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I thought these reports from Australia were interesting, in light of the fact that most people examining the "Smiley Face" victims claim that the rate of drowning in other parts of the USA is nowhere near as high as the locations associated with the SF killers.

"DON'T DRINK AND DROWN"
Drowning deaths prompt stronger campaign
Posted September 14, 2009 18:20:00
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/14/2685637.htm

The Royal Life Saving Society says it will strengthen its water safety messages after an increase in drowning deaths in Tasmania.

More than 300 Australians drowned between July last year and June this year, the highest number in the past six years. Twelve males and one female drowned in Tasmania, up from 11 males the previous year.

Rodney Willits from the Tasmanian branch of the Royal Life Saving Society says it is not clear exactly where each Tasmanian drowned but there is concern about the large number of men in the statistics.

"Males I guess generally take greater risks than females and certainly in the age bracket from 18 to 34 years there certainly is a focus on alcohol," he said.

"So we certainly know that alcohol and water don't mix and we are developing some strategies to try and raise the awareness of that."

The society plans to ramp up swimming education for children and parents and will run a "don't drink and drown" campaign aimed at young men........

Drowning Reports
2008 National Drowning Report
Due for Immediate Release: Wednesday 12 November 2008
MEN THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DROWN
http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/2269-2008-national-drowning-report.asp

New statistics showing men are almost three times more likely to drown than women have prompted a warning from the Royal Life Saving Society Australia for men across all age groups to improve their water safety and swimming skills and to avoidÂ drinking alcohol when in, on, or near the water.

The National Drowning Report 2008, which was released today, shows that 204 men drowned in Australia between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 in a range of locations including rivers, oceans and beaches. Of those deaths, almost a quarter were young men aged 18 to 34 and most died in summer and autumn while engaging in swimming or other waterbased recreational activities.

........"While we're pleased to see the slight reduction in overall drowning deaths, the rate at which young men and toddlers are drowning is extremely disappointing," Royal Life Saving Society Australia CEO Rob Bradley said.

"At the time the report was written, there wasn't confirmation about whether these young men had consumed alcohol immediately prior to their deaths. But we know from previous studies that alcohol plays a role in a significant proportion of drowning deaths in that age group.

"It only takes a small amount of alcohol to slow down your reaction times, so when you get into trouble it is that much harder to save yourself. It impairs your judgment so you're more likely to take risks. It can also disturb your sense of direction, so suddenly up is down and instead of swimming to the surface......