Published 17 February 2026

Royal Life Saving Australia is bringing together the Australian and Indian drowning prevention sectors to address the terrible impacts of drowning in both countries.

Tragically, drowning causes the deaths of more than 35,000 people in India each year. The Indian Government, at national and state levels, are taking pro-active steps to address drowning prevention and water safety.

In Australia, over one-third of drowning deaths are among people born overseas, with the Indian diaspora over-represented in drowning fatalities, and eager to strengthen community water safety.

This week, 40 drowning prevention experts from across Australia and India will gather in Sydney 17-19 February, in a two-way drowning prevention workshop aiming to identifying new water safety solutions and strengthening ties between both countries.

Representatives are from federal, state and local governments in India, policy makers and researchers, and water safety organisations across Australia and India.

Being multisectoral, the benefits of addressing water safety and drowning prevention, span health, education, recreation and emergency management in both countries.

Royal Life Saving acknowledges the support of the Centre for Australia-India Relations and the Department of Foreign Affairs to deliver this exchange program, as a recipient of the Maitri Grant Program 2025. The Maitri (meaning friendship) Grants aim to support greater collaboration with India across technology, business, education and culture.

Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Justin Scarr said “The Maitri Grant provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with Indian drowning prevention colleagues to reduce the burden of drowning in both countries.”

Centre for Australia-India Relations Chief Executive Officer Ryan Neelam said “We are pleased to support the Royal Life Saving Society in its efforts to prevent drowning in Australia and India. As two nations connected by strong people-to-people ties, coastal communities and a shared love of water, this partnership reflects practical ways we can work together to save lives and build safer communities.”

We are also very pleased to have the support of The George Institute for Global Health - India and World Health Organisation – India to assist in delivering the program in Australia and India.

The project is being delivered in line with Royal Life Saving’s new strategy aiming to bring people together to eliminate drowning and help communities stay safe around water.

Contact:
Justin Scarr, CEO, Royal Life Saving Australia
P: +61 408 434 011
E: jscarr@rlssa.org.au

For more about the Royal Life Saving, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au

For more information about the Centre for Australia-India Relation, visit Centre for Australia India Relations