Australia is bracing for another tragic summer of drowning incidents after a major increase in deaths at beaches, rivers and swimming pools.
The release of The National Drowning Report 2024 has prompted calls for better water safety measures, with 323 drowning deaths recorded over the past year – 14 per cent higher than last year’s figures.
Royal Life Saving Australia found there is a persistent and worsening issue with swimming deaths across the country.
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Insights from the report, shared in Parliament House in Canberra, include that older Australians aged 65 years and over made up 28 per cent of the total figure, with 92 deaths in the past year.
This was the largest number ever.
Among the drowning deaths were 15 children under the age of five, while 25 per cent were people born overseas, most commonly from India, China and Nepal.
It found people from disadvantaged and regional communities drowned at a higher rate, particularly with children aged between five and 14.
The report listed beaches were the most common place Australians drowned, with 150 dying at public beaches, followed by inland water locations with 110 deaths.
There were 35 deaths in swimming pools.
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Royal Life Saving Australia CEO Justin Scarr said the figures are proof Australian communities need to invest swimming lessons and water safety skills.
“The Report is a reminder that many Australians now lack the skills to swim, float or stay safe in the water. It’s a reminder that drowning prevention starts at home, in schools and at local pools,” Scarr said.
“We must ensure no child or adult misses out on learning to swim, and that all Australians have access to a safe place to swim, starting with a great local swimming pool.”
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He said the report also highlights government policies need to change to ensure migrants and refugees are protected when it comes to water safety.
Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika Wells MP, said the Australian government is committed to supporting raising water safety awareness.
“With some simple precautions we can all enjoy the water safely. Always supervise children around water, learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills, wear a lifejacket when boating, and always swim between the red and yellow flags,” Minister Wells said.
A breakdown of state-by-state drowning deaths found the majority occurred in NSW, with 128 people dying in the state in 2023 and 2024 so far.
Queensland had the second highest number of drownings, followed by 54 in Victoria, 41 in Western Australia, 12 in South Australia, five in the ACT and another five in the NT.
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