Published 10 November 2026
Over the past decade (2016/17–2025/26), 170 children aged 0 to 4 years drowned in Australia, an average of 17 children every year. Almost half (49%) of these deaths occurred in swimming pools.
A new Royal Life Saving research snapshot reveals 83 children aged 0 to 4 drowned in swimming pools over the last decade, with the vast majority (93%) of these deaths occurring in residential backyard pools.
Alarmingly, 78% of children who drowned in swimming pools were not being directly supervised at the time of the incident. In 23% of cases, children had been without supervision for an estimated period of more than 15 minutes, while in 40% of cases, only one adult was present.
Royal Life Saving highlights active supervision saves lives and it is vital that parents and carers always Keep Watch.
Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Justin Scarr, said active adult supervision remains the single most important way to prevent drowning among young children.
"Drowning can happen quickly and silently. That is why supervision needs to be constant, without distractions from mobile phones, conversations, or other activities. Whether children are swimming, playing near the pool or spending time around water, adults need to be actively engaged and ready to respond immediately. For children under five, this means being in the water with them when swimming, staying within arm's reach and actively interacting with them. Supervision must be 'eyes on' and 'hands on' at all times” Dr Scarr said.
Royal Life Saving is also urging families to check their pool fences and gates ahead of summer, particularly before hosting gatherings where young children may be visiting.
The latest research also found that 34% of swimming pool drowning cases involved children gaining access to the pool through a gate that had been left open.
Accidental falls into water remain the leading activity prior to drowning among young children (72%), reinforcing the importance of restricting access to water and maintaining constant adult supervision, even when children are not expected to be swimming.
Dr Scarr said the approaching summer months bring additional risks, particularly when families and friends gather around backyard swimming pools.
“At family gatherings, pool parties and social occasions, the presence of several adults can create a false sense of security, with parents and carers assuming someone else is watching the children. Supervision should never be assumed. A responsible adult must be clearly nominated to actively supervise young children at social gatherings, with a direct handover whenever that person needs to step away.
"Make sure pool fences and gates are in working order and never leave a pool gate propped open. Pool fencing provides an important layer of protection, but it is no substitute for active adult supervision.
"Keeping children safe around water is a year-round responsibility, but with summer approaching, now is an important time for families to refresh their water safety habits.
"Kids can't help themselves around water. You need to. Keep Watch," Dr Scarr said.
Parents and carers are urged to follow the four Keep Watch actions to prevent child drowning:
- Supervise: Actively supervise children in and around water. For children under five, be in the water with them when swimming, stay within arm's reach and give them your full attention. Eyes on. Hands on.
- Restrict: Restrict children's access to water. Ensure pool fences and gates are secure, properly maintained and never propped open.
- Teach: Teach children water safety skills through play and swimming lessons.
- Respond: Learn CPR and know how to respond in an emergency.
For more information, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/keepwatch.
Notes to the editor
Royal Life Saving Australia's Keep Watch public awareness and education campaign has been helping families prevent childhood drowning for more than 25 years.
The campaign focuses on preventing drowning among children aged 0 to 4 by encouraging parents and carers to follow four key actions: Supervise, Restrict, Teach and Respond.
Royal Life Saving and the Keep Watch program are supported by the Australian Government.
Media enquiries: Media Key – 0409 420 112 or 03 9769 6488
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