81 Lives Lost: Summer Drowning Toll Highlights Drowning Impacts for Older Australians and Regional Communities
Royal Life Saving Australia’s National Summer Drowning Toll recorded 81 drowning deaths since 1 December. This represents one person drowning almost every day over summer. While this figure is a 22 per cent reduction compared to last year. Royal Life Saving stresses that every drowning death represents a person, whose families and friends have lost a loved one.
While the drowning numbers this summer were down, several trends are concerning.
Males accounted for 91% of summer drowning fatalities. Those aged 65 years and over accounted for 30% (24) of drowning deaths. In comparison, 2% (2) drowning deaths occurred in children aged 0 – 10 years.
All states, except for Tasmania and the NT, reported reductions in drowning this summer. Regional Australia accounted for more than half (53%) of drowning deaths, and 31% occurred in metropolitan areas.
The leading locations were beaches (27%), ocean/harbours (25%) and rivers/creek (23%), reinforcing that people are visiting a range of locations which all can have unpredictable and changing conditions.
People commonly drowned while swimming and recreating (35%) and boating and watercraft (22%).
Download the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll Report 2025/26
Recommended citation: Royal Life Saving Australia (2026). 2025-2026 Royal Life Saving Australia National Summer Drowning Toll. Sydney. Available from: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/sdt
National Summer Drowning Toll Reports
Drowning prevention starts with you, before heading out this summer learn how to enjoy the water safely:
- Know your swimming abilities
- Always supervise children around water
- Avoid alcohol around water
- Wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing
- Avoid going alone
- Know the conditions
- Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
