National Water Safety Day 2025 - Communities urged to put water safety first
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Published 30 November 2025

National Water Safety Day 2025

Australia’s peak drowning prevention and water safety bodies, Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, are urging everyone to make water safety a priority amid predictions of a busy, hot summer and new data showing drowning deaths remain at unacceptably high levels.

Last summer, 139 people lost their lives to drowning across Australia, with 39% of all drowning deaths occurring during the summer months. Older adults (55+) accounted for nearly half of summer drowning deaths, and many incidents occurred at unpatrolled beaches, rivers, lakes and dams. Men remain disproportionately affected, representing 81% of summer drowning deaths.

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, said worsening drowning trends at unpatrolled coastal locations underline the need for vigilance.

“Drownings at unpatrolled locations remains a major concern. There were 154 coastal drowning deaths last year, all of which occurred at unpatrolled locations. The fact that no drownings occurred at patrolled location reinforces that this is the best choice for your safety when visiting the beach this summer.

“We are urging everyone to keep safety top of mind. Visit beachsafe.org.au to find your nearest patrolled beach, stay on top of the conditions, and remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags.”

In the last year alone, surf lifesavers performed 8,207 rescues, completing 2.19 million preventative actions, and providing over 65,000 first aid treatments.

Now in its second year, Surf Life Saving Australia’s national water safety campaign ‘Stop. Look. Stay Alive’ continues to promote key coastal safety messaging, urging all Australians to make safety a priority.

Royal Life Saving Australia CEO, Dr Justin Scarr, said the latest data from the National Drowning Report 2025 is a “wake-up call.”

“Drowning deaths have surged to unprecedented levels. The decline in swimming skills, an ageing population, and more people heading to remote and unfamiliar locations away from lifesaving services are causing concern.”

“Rivers and lakes remain particularly dangerous, with hidden currents, debris and changing conditions catching people off guard. Royal Life Saving urges men to ‘make the right call’ - know your limits, wear a lifejacket, and avoid alcohol around water.”

Royal Life Saving also reminds parents of the critical importance of supervision. The Keep Watch message is clear: designate a responsible adult to supervise children around water, especially during holidays and parties.

National Water Safety Day, declared by the Federal Government on December 1, is an annual reminder to prioritise water safety. Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia are rolling out safety campaigns and resourcing lifesaving services, and working with government agencies, councils and community groups to prevent drowning and keep communities safe this summer.

Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia advise people to:    

  • Always supervise children around water
  • Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
  • Learn swimming and lifesaving skills
  • Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or on watercraft
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
  • Know your limits and the conditions

For further safety information visit:

Surf Life Saving Australia – www.sls.com.au

Royal Life Saving Australia – www.royallifesaving.com.au

Notes to the editor:
B-Roll and images available via the following link.

https://bit.ly/3XjmYFr

Media Contact:Ross Woodward, Media Key
P: (03) 9769 6488
E: mediakeypr@iprimus.com.au

Staying Safe
Keep your family safe, no matter where you are