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LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY
NSW Drowning
Prevention Strategy
A coordinated roadmap to reduce drowning, strengthen water-safety systems and give every community in NSW the opportunity to participate safely around water.
OUR POSITION
Drowning is preventable. Prevention must be planned
NSW has strong organisations, capable services and established programs working to prevent drowning. What is missing is one endorsed statewide framework that aligns priorities, responsibilities, investment and measurement.
A NSW Drowning Prevention Strategy would turn separate initiatives into a coordinated prevention system—connecting state policy with regional and local action.
THE CASE FOR CHANGE
NSW needs a sustained, statewide plan
Drowning risk is shaped by age, location, activity, access to skills and the systems surrounding people when they enter the water.
OUR ADVOCACY PRIORITY
One direction, delivered at every level.
An endorsed statewide framework would align government leadership, regional capability and place-based prevention.
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Statewide direction
Set shared outcomes, responsibilities, investment priorities and measures of progress.
Regional coordination
Connect agencies, councils and water-safety organisations around shared risks.
Local action
Turn NSW priorities into practical strategies shaped by local people and places.
THE PROPOSED APPROACH
Turning priorities into coordinated action.
A practical framework that brings together government, industry and communities to support clear leadership, coordinated delivery and measurable long-term outcomes.
01
Clear Direction
Establish a shared vision, defined priorities and a clear pathway for coordinated action.
02
Government Leadership
Provide the policy direction, commitment and oversight needed to drive lasting change.
03
Shared Responsibility
Define the roles of government, industry, organisations and community partners.
04
Local Delivery
Allow implementation to respond to the different needs, risks and circumstances of each community.
05
Sustainable Investment
Support long-term planning and delivery through appropriate and reliable investment.
06
Measurable outcomes
Set clear targets and monitor progress to demonstrate impact and guide continuous improvement.
PRIORITY COMMUNITIES
Focus effort where change will matter most.
A strong strategy combines a whole-of-population approach with targeted action addressing elevated risk, unequal access and weaknesses within the prevention system.
Regional
Regional and remote communities
Support people affected by limited facilities, seasonal pools, long distances and transport barriers.
Multicultural
Multicultural and newly arrived communities
Culturally appropriate education and pathways into swimming, aquatic recreation and community participation.
Low Socio Economic
Communities experiencing disadvantage
Reduced financial, transport and participation barriers so essential skills are not determined by postcode or income.
WHAT WE ARE CALLING FOR
Move from commitment to coordinated action.
NSW Government leadership can align the agencies, investment and local partnerships needed to reduce drowning over the long term.
1
Commit to a statewide strategy
Establish an endorsed NSW Drowning Prevention Strategy aligned with the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030.
2
Set measurable targets
Define outcomes for fatal and non-fatal drowning, swimming skills, priority populations and high-risk locations.
3
Create shared governance
Bring relevant agencies, councils, water-safety organisations, industry and community representatives together.
4
Invest in coordinated action
Fund evidence-led prevention, infrastructure, education and local implementation over the strategy’s life.
5
Report progress publicly
Publish annual measures, identify emerging risks and adjust investment where the evidence shows greater need.