Communities
Royal Life Saving research has identified a number of communities at higher risk of drowning. Our safety advice is based on evidence-based information, targeted to each group, to provide culturally appropriate and practical steps on how to stay safe around water.
How to keep children safe
Exposure to drowning risks and hazards naturally vary throughout a person’s life. In children, differentiating between various lifestages has helped Royal Life Saving to develop programs and safety initiatives specifically for each period of a child's life.
Drowning risks in adults
Royal Life Saving research shows that males continue to be at greater risk of drowning. We have also identified that young males and adults aged 65+years are at most risk of drowning in adulthood.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are at greater risk of drowning due to a number of key risk factors, such as lower levels of swimming skills and water safety knowledge, often coupled with residence in remote locations near aquatic environments.
Water Safety in Regional and Remote Areas
Living and working in remote locations has a huge bearing on people's access to swimming and water safety education as well as emergency care in the event of an accident, all of which put regional and rural communities at greater risk of drowning.
Multicultural Communities
Multicultural communities in Australia are at greater risk of drowning due to cultural differences in swimming ability and water safety knowledge. This includes visitors, international students and residents who were born overseas.
Disability
Safe swimming for all. Royal Life Saving is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in swimming and aquatic activities safely, regardless of ability.