Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Drowning levels continue to increase despite ever increasing resources

Drowning levels continue to increase despite ever increasing resources
August 20, 2024

Australia’s National Drowning Report 2024 shows that the nation has had another tragic year, experiencing 323 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, a number 14% higher than last year when there were 278 incidents.

Released today at Parliament House, Canberra, the Report shows drowning incidents in rivers, at beaches and in swimming pools, continue to impact thousands of families, first responders and communities every year.

Published by the Royal Life Saving - Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, the National Drowning Report 2024 insights include:

• 92 adults 65 years or older drowned (28% of the total), the largest number ever
• 15 children under the age of five drowned. This was down by 25% on the 10-year average 
• 25% were born overseas, with the highest countries being India, China, Nepal and the UK. Long term data shows this figure is higher (34% over 10 years)
• People from disadvantaged and regional areas drowned at a higher rate than those from higher advantaged areas, particularly in children aged five to 14 years
• 46% occurred in coastal locations (150), including 84 drowning deaths (26%) at beaches 
• 34% at inland waterway locations (110), including 80 drowning deaths (25%) at rivers
• 11% occurred in swimming pools (35 deaths), half (51%) were backyard pools
• December and March recorded the highest numbers of drowning deaths
• Drowning rates increase 10-fold from age 10 to age 20, likely due to increases in risk taking, and a lack of swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills across youth and young adult populations.

Advising that this year’s Report highlights that the need to invest in building community resilience to drowning, strengthen swimming and water safety skills of children and adults, especially for those living in regional communities and migrant communities, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Justin Scarr noted “the Report is a reminder that many Australians now lack the skills to swim, float or stay safe in the water. It’s a reminder that drowning prevention starts at home, in schools and at local pools. We must ensure no child or adult misses out on learning to swim, and that all Australians have access to a safe place to swim, starting with a great local swimming pool.”

The Report highlights that over the past 10 years 34% of the people who drowned were born overseas, often recently arrived refugees, migrants or international students. The main countries were India, China and Nepal.

Scarr stated “in response to the tragic summer events, many migrant communities themselves are leading the way, raising awareness and promoting programs. Governments can do more. Policies changes can help to ensure migrants, refugees and international students have early access programs in their local communities.”

Highlighting that rip currents are the number one coastal hazard and are a contributing factor in coastal drowning deaths, Surf Life Saving Australia Chief Executive, Adam Weir commented “tragically, there were 150 coastal drowning deaths recorded around the country, with 56% occurring at beaches. Sadly, beaches saw a significant increase in drowning deaths this year, with swimming at locations away from lifesaving services again being a major risk.”

“Seven in 10 coastal drowning deaths occurred more than one kilometre away from a lifesaving service showcasing again the crucial role surf lifesavers play,” Adam Weir says.

“Never before have our surf lifesavers and lifeguards worked harder to keep people safe at Australian beaches, with over 2.4 million preventative actions and nearly 9,000 rescues in the last twelve months. More and more are being asked of surf lifesavers and lifeguards each year as beach usage around the country continues to grow and people explore a wider range of coastal locations.”

The Report shows that adults 65 years or older are drowning at rates 2 1/5 times those of children under five. This age group (65 years plus) now equates to 28% of all drowning deaths and can of10 be attributed to the impacts of underlying medical conditions, especially while boating or swimming, and falls into water.

The high drowning rate comes despite record funding for lifesaving bodies.

National Drowning Report - State and Territory Data*
Australian Capital Territory

•  There were two drowning deaths in the ACT

New South Wales
• 128 drowning deaths occurred in New South Wales in 2023/24, an increase of 33% on last year
• The drowning rate of 1.53 per 100,000 population increased by 25%, compared to the 10-year average.
• The highest number of drowning deaths were in the 25-34 and 45-54 year age groups (16% each).
• The Far West and Mid North Coast Regions had the highest rates of drowning per 100,000 residents.

Northern Territory
• Five drowning deaths occurred in the Northern Territory in 2023/24
• The drowning rate of 1.29 per 100,000 population decreased by 39%, compared to the 10-year average.
• The highest number of drowning deaths in NT occurred among those aged 55+ years
• Top End and Big Rivers regions had the highest rates of drowning per 100,000 residents, 5th nationally

Queensland
• 70 drowning deaths that occurred in Queensland in 2023/24
• The drowning rate of 1.28 per 100,000 population decreased by 2%, compared to the 10-year average.
• 26% were among people aged 65 years and over
• The Torres and Cape and North West QLD regions reported the highest rates of drowning per 100,000 residents in Queensland and were among the highest rates for any region across Australia.

South Australia
• 12 drowning deaths that occurred in South Australia in 2023/24
• The drowning rate of 0.65 per 100,000 population decreased by 19%, compared to the 10-year average.
• 92% were male
• 33% were people aged 65-74 years old, the highest rate of 2.02 deaths per 100,000 population

Tasmania
• 11 drowning deaths occurred in Tasmania in 2023/24
• The drowning rate of 1.92 per 100,000 population increased by 14%, compared to the 10-year average.
• 54% were people aged 55 years and over
• The South East region had the highest rates of drowning per 100,000 residents and was 4th nationally

Victoria
• 54 drowning deaths occurred in Victoria in 2023/24
• The drowning rate of 0.79 per 100,000 population increased by 1%, compared to the 10-year average.
• 19% occurred in the 18-24-year age group, the highest rate of 1.62 deaths per 100,000 population. 
• 48% occurred during the Summer months

Western Australia
• 41 drowning deaths occurred in Western Australia in 2023/24
• The drowning rate of 1.42 per 100,000 population increased by 7%, compared to the 10-year average.
• Drowning rates among children four years and under were 52% higher this year compared to the 10-year average, in contrast to that national picture where numbers and rates in this age group are falling. 
• 56% of all drowning deaths in Western Australia were of people who resided in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, compared to 35% nationally.
*all rates are crude rates. 

Images: Australia’s National Drowning Report 2024 highlights the dangers of inland waterways (top) and drowning dangers among people who were born overseas (middle). Lower Image shows Royal Life Saving's Swim and Survive program. All images credit: Royal Life Saving.

Related Articles

20th August 2024 - UNSW safety research shows volunteer surf lifesavers have sole responsibility for patrolling NSW beaches just 14.4% of the time

19th August 2024 - Life Saving patrols extended at Colac Otway Shire’s Kennett River this summer

19th August 2024 - Cardinia Shire launches new water safety program

18th August 2024 - NSW Government backs new Surf Life Saving coastal safety and rescue efforts with $380,000 investment

16th August 2024 - Coroner hears that ‘significant failings’ led to 2020 child drowning death at remote Northern Territory swimming pool

25th July 2024 - Royal Life Saving highlights importance of World Drowning Prevention Day

31st May 2024 - Port Fairy Community Pool Management and the Victorian Department of Education fined following 2021 child drowning

19th March 2024 - 2024 APOLA Conference to argue for investment in drowning prevention

12th March 2024 - Drowning death at Cairns swimming hole highlights need for improved safety signage

5th March 2024 - Pool operator pleads guilty to safety breaches over child drowning at Port Fairy Community Pool

1st March 2024 - Surf Life Saving Australia reveals summer with 99 drowning deaths and more than 5,000 lives saved

28th February 2024 - Aquatic Industry event highlights achievements of drowning prevention campaigns

25th January 2024 - Victoria’s deadliest drowning tragedy in almost 20 years claims four lives

24th January 2024 - Royal Life Saving calls on men to ‘make the right call’ after alarming rise in summer drownings

7th January 2024 - Emergency Response Beacon activated to prevent rip drownings

28th December 2023 - NSW acting Premier plays down safety fears after Penrith Beach drowning

5th December 2023 - Global water safety community converges on Perth with a mission to end drowning

2nd December 2023 - Rip Current Survival documentary to get premiere at World Conference on Drowning Prevention

9th November 2023 - Launching its Keep Watch water safety campaign Royal Life Saving warns of child drowning risk

15th September 2023 - Latest National Drowning report reveals rise of deaths among older men

27th July 2023 - Royal Life Saving Society Australia named as founding member of Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention

25th July 2023 - Landmarks Go Blue to mark World Drowning Prevention Day

13th April 2023 - Out of court settlement reached over father and son drowning at Airlie Beach Lagoon

12th April 2023 - Upcoming South East Queensland Water Safety Forum looks to reduce region’s drowning rate

4th March 2023 - Summer drownings figures reveal 90 deaths across Australia

24th February 2023 - New resolution for global drowning prevention championed by 60 nations

11th February 2023 - Drownings highlight need for education on rip currents

16th January 2019 - Parents urged to enrol children in vital Swim and Survive lessons

23rd July 2024 - Gold Coast aquatic centres achieve platinum endorsement from Royal Life Saving

17th July 2024 - Royal Life Saving releases finalised National Aquatic Workforce Framework

10th July 2024 - Royal Life Saving releases new guidelines for inland waterway safety

10th June 2024 - Royal Life Saving shares fears over childrens lack of swimming skills


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

 

Mattioli

Gianni Mattoli Director 0412 360 378 E: gianni@mattoli.com.au E: marketing@mattioli.com.au Tony Aloi National Operations Manager 0425 762 864 E: tony@mattoli.com.au MEL · SYD · ADE…

read more

Aquatics / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 

Aussie Strength

We are Aussie Strength. The ultimate supplier for Commercial Gym Equipment that's built to deliver in the toughest environments. From USA-Built hardcore weight training equipment from Arsenal…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

@leisure Planners

@leisure is a team of experienced leisure, aquatic and sports facility managers and planners, with market modelling, sports management, recreation planning, business and GIS qualifications. We have…

read more

Consultants

 
 

XBODY Australia Pty Ltd

PROVEN BUSINESS CONCEPTS WITH XBODY XBody’s goal is to see you and your EMS business succeed. That is why we don’t just sell equipment, we provide know-how, expert knowledge,…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

AUSTRALIAN WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE

A leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

ICP

ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…

read more

Attractions / Fitness / Recreation

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business