Summer Drowning Toll

For media requests, please contact Media Key on 0409 420 112 or 03 9769 6488. 

Drowning prevention starts with you, before heading out this summer learn how to enjoy the water safely:

Know your swimming abilities
Always supervise children around water
Avoid alcohol around water
Wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing
Avoid going alone
Know the conditions
Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags

Royal Life Saving National Summer Drowning Toll

Royal Life Saving research shows a consistent peak in fatal drowning cases in the summer months. In a bid to understand the increased risks during this time, each year, we publish the Summer Drowning Toll from 1 December to the end of February, which charts drowning incidents around Australia in these months. This serves as a timely vehicle for us to promote safety advice in conjunction with our ongoing drowning prevention campaigns for particularly high-risk groups and communities, such as men, children and people from multicultural communities.

Summer Drowning Report 2023/24

Last summer, 134 lives were lost, averaging at least one drowning per day. Older adults were particularly at risk, being 39% of deaths. 27% of victims were people born overseas.

We remain ever mindful of the people whose lives have been lost or impacted by drowning, including the many families affected by the loss or long-term injury of a loved one.

2023/24 Summer drowning trends:

December and January recorded the highest numbers of drowning deaths in 2023/24.
20 per cent of all drowning deaths occurred during the week between Christmas and New Year.
At least 1 person drowned every day during last summer.
39 per cent of those who drowned were older adults aged 55 years and over.
10 per cent were children aged 0–14 years.
Six per cent of the drowning deaths were flood related, occurring in Queensland and Victoria.
All states and territories reported an increase in drowning compared to last summer, except for South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Many drowning incidents occurred at unpatrolled or isolated locations, including beaches, rivers, lakes and dams.

For Media Requests

Please contact Media Key on 0409 420 112 or 03 9769 6488. 

A range of Royal Life Saving spokespeople are available for comment.

For the Royal Life Saving Summer Safety Campaign key messages and resources

https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/Water-Safety