Every year, Royal Life Saving produces a National Drowning Report. This report examines the factors that contribute to drowning deaths in Australia by examining who, where, when and how people have drowned in Australian waterways over the last year. Royal Life Saving has produced a National Drowning Report every year since 1995.
National Drowning Report 2025
The National Drowning Report 2025, released on Tuesday 26th August at Parliament House, Canberra showed drowning is a persistent and traumatic issue that affects thousands of families, first responders and communities every year.
The National Drowning Report 2025, published by the Royal Life Saving Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, found there were 357 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, which was 27% higher than the 10-year average .
The National Drowning Report 2025 insights include:
- 357 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, a 27% increase on the 10-year average.
- The lowest rates of drowning were in children 5-14 years, but this rises sharply by ages 15-24 years.
- Drowning rates were above the 10-year average for every age group over 45 years.
- One third (33%) of all drowning deaths were adults aged 65 and older (118).
- The highest drowning rates were in people aged 75 years and older.
- 43% occurred in coastal locations (154), including 82 drowning deaths (23%) at beaches.
- 34% at inland waterway locations (122), including 99 drowning deaths (28%) at rivers.
- 10% occurred in swimming pools (35 deaths), 68% of those deaths were in backyard pools.
- Where country of birth was known, 33% were born overseas, consistent with the 10-year average.
- Inequities persist – drowning rates double for those from the most disadvantages areas and nearly triple for regional and remote residents compared to major cities.
