News Drowning rates declining Unintentional drowning deaths in Australia dropped by 28 per cent in the 12 years to 2020. by . Published June 11, 2021 Link copied! Copy failed! New research has shown that drowning deaths in Australia dropped by 28 per cent in the 12 years to 2020. Last year, 34 people drowned in Victoria, a 39 per cent decrease on the previous year’s figures. Updated September 06, 2025 12:18 am | 6 months ago Link copied! Copy failed!