Australia’s population is growing, both in numbers and also the diversity of our people.

Our diversity includes people from migrant refugee backgrounds, international students and overseas tourists.  We want our diverse communities to enjoy and make the most of Australia’s beautiful waterways safely.

Royal Life Saving is committed to supporting our diverse communities with water safety and swimming education that is culturally appropriate and accessible. We have developed resources in consultation and collaboration with different multicultural communities and leaders.

If you would like to collaborate with us, or don’t see your language here please contact our team at research@rlssa.org.au

New data released by Royal Life Saving – Australia has reinforced the importance of focusing drowning prevention efforts on multicultural communities to achieve the Australian Water Safety Strategy target of reducing drowning by half by 2030.

Over the past 10 years (2013/12 to 2022/23), 933 people drowned in Australia who were born overseas, totalling 36% of total drowning deaths. The majority were residents, and 81% were males, and 33% were aged between 18 – 34 years. China, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, India and Vietnam were the top five countries of origin. However, in the past five years, drowning deaths of people specifically from Afghanistan, Iran and Sri Lanka have increased. A major risk factor was length of time in Australia, with 36% of people having been in Australia for five years or less.