There were 357 drowning deaths between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, 34 more than the previous year's 323 and 27% above the ten-year average. One-third of victims were over 65, with deaths among those 75 or older up 63% on the ten-year average. Population ageing, health conditions and medications can reduce swimming ability, and older men are particularly likely to overestimate their skills. Coastal drownings accounted for 43% of deaths, and rip currents caused more than one in three beach drowning deaths. Beach usage growth is increasing demands on lifesavers and there are calls for children to learn to swim.
The annual drowning report released by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia on Tuesday recorded 357 deaths between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 34 more than the previous year's total of 323, and a 27% increase on the 10-year average. One-third of those who drowned were over the age of 65, and drowning deaths among those aged 75 or older had increased by 63% on the 10-year average, the report shows.
Coastal drownings, accounting for 43% of the national total, remained a particular concern for Surf Life Saving Australia, said its chief executive, Adam Weir. Rip currents remain Australia's number one coastal hazard, responsible for more than one in three beach drowning deaths claiming more lives than sharks, floods or cyclones combined More is being asked of surf lifesavers and lifeguards, as beach usage continues to grow and people explore a wider range of coastal locations.
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