
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Technical report , Research Report
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- Description: This study develops a Regional Resilience Monitor (RRM) which will enable the measurement of changes over time in a number of key dimensions for the well-being of regional Australia. Resilience is defined as the capacity of a local community to respond to, and anticipate economic, social and environmental change and to adapt, plan and transform itself for the future. Regional Resilience – in terms of health and well-being, productivity and economic growth, managing risk, and capturing opportunities for sustainable environments and human systems – has been identified as a key strategic priority for Australia, as it has been for a number of other countries. The RRM is made up of six interlocking elements that, together, form a holistic tool and provide a composite measure. These elements are: 1. Economic Health 2. Human Capital 3. Social Well-being 4. Liveability 5. Entrepreneurialism 6. Social Capital and Social Networks The first four elements can be measured using existing data and we identify those data sources. Elements 5 and 6 can be measured using a combination of existing data and, respectively, a newly developed regional entrepreneurship survey and a newly conceived social network analysis. The RRM was developed in, and for, the Latrobe Valley and the wider Gippsland region but can be ‘rolled out’ across regional Victoria as a whole and across regional Australia.
Examining Organisation Transformation (OT) through the lens of Complex Adaptive Systems (CASs)
- Authors: Riaz, Shoaib , Kimberley, Nell , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: Reshaping Management for Impact, 28th Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Conference (ANZAM 2014); Sydney, Australia; 3rd-5th December 2014 p. 1-12
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- Description: In this paper, the applied aspect of complexity theory envisions organisations as dynamic and adaptive systems. Through this application, the study examines the process of organisational transformation and outlines a research program. The proposed research has been designed to provide new tools and practical insights to make success more likely for organisations in the transformational process. The research outcomes are intended to inform organisational strategists, management consultants, change managers, and scholars in the field of management sciences, and more generally, improve understanding of organisational transformation process in large and complex organisations.
Institutional isomorphism and whistleblowing intentions in public sector institutions
- Authors: Pillay, Soma , Reddy, P. , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Waves and winds of strategic leadership for sustainable competitiveness, 14th European Academy of Managment Conference (EURAM 2014); Valencia, Spain; 4th-7th June 2014
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- Description: Over the years the new institutionalism in public sector analysis has contributed significantly to our understanding of the dynamics of public sector institutions. While it has moved research away from behavioural explanations to recognizing political and cultural contexts, the focus on public sector institutions has been minimal. This research examines, by self-report questionnaire from employees in two government organizations, how institutional mechanisms shape whistle-blowing intentions within the context of a developing country. Despite the country context, findings from this study are encouraging in that participants’ intentions to blow the whistle were found, generally, to be strong.
The development of the Gippsland Economic Modelling Tool
- Authors: Lawton, Alan , Valenzuela, Ernesto , Duffy, Michelle , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Technical report , Research Report
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- Description: This study develops a measurement tool to assess the economic health, human capital, social well-being and liveability of regional locations. The study is guided by developments in the professional literature related to measuring these four dimensions. Information was compiled from existing databases for 72 indicators used to generate four indices: Economic Health, Human Capital, Social Well-being, and Liveability. Index measures are reported for local government authority (LGAs) and Victorian State levels. The four indices provide a new quantitative tool to capture the effects from, and so reflect, economic, social and policy changes impacting across Victoria. Further application of this tool may be provided through periodic data updates over time using data captured on a national scale. The regional focus of the present study is the Latrobe Valley located in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The Latrobe Valley encompasses the LGAs of Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shires. In addition, index values are reported for 16 towns located within the three LGAs and we include these findings as Appendix 1. For comparative purposes, the study also reports index values for the Gippsland region (comprising LGAs of Baw-Baw, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, Latrobe City, South Gippsland and Wellington Shire), the State of Victoria, and regional (non-metropolitan areas) using averages. Data were gathered for all 79 Victorian LGAs. The study results provide a measurement framework constructed from a comprehensive application of available databases. The end-product is a significant “tool” that identifies and summates enablers of economic productivity and social and community development. The tool provides evidenced-based measures to inform policy recommendations with regard to strategic intervention options and ensuing impacts on regional sustainability.
A public health approach to injury prevention in commercial adventure tourism activities : A river tubing case study
- Authors: Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Adventure Programming and Travel for the 21st Century, Chapter 16-1 p.433-437
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Measurement of a drowning incidence rate combining direct observation of an exposed population with mortality statistics
- Authors: Morgan, Damian , Ozanne-Smith, Joan
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion Vol. 22, no. 3 (2015), p. 209-214
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- Description: Drowning risk factors may be identified by comparing drowning incidence rates for comparable at-risk populations but precise methods are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, an ecological study extrapolated crude time-duration exposure to water for a specified at-risk sample of surf bathers to estimate the bather population for all wave-dominated beaches in Victoria, Australia, over a four-year summer season period. An incidence rate was calculated using surf bather drowning deaths frequencies matched for time and location. For the sample, 47,341 hours of surf bathing were estimated from 177,528 bathing episodes. Generalising these results to Victoria, the crude drowning deaths incidence rate in the summer season was 0.41 per 1,000,000 person-hours of surf bathing (95% CI 0.37–0.45). Further application of the method, particularly in open water settings, may be used to identify candidate drowning risk factors to advance drowning prevention strategies.
CSR through Eco-preneurship : A conceptual model of the entrepreneurial process underpinning ecotourism business start-up
- Authors: Swan, Christopher , Morgan, Damian , Lawton, Alan
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: 15th International Conference Corporate Social Responsibility and 6th Organisational Governance Conference; Melbourne, Australia; 4th-6th September 2016
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Development of a method to estimate and predict beach visitation
- Authors: Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Tourism in Marine Environments Vol. 12, no. 1 (2016), p. 69-77
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- Description: Beaches are important tourist attractions in many countries. To plan and manage coastal zones, authorities require knowledge about beach visitations. However, current procedures lack accuracy and coverage. To address this, a method to estimate the total beach visitor population was tested for a selected coastal strip over a specified time period, based on directly observed daily visitor counts. Visitor count data were then used to model readily observable weather and location factors predicting daily beach visitations at the peak-use period. Further application of the novel method will inform authorities with crucial and pertinent data to manage natural coastal visitor attractions. © 2016 Cognizant, LLC. All rights reserved.
Surviving and thriving in turbulent times : A complex adaptive systems (CAS) based approach to organisational transformation (OT)
- Authors: Riaz, Shoaib , Kimberley, Nell , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: Thriving in Turbulent Times: British Academy of Management (BAM) 2016 Conference; Newcastle, United Kingdom; 6th-8th September 2016
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The entrepreneurial eco-tourism operator : Balancing sustainability, lifestyle and business imperatives
- Authors: Swan, Christopher , Lawton, Alan , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: European Business Ethics Network Annual Conference and PRME UK/ Ireland Regional Network 2016 Conference; Nottingham, United Kingdom; 19th-22nd June 2016
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Understanding eco-preneurship : a conceptual model of the entrepreneurial process underpinning ecotourism business start-up
- Authors: Swan, Christopher , Morgan, Damian , Lawton, Alan
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 15th International Conference Corporate Social Responsibility and 6th Organisational Governance Conference; Melbourne, Australia; 4th-6th September 2016
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Who wants to be an eco-entrepreneur? Identifying entrepreneurial types and practices in ecotourism businesses
- Authors: Swan, Christopher , Morgan, Damian
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Vol. 17, no. 2 (2016), p. 120-132
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- Description: Entrepreneurs have been characterized according to recognizable types according to attendant concerns and motivations. Within the small business sector of ecotourism, entrepreneurs must balance competing goals pertaining to business objectives, lifestyle aspirations and, most importantly, sustainable environmental practices. This study reports how ecotourism eco-entrepreneurs perceive and manage these goals, consistent with concerns and motivations, based on semi-structured interviews of small business operators. The findings show that eco-entrepreneurs’ social and sustainable characteristics are critical to overcome financially challenging and complex operating environments whilst also delivering a desired lifestyle. As a business strategy, eco-entrepreneurs were found to deliberately maintain small, low-impact ecotourism operations consistent with identified eco- values. Looking forward, eco-entrepreneurs forecast imminent threats to the ecotourism sector through uncontrolled development and mass-tourism business access to sensitive natural areas. If unresolved, this process will replace eco-entrepreneurs in small ecotourism operators with traditional profit-oriented entrepreneurs delivering undifferentiated and high-impact nature-based tourism experiences.