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RESEARCH AND DATA
Why this matters
Australia’s strong connection to beaches, pools, rivers and lakes provides great lifestyle benefits, but also ongoing drowning risk. Incidents occur across coastal and inland locations, often involving swimming, boating, falls into water, or people overestimating their ability in changing conditions.
Older adults, young children and people visiting unfamiliar waterways remain key risk groups. Supervision, lifejackets, learning to swim and checking local conditions are vital to preventing drowning.
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Around $5.7 billion annually is the combined estimated economic cost of fatal and non-fatal drowning in Australia.
Around 500 people each year are hospitalised in Australia following a non-fatal drowning incident.
Around 323 Australians lose their lives to drowning each year.
key hazards
Know your risks
Currents & Tides
Fast-moving water such as rips, currents or tidal flows that can quickly overpower swimmers.
Reckless Activity
Reckless, careless or unsafe behaviour in or around water that increases risk.
Medical Conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions that increase personal risk when in or near water.
Intoxication
Impaired judgement or coordination caused by alcohol or drugs.
Swimming Skills
Lack of or poor swimming or survival skills, including difficulty floating or treading water.
Unpatrolled Beaches
Lack of or poor lifeguard supervision at beaches where no trained personnel are present.
Rock Fishing Hazards
Dangerous rock platforms with slippery surfaces, high waves or deep water directly below.
safety information
How to Stay Safe
Follow these simple safety tips to keep you and your family safe
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Learn to Swim
Learning to swim is a lifesaving skill that builds confidence, safety and enjoyment in and around the water at every age.
Know Your Limits
Know your swimming ability and stay within your depth and comfort.
Check the Conditions
Check the weather, water movement, waves, water depth, and wind conditions before entering the water.
Swim at Patrolled Beaches
Choose patrolled beaches and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Learn CPR
Learn CPR so you can respond quickly in an emergency.
Provide Adult Supervision
Always provide constant, close, active adult supervision within arm’s reach around any water.