Water Safety Fact Sheets

Young children are at the highest risk of drowning, especially when supervision or access control fails.

Youth drownings often involve risk-taking, strong currents, alcohol and misjudging ability.

Adults are frequently exposed to aquatic environments and often underestimate risk or overestimate their skills.

Older Australians face increased drowning risk due to health, mobility and unexpected slips near water.

New arrivals may be unfamiliar with local conditions, hazards and safety practices around water.

Geography, access barriers and higher exposure contribute to increased drowning risk for ATSI communities.

Regional communities face higher drowning risk due to environmental exposure and reduced access to services.

Beaches present risks like rips and waves, especially when swimmers are outside patrolled areas.

Rivers contain hidden hazards, strong currents and dangerous underwater conditions.

Backyard pools pose high risk to young children when supervision or access control fails.

Swimming pools remain risky environments without vigilant supervision and safe behaviour.

Lakes and dams contain hidden hazards, deep water and remote conditions.

Farms include multiple unprotected water hazards that increase drowning risk, especially for children.

Alcohol and drugs significantly increase drowning risk by impairing judgement and coordination.

Safe swimming requires skills, awareness, and choosing the right place to swim.

Boating requires planning, lifejackets and awareness of changing conditions.

Paddling requires lifejackets, awareness of wind and strong self-rescue skills.

Snorkelling safety depends on good equipment, a buddy system, and knowing your limits.

Fishing and rock fishing expose people to sudden waves, slippery surfaces and deep water close to hazards.