Published 22 December 2024

The week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day is the deadliest time of year for drowning in Australia, with an average of 15 lives lost annually during this period.

New data from Royal Life Saving Australia reveals that last summer alone, 26 per cent of all drowning deaths occurred between Christmas and New Year, which is an average of three people drowning every single day.

“The festive season is a time for relaxing, social gatherings and celebrations, but we know this is the riskiest time to be around water,” said Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Justin Scarr. “So it’s also when we need to stay most vigilant around water.”

“The dangers are heightened when people travel, visit unfamiliar locations, or celebrate near water, and the risk is highest on public holidays, particularly Christmas Day and Boxing Day, which consistently record the highest drowning rates.”

Already this summer, drownings are up compared to last year, with 16 deaths recorded  so far compared to 13 at the same time in 2023. Hot weather forecasts over the festive period are expected to drive more people to the water, increasing the risk further.

Royal Life Saving research also shows a number of trends associated with drownings during the holiday period.

• Drowning deaths occur across all water environments, including beaches, rivers, lakes, and backyard pools.
• The first day of a trip is often the most hazardous, as people are unfamiliar with their surroundings.
• 33 per cent of drowning deaths last year involved incidents where more than one person drowned.
• 39 per cent of people who drowned over the holiday period were migrants.
• 41 per cent of deaths were people who had travelled 50 kilometres or more from home to where they drowned, suggesting unfamiliarity with water conditions as a major factor.
• 25 per cent of drowning deaths during this period involved alcohol.

“Afternoon hours are especially dangerous, as people gather near pools, rivers, beaches, and lakes, so this Christmas, we’re urging everyone to take simple but vital precautions around water.

“Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities, supervise children, avoid alcohol around water, check the weather forecast and be prepared to change your plans and always wear a life jacket when boating or fishing” said Dr Scarr .

With summer well underway, Royal Life Saving is reminding everyone to make safety a priority during the festive season to prevent more lives from being lost.

No matter your age, background, or swimming ability, before heading out this summer learn how to enjoy the water safely:

• Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities.
• Decide who will be actively supervising children around water.
• Avoid alcohol while swimming, boating, or supervising others.
• Check the weather forecast and be prepared to change your plans.
• Always wear a Lifejacket when boating, fishing and kayaking.
• Never go alone. Always plan to swim, boat, paddle or fish with someone else.
• Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags

Drowning prevention starts with you. Prepare before you leave home.

For more information on water safety tips, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/summerwatersafety