Sixty-six per cent of all coastal drowning deaths occur more than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service, with rip currents the number one coastal killer, and bystander rescuer drownings the highest recorded in a decade. 

These are the findings of the National Drowning Report 2023, that unveiled there were 281 drowning deaths over the past 12 months. 

The report shows just 6% of all drownings featured children aged five and under, well below the 10-year-average of 33. 

And, while our young are heeding safety messages, water safety experts are concerned by the drowning deaths of those aged over 45. 

• 6% were children under 5 year of age (16 deaths), down by 33% on the 10-year average 
• 57% were adults 45 years or older (160 deaths) 
• 44% occurred in coastal environments (125 deaths), 75 deaths were at beaches, 33 deaths in the ocean or harbours, and 17 deaths were off rocks 
• 37% occurred in inland waterways (103 deaths), 76 deaths in rivers, 27 deaths in lakes 
• 10% occurred in swimming pools (29 deaths), 13 deaths in backyard pools 

With weather forecasters warning of a long, hot summer, Surf Life Saving Australia and the Royal Life Saving Society Australia are urging the community to stay safe while in and around water. 

“With very hot and dry conditions forecast this summer, water safety should be top of mind,” says NSW Minister for Sport Anika Wells. 

“I urge all Australians to always supervise children around water, learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills, wear a lifejacket when boating, and rock fishing and to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. 

“Enjoying a swim has so many benefits for people of all ages, especially older adults. Some simple precautions, like having a medical check-up to ensure you are swim fit, or going to the local swimming pool to refresh your skills is a great idea ahead of the expected hot summer.” 

SLSA CEO Adam Weir says understanding individual limitations and swimming at patrolled beaches can save lives. 

“66% of the coastal drowning deaths occurred more than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service, as people continue to seek out more secluded swimming spots instead of swimming between the red and yellow flags,” he said. 

“Rip currents are the number one coastal hazard and are a contributing factor in almost a quarter of coastal drowning deaths.  

“Tragically, there was a significant increase in bystander rescuer drowning deaths, and drowning deaths at beaches were 29% above the 10-year average.” 

Although 59% of people who drowned lived in major cities, those living in outer regional, remote, and very remote areas are almost twice as likely to drown. Those from disadvantaged areas are also more likely to drown than those from advantaged areas. 

RLSA CEO Justin Scarr said drowning prevention efforts were saving young lives, but declining swimming and water safety skills could have generational impacts on safety if left unaddressed. 

“Royal Life Saving urges against complacency. With summer approaching, pool owners should check that their pool fence is in good working order, remember to constantly keep watch when young children are around water, and avoid distractions like mobile phones,” he added. 

“We urge men to make the right call, and avoid alcohol and drugs around water, check the conditions and avoid over-estimation of swimming ability.  

“Older adults should understand the potential impacts of other medical conditions and medications on water activities including swimming and boating.” 

Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia advise people to: 

• Always supervise children in, on and around water 
• Learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills 
• Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling 
• Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags 
• Avoid alcohol and drugs around water 
• Check the conditions, including weather forecasts 

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