Towards a nation free from drowning
Since 1998, the Australian Water Safety Council (AWSC) has produced National Water Safety Plans and Strategies to guide the activities of the Australian water safety community and work towards a reduction of drowning deaths.
Version 1 of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 was launched in 2021, and set a bold target to reduce drowning by 50% by 2030.
The Australian Water Safety Strategy (AWSS) plays an essential role in National, State and Territory, and community approaches to preventing drowning and promoting safe use of the nation’s waterways and swimming pools. It provides a high‑level framework for governments, industry, and communities to work together to reduce drowning while allowing flexibility in how actions are delivered.
At the halfway point of the ten‑year strategy, a comprehensive review found that overall drowning rates have begun to rise and that several focus areas were not on track to meet the 50 % reduction target. In response, experts from across the country convened in a series of forums, workshops, and a national summit to assess what was working and determine where changes were needed. This feedback shaped a Midpoint Update to the Australian Water Strategy 2030.
The Midpoint Update to the Strategy represents a refined and streamlined framework with a focus on the things that matter most. Importantly, this Midpoint Update introduces three clearly defined National Imperatives:
- Swimming and water safety skills for all
- Localising water safety efforts
- Aligning policies and partnerships for change
These National Imperatives signal where we must focus our efforts to create lasting, transformative impact. Embraced collectively, they provide a unifying agenda that everyone in the water safety ecosystem, from policymakers and practitioners to communities and individuals, can rally behind to reduce drowning by 50% by 2030.
By focusing on these high‑impact actions and working together, we can continue to reduce drowning and ensure that our national and community connection to water remains deep, enduring and free of drowning.
Download the AWSS 2030 Midpoint Update
Download 2-Page Midpoint Update Snapshot
Download A3 Midpoint Update Snapshot
Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 Events
The Australian Water Safety Council host a variety of events to advance the strategic priority areas of the AWSS 2030.
See Previous and Upcoming AWSS 2030 Events Here
