Lexi Webster
Drowning is a persistent issue in Australia, with 323 drowning deaths recorded in the 12 months leading up to August 2024—a 16% increase from the ten-year average. While the number of drowning deaths in children aged 0-4 years has decreased, the overall drowning rate in Australia remains a concern, with a consistent peak in fatal drowning cases during the summer months. New South Wales recorded the highest number of drowning deaths in the 2024/25 summer period, with 33 deaths, followed by Victoria and Queensland with 22 each, and Western Australia with 15.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the most drowning deaths in Australia in 2024/25 | New South Wales |
| Number of drowning deaths in the state above | 33 |
| Second-highest state for drowning deaths | Victoria and Queensland (tied) |
| Number of drowning deaths in the states above | 22 each |
| State with the highest rate of drowning deaths in 2023/24 | Western Australia |
| Number of drowning deaths in the state above | 15 |
| State with the highest number of drowning deaths in 2022/23 | New South Wales |
| Number of drowning deaths in the state above | 107 |
| State with the second-highest number of drowning deaths in 2022/23 | Queensland |
| Number of drowning deaths in the state above | Not found |
| State with the fewest drowning deaths in 2022/23 | ACT |
| Number of drowning deaths in the state above | 0 |
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What You'll Learn
New South Wales recorded the most drowning deaths in 2024/25
Drowning is a persistent and traumatic issue in Australia, with the country recording 323 drowning deaths in the 12 months to August 2024. This figure is 16% higher than the ten-year average. The National Drowning Report 2024 highlights several key factors contributing to drowning in the country. For instance, 25% of those who drowned were born overseas, with India, China, Nepal, and the UK being the top countries. Long-term data reveals that this figure is even higher over a ten-year period, at 34%.
Drowning disproportionately affects people from disadvantaged and regional areas, with children aged 5–14 in these areas facing higher rates of drowning. The report also found that 46% of drownings occurred in coastal locations, with 26% of all drowning deaths taking place at beaches. Rivers and inland waterways also present significant risks, accounting for 34% and 25% of drowning deaths, respectively. Swimming pools, particularly backyard pools, were the site of 11% of drowning deaths.
December and March recorded the highest numbers of drowning deaths, with a tenfold increase in drowning rates from age 10 to age 20. This increase is likely due to heightened risk-taking and a lack of swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills among youth and young adults. The National Summer Drowning Toll for 2024/25 identified 104 drowning deaths, a 5% increase from the previous summer and a 14% increase over the five-year average.
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People from disadvantaged areas are more likely to drown
Drowning is a significant issue in Australia, with 323 drowning deaths in the past year—a 16% increase from the ten-year average. While drowning affects people from all walks of life, it is evident that people from disadvantaged areas are more likely to fall victim to it. This vulnerability is particularly pronounced in children aged 5–14 from these regions.
Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of drowning among individuals from disadvantaged areas. Firstly, long-term data reveals that 34% of drowning victims over ten years were born overseas, with a significant number hailing from countries like India, China, Nepal, and the UK. This suggests that cultural and language barriers may play a role in drowning prevention, as these factors can influence access to and understanding of water safety information and education.
Secondly, regional and remote areas in Australia tend to have higher drowning rates, and these areas often overlap with socially and economically disadvantaged communities. The lack of access to formal swimming lessons and water safety programs in these regions puts residents at a higher risk of drowning. Additionally, individuals with specific occupations, such as commercial or subsistence fishing, are more likely to encounter dangerous water-related situations, and these occupations are often concentrated in disadvantaged areas.
Furthermore, the availability of water bodies in disadvantaged areas increases the risk of drowning incidents. Low- and middle-income countries, where drowning death rates are more than three times higher than in high-income countries, often have higher exposure to water sources like ponds, rivers, and lakes used for daily activities such as bathing and washing. This daily proximity to water can lead to a higher risk of accidental drowning.
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, increasing access to formal swimming lessons and water safety education, especially for children, can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. This includes investing in community-based, supervised childcare and day-care programs that incorporate water safety skills training. Additionally, public awareness campaigns focused on drowning prevention and water safety, targeted at both children and adults, can help foster a culture of vigilance. Finally, addressing the underlying social and economic disparities that contribute to regional disadvantages can indirectly reduce the risk of drowning by improving access to resources and opportunities in these areas.
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Drowning rates increase tenfold from age 10 to 20
Drowning is a persistent issue in Australia, with 323 drowning deaths in the 12 months leading up to August 2024—a 16% increase on the ten-year average. The National Drowning Report 2024 highlights the need for urgent action, especially with another hot summer approaching.
The report reveals that drowning rates increase tenfold from age 10 to age 20. This drastic rise is likely due to increased risk-taking behaviours and a lack of swimming ability, water safety knowledge, and lifesaving skills among youth and young adults. This trend underscores the importance of prioritising water safety education and swimming lessons for children aged 8-14 to ensure they develop the necessary skills and awareness to prevent drowning incidents.
While drowning rates in young children (aged 0-4) have decreased across Australia, there has been a concerning 52% increase in WA, where children in this age group account for 7% of drowning deaths. Overall, children aged 5-14 from disadvantaged and regional areas are at a higher risk of drowning, with a particular vulnerability among those aged 5-9, where rates have almost trebled.
To address these alarming trends, local governments have implemented community drowning prevention plans and invested in frontline services and swimming pool infrastructure. Water safety programs that provide access to education and swimming lessons are also essential in reducing drowning incidents. These initiatives aim to improve water safety knowledge and build resilience, decision-making skills, and basic rescue and lifesaving abilities.
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Drowning is the leading cause of death in regional areas
Drowning is a persistent and traumatic issue in Australia, with the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2024 identifying 323 drowning deaths in the previous 12 months. This figure is 16% higher than the ten-year average. The report also highlights that people from disadvantaged and regional areas are more likely to drown, especially children aged 5–14. This trend is also observed in Western Australia, where over half of all drowning victims resided in disadvantaged and low socio-economic areas.
Regional communities experience higher rates of drowning due to their proximity to natural waters and limited access to safe swimming locations. Rivers and creeks are consistently the leading locations for drowning incidents, with 76 deaths recorded in the 2022/23 financial year. The majority of these deaths occurred in the spring months and affected the 33–54 age group.
The impact of drowning extends beyond the individuals involved, affecting their families, friends, communities, and those who risk their lives to save others. It is crucial to address this issue through long-term investments in drowning prevention measures and initiatives that promote water safety and swimming education, especially in high-risk groups such as men, children, and multicultural communities.
Additionally, climate change and shifting leisure patterns have resulted in Australians swimming for longer periods throughout the year. This highlights the importance of maintaining water safety awareness and ensuring that swimming and water safety programs are accessible to all, including migrants and visitors who may have unique safety needs.
Overall, the high incidence of drowning in regional areas underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies, improved access to swimming and education programs, and tailored initiatives to protect vulnerable populations. By addressing these issues, we can reduce the devastating impact of drowning on individuals, families, and communities in Australia.
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Alcohol and drug use are significant risk factors
Australia has seen a concerning number of drowning deaths, with 323 recorded in the 12 months preceding August 2024. This is a 16% increase from the ten-year average. The states with the highest number of drowning deaths in 2022-23 were New South Wales (107) and Tasmania (4).
In Australia, the beach and coastal culture are often associated with alcohol consumption, which can lead to risky behaviour and tragic consequences. Studies have found that recreational jumping and fall-related coastal deaths were more likely to involve alcohol and drug use. Additionally, increased intoxication is predicted in individuals with injuries, as substance use increases the likelihood of risk-taking behaviours.
Males, younger age groups (15-34 years), and those engaging in high-risk activities such as swimming, boating, and recreational jumping into water are more likely to be involved in alcohol-related drowning incidents. The data also shows a significant male-to-female ratio in alcohol-positive drownings, with a ratio of 7.3.
Psychotropic drugs may also play a significant role in drowning incidents, either independently or in association with alcohol. These drugs can cause psychomotor impairment and affect cognition, increasing the risk of drowning. However, there is a lack of detailed studies focusing on the association between psychotropic drugs and drowning.
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Frequently asked questions
New South Wales recorded the highest number of drowning deaths (33), followed by Victoria (22), Queensland (22), and Western Australia (15).
Tasmania has seen a 29% decrease in drowning rates and an 18% decrease in the number of drowning deaths over the past 20 years.
New South Wales has seen 107 drowning deaths between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
Western Australia has 3 of the top 10 regions with the highest drowning rates in Australia.
