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Drowning is a persistent issue in Australia, with hundreds of drowning deaths recorded each year. The National Drowning Report 2024, published by the Royal Life Saving Society in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, found that there were 323 drowning deaths in the previous 12 months, a 16% increase from the ten-year average. The report highlights the devastating impact of drowning on individuals, families, and communities, with a particular focus on high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and people from multicultural backgrounds. With summer bringing higher temperatures and increased water activity, water safety remains a critical concern in Australia, aiming to prevent the tragic loss of life from drowning incidents.
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What You'll Learn
Drowning death rates in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia
Drowning is a preventable cause of mortality in Australia, with 279 unintentional drowning deaths occurring annually. The National Drowning Report 2024, published by the Royal Life Saving Society, revealed that 323 people drowned in the previous 12 months, a 16% increase from the ten-year average of 278. This report highlights the tragic impact of drowning on Australian communities and the need for improved water safety measures.
In New South Wales, a study examining fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents between 2010 and 2021 found a total of 3,973 ambulance-attended drowning cases, translating to an annual rate of 4.16 per 100,000 persons. Of these cases, 6.1% resulted in death within 30 days, with 82.7% of those deaths occurring on the day of the incident. The study also revealed that drowning incidents declined by 14 cases, and fatalities decreased by 0.18 per year.
Queensland has also experienced its share of drowning incidents, with the Royal Life Saving Society's National Drowning Report offering insights into specific demographics. For example, 92 adults aged 65 and older drowned, the highest number ever recorded in this age group, representing 28% of total drowning deaths. Additionally, 15 children under the age of 5 drowned, a 25% decrease from the ten-year average. The report also indicates that people from disadvantaged and regional areas, particularly children aged 5-14, are at a higher risk of drowning.
Western Australia, like other states, faces the challenge of preventing drowning incidents. While specific data for Western Australia may vary, the National Drowning Report provides valuable insights. For instance, it is noted that 25% of those who drowned were born overseas, with the highest numbers originating from India, China, Nepal, and the UK. This information is crucial for targeted water safety initiatives and educational programs for at-risk communities. Furthermore, the report highlights the seasonal variation in drowning deaths, with December and March recording the highest numbers. Understanding these trends can help authorities and communities implement preventive measures during these critical periods.
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The impact of environmental conditions and accidents
Water-based activities such as swimming and bathing are generally safe, but environmental conditions and accidents can lead to fatal injuries. In Australia, drowning and submersion hospitalisations and deaths increased in the summer of 2022–23, with 53% of hospitalisations occurring in the summer. The Bureau of Meteorology's prediction of higher-than-average temperatures across Australia from September 2023 to 2024 is expected to result in more people visiting coastal and inland waterways and swimming pools, increasing the risk of drowning incidents.
The National Drowning Report 2024, published by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, revealed 323 drowning deaths in the previous 12 months, a 16% increase from the ten-year average. The report also highlighted that 92 adults aged 65 and above drowned, the highest number ever recorded, and 15 children under five lost their lives, a 25% decrease from the ten-year average. The leading locations for drowning incidents were rivers/creeks (76 deaths, 27%), beaches (75 deaths, 27%), and oceans/harbours (33 deaths, 10%).
Drowning rates are significantly higher among people from disadvantaged and regional areas, with a notable disparity between advantaged and disadvantaged communities. The Torres and Cape and North West QLD regions reported the highest crude rates of drowning per 100,000 residents in Queensland and were among the highest for any region in Australia. Additionally, 25% of those who drowned were born overseas, with the highest numbers from India, China, Nepal, and the UK.
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The dangers for children and young adults
Water-based activities such as swimming and bathing are usually safe, but environmental conditions or accidents can lead to submersion injuries or death by drowning. Some submersion injuries can have long-term effects, such as when the brain goes without oxygen for too long.
Drowning is a persistent and traumatic issue in Australia, affecting thousands of families, first responders, and communities every year. The National Drowning Report 2024 found that there were 323 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, 16% higher than the ten-year average. The report also revealed that 15 children under the age of five drowned, a 25% decrease from the ten-year average. However, the drowning rate increases tenfold from age 10 to age 20, likely due to increased risk-taking and a lack of swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills among youth and young adults.
Children and young adults from disadvantaged and regional areas are at a higher risk of drowning. The National Drowning Report found that people from these areas drowned at higher rates, particularly children aged 5–14 years. Additionally, the highest rates of drowning and submersion injuries and deaths in 2022–2023 were in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
To prevent drowning incidents, it is crucial to prioritize water safety, especially during the summer months when fatal drowning cases consistently peak. The Bureau of Meteorology's forecast of higher-than-average temperatures across Australia will likely lead to increased water activity, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in and around water bodies.
Overall, drowning poses a significant danger to children and young adults in Australia, highlighting the need for continuous education on swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills. By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the number of drowning incidents and keeping our communities safe.
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The impact of socio-economic status and location
Drowning is a persistent issue in Australia, with a consistent peak in fatal cases during the summer months. The National Drowning Report 2024 revealed 323 drowning deaths, a 16% increase from the ten-year average. The impact of these tragedies is far-reaching, affecting not only those who have died or survived but also their loved ones and communities.
Socio-economic status plays a significant role in drowning incidents. People from disadvantaged areas are more likely to drown than those from higher-advantaged areas. This disparity is evident in both children and adults. For instance, in Queensland, 35% of drowning deaths occurred in areas with the highest disadvantage, and the state recorded the highest crude rates of drowning per 100,000 residents in Australia. Similarly, long-term data shows that 34% of drowning victims born overseas came from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the highest numbers originating from India, China, Nepal, and the UK.
Location is another critical factor influencing drowning rates. People residing in regional and remote areas are at a higher risk of drowning compared to those in metropolitan areas. This disparity is evident in the data, with 46% of drowning deaths occurring in coastal locations, 34% at inland waterways, and only 11% in swimming pools. The impact of location is further highlighted by the fact that drowning rates increase ten-fold from age 10 to age 20, partly due to a lack of swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills in youth and young adults from regional areas.
To address these disparities, targeted interventions and education campaigns are necessary. By focusing on at-risk groups, such as children, youth, and individuals from disadvantaged or regional areas, organisations like Royal Life Saving can promote water safety and potentially reduce drowning incidents. Additionally, cultural and linguistic diversity should be considered in the development of drowning prevention campaigns to ensure that messages are accessible and effective for all communities.
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Peaks in drowning cases during summer months
Drowning is a persistent issue in Australia, with the country recording 323 drowning deaths over a 12-month period, a 16% increase from the ten-year average. The highest rates of drowning deaths in 2021-22 were in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
There is a consistent peak in fatal drowning cases during the summer months in Australia. The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia publishes the Summer Drowning Toll from December 1 to the end of February each year to highlight this issue and promote water safety. The 2024/25 report identified 104 drowning deaths during this period, a 5% increase from the previous summer and a 14% increase from the five-year average.
The increase in drowning cases during summer is attributed to higher temperatures, leading to more people using coastal and inland waterways and swimming pools. Warmer weather during the summer months encourages more people to engage in water-based activities, increasing the risk of drowning incidents.
December and March recorded the highest numbers of drowning deaths in Australia. Additionally, nearly one-third of river/creek drowning deaths occurred in the springtime months of September, October, and November, highlighting the importance of year-round water safety awareness.
The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia has expressed concern about the approaching summer, with forecasts of higher-than-average temperatures expected to increase water-based activities and potentially contribute to a rise in drowning incidents. The society urges everyone to prioritize water safety and be mindful of the risks associated with swimming and recreational water activities.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 323 drowning deaths in Australia in 2024, a 16% increase from the ten-year average.
The leading locations for drowning in Australia are rivers/creeks, beaches, and oceans/harbours. In the 2022-2023 period, 76 drowning deaths occurred in rivers/creeks, 75 at beaches, and 33 in oceans/harbours.
Drowning rates are higher among people from disadvantaged and regional areas, particularly children aged 5-14. Additionally, drowning rates increase tenfold from age 10 to age 20, and people aged 65 and over have a rate of 1.9 deaths per 100,000.
Unfortunately, I cannot compare the rate of drowning deaths in Australia to other countries as there is insufficient data in the sources provided. However, within Australia, the highest crude rates of drowning per 100,000 residents are in Queensland, particularly in the Torres and Cape and North West QLD regions.
