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Drowning on Farms
Farms include multiple unprotected water hazards that increase drowning risk, especially for children.
Understanding the Context
Farms contain multiple water hazards such as dams, tanks, troughs, irrigation channels, creeks and water storage pits. These hazards are often unfenced, unpatrolled and located close to areas where children play or where adults work alone. Young children are especially vulnerable because even shallow water can lead to drowning in seconds.
Farm environments typically involve large distances, busy work rhythms and multiple competing priorities, making constant supervision challenging. Emergency response times are often longer in rural properties, and access to water safety education, barriers and rescue equipment can be limited.
Research and Statistics
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More than 70% of farm drownings occur in dams, with troughs, tanks and channels also posing risks.
Children under five account for over half of farm drowning deaths.
Around 100 people drowned in farm dams over a 10-year period.
Key Hazards
Inflatable Toys
Lightweight inflatable toys that drift into deeper or unsafe water due to wind or currents.
Steep or Eroding Banks
Steep, unstable or eroding river or dam edges that collapse underfoot.
Rescue Equipment
Lack of or poor rescue equipment such as throw ropes, reach poles or flotation aids.
How to Stay Safe
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Learn CPR
Learn CPR so you can respond quickly in an emergency.
Empty Small Water Sources
Empty baths, buckets and portable pools immediately after use.
Provide Adult Supervision
Always provide constant, close, active adult supervision within arm’s reach around any water.
