Warning of drowning risk this summer
Last summer, 139 people lost their lives to drowning across Australia between December 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025 – the equivalent of at least one drowning death every day.
Last summer, 139 people lost their lives to drowning across Australia between December 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025 – the equivalent of at least one drowning death every day.
As people prepare for the upcoming holiday period, Royal Life Saving Australia is urging all communities to make water safety a priority by preparing before they leave home and remaining vigilant around the water.
Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Justin Scarr, said the combination of holiday travel, changing conditions and disrupted routines contributes to a sharp rise in drowning risk over summer.
He highlights Australians are increasingly exploring new and less crowded places to swim or spend time near water, often venturing into national parks and regional areas, where hazards may be unfamiliar and help may be further away.
Last summer, drowning deaths peaked during the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, when 19 people drowned – almost three lives lost every day.
During this single, high-risk week, people often travelled long distances, sometimes to unfamiliar or remote locations: 52 per cent of drowning deaths occurred more than 100 km from home. 73 per cent occurred more than 50 km from home.
Holiday behaviour further increases risk.
“During the holidays, people relax, kids explore, and plans are spontaneous. Alcohol is often involved and routines are disrupted. These elements combine to increase drowning risk, particularly at unpatrolled beaches, rivers and lakes,” he said.
“With summer upon us, many families will be heading to rivers, lakes, beaches, local pools and holiday parks – often places they haven’t visited all year,” Dr Scarr said. “But even familiar locations change daily. A place that appeared calm yesterday may be hiding fast-moving currents, deeper water, submerged objects, or hazards.”
Local risk
Bass Coast is considered a key “black spot” location in the state, with Life Saving Victoria (LSV) research showing there was a 96 per cent likelihood of a fatal drowning each year in the shire – the second highest risk level, behind the Mornington Peninsula.
According to the LSV Water Safety Framework released in March 2025, there were 32 fatal drownings in Bass Coast Shire between 2014/15 and 2023/24.
That is five times the Victorian LGA average.
The majority of drownings were visitors, with only five Bass Coast residents drowning in the 10-year period (and not all of them within the shire).
Over the decade, the report said there were also 21 non-fatal drownings attended by paramedics.
Six people drowned in Bass Coast in the 2023–24 period. Five were on Phillip Island, including four people who died at Forrest Caves in what was the worst incidence of mass drowning in the state in nearly two decades.
The other two drownings were at Kilcunda and Surf Beach and all drownings happened at unpatrolled locations.
This summer lifeguards and lifesavers from Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club will patrol Phillip Island's beaches.
Between now and Sunday February 15 2026, Woolamai Beach and Smiths Beach will be patrolled every day.
Cowes Beach will be patrolled seven days per week from December 22 until Friday February 6 (other than Christmas Day).
Who is most at risk?
• Older adults (55+) accounted for 48 per cent of summer drowning deaths. Royal Life Saving urges older adults to be aware of their current swimming ability and consider how medications or health conditions may affect balance, coordination and judgement in and around water.
• People born overseas represented 30 per cent of all summer drowning deaths. Many of these deaths involved men unfamiliar with local water conditions and risks. Drowning among multicultural communities most commonly occurs when swimming, fishing or boating.
• People visiting unpatrolled beaches, rivers, lakes, dams, and holiday destinations, particularly those unfamiliar with local conditions.
Royal Life Saving urges all Australians to take simple steps before heading out:
• Don’t overestimate your swimming ability.
• Decide who will actively supervise children around water.
• Avoid alcohol while swimming, boating or supervising others.
• Check the conditions and be prepared to change your plans.
• Wear a lifejacket when boating, kayaking or fishing.
• Never go alone. Always plan to swim, boat, paddle or fish with someone else.
• Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
Drowning prevention starts with you. Prepare before you leave home.
More information and water safety advice is available at:
