Published 4 March 2025
The National Summer Drowning Toll, produced by Royal Life Saving Australia, identified that 104 people lost their lives to drowning, up 5% from last summer and 14% on the 5-year average.
One-third (32%) of all summer drowning deaths were people aged 55 years and over. Ten children (0 -14 years) drowned this summer. Males remain over-represented (81%).
New South Wales recorded the highest number of drowning deaths (33), followed by Victoria (22), Queensland (22), and Western Australia (15).
Approximately one third each occurred at beaches (32%) and rivers (30%). River drowning increased by 29%. Swimming pool drowning deaths (11) doubled compared to last summer.
Two-thirds (64%) of drowning deaths occurred in regional areas. Regional communities experience higher rates of drowning, due to greater exposure to natural waters, and reduced access to safe places to swim.
Royal Life Saving is alarmed by the increase in drowning deaths again this summer and emphasise the need for long-term investments into drowning prevention measures.
Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Justin Scarr said:
“This summer was tragic in so many ways. Too many families and communities have been affected by drowning. The figures reinforce long held concerns that many Australians lack the swimming skills to enjoy the water safely.”
Declining swimming skills in children have been flagged for years. Thousands of children missed lessons due to the pandemic. Increased migration, especially from nations where learning to swim is rare, means that many people can’t swim or know what to do in an emergency, putting themselves at risk of drowning.
Royal Life Saving is calling for a focus on four actions to combat drowning:
- Nationally co-ordinated investments to boost the swimming and lifesaving skills of children and young people, especially those aged 10-14 years who can’t yet swim 50 metres and float for 2 minutes.
- Large scale programs supporting refugee and migrant communities, delivered at local pools in partnership with community groups, to build water safety skills and aid in community cohesion.
- Expansion of local water safety planning and coordination, as outlined in the Australian Water Safety Strategy, so that communities can unite to implement localised solutions.
- Strategic infrastructure investment plan to build and refurbish community swimming pools and learn to swim centres, to meet the changing needs of communities in growing cities and regional areas, and to ensure that those most likely to miss out have access to a safe place to swim.
“Investment in community swimming pools has always been a key part of Australia’s approach to water safety and drowning prevention. More is needed to meet the medium-term impacts of ageing pools, changing demographics, and growth in our outer metropolitan suburbs and regional areas,” Dr Scarr said.
2024/25 Summer drowning trends:
- 17% of all drowning deaths occurred during the week between Christmas and New Year
- 32% of people who drowned were older adults aged 55 years and over
- 10% were children aged 0-14 years
- 64% of drowning deaths occurred in regional areas.
For further details around the National Summer Drowning Toll click here.
Royal Life Saving is warning people to stay vigilant around water going into Autumn. Last year, the same number of people drowned in March as did in December.
To stay safe around the water, be prepared and make sure to:
- Know your swimming abilities
- Always supervise children around water
- Avoid alcohol around water
- Wear a lifejacket when boating, paddling and fishing
- Check the conditions and be prepared to change your plans
- Avoid going alone
- Choose a patrolled beach and swim between the flags
