The National Drowning Report 2024 has been released in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia and analyses fatal drownings across Australia between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024. During this time, 323 people lost their lives to drowning and many more were affected by non-fatal drowning injuries.
The report discusses many key factors that contribute to drowning in Australia, including how climate change is altering weather patterns and major shifts in work and leisure, are extending the time and months that Australian’s are swimming in. With another long hot summer ahead, new research has promoted urgent calls to keep water safety top of mind when planning a day in or near the water.
Key findings across Australia
The report found that in Australia 83 (25%) of drowning deaths were people born oversees. As our multiculturally diverse population continues to grow, the first months and years in Australia are essential for building knowledge and awareness of water safety and swimming skills among migrants, refugees and international students. Implementing policy changes can help ensure our multicultural communities have early access to structured water safety and swimming programs in their local communities.
Adults 65 years or older are drowning at rates 2-3 times those of children under five, now accounting for 28% of all drowning deaths, an increase of 44% compared to the 10-year average. This proportion has increased steadily over the last decade from 19% in 2013-14. The report discusses potential factors such as underlying heart or other medical conditions, especially while boating or using watercraft and falls into water. Additionally, increased participation in sports and recreation activities, change in employment status and life style, drop offs in safety skills and decreased swimming fitness may have contributed to this concerning increase.
It’s also highlighted that although the lowest rates of drowning are in 10 year old children, drowning rates increase more than tenfold by the age of 20. The challenge of engaging late teens with awareness campaigns means educating children aged 8-14 years should be a priority. Teaching decision making skills and resilience through swimming and basic rescue and life saving skills, as well as identifying children in schools or community groups who need access to water safety programs, we can help prevent drowning in our communities.
Locations where drowning occurred
Beaches
Drowning deaths at beaches increased by 45% compared to the 10-year average, and a 12% increase from 2022-23. Rip currents continued to the number one hazard and contributing factor in more than 35% of drowning deaths.
Rivers/creeks
Rivers/creeks were the second highest drowning location between 2023/24, with 80 drowning deaths; a 5% increase from last year and a 11% increase from the 10-year average.
Ocean/harbours
There were 45 drowning deaths that occurred at ocean/harbour locations between 2023-24, a 36% increase from last year, and a 15% increase from the 10-year average.
Swimming pools
There were 35 drowning deaths that occurred at swimming pools and increase of 21% from last year and 3% compared to the 10-year average.
The report encourages those not confident in the water to brush up on their swimming and water safety skills ahead of summer. Injury prevention initiatives such as water safety programs that provide access to education and swimming lessons are essential. Royal Life Saving WA has information about water safety programs offered across Perth and regional and remote communities of WA.
Let’s take a closer look at the key statistics found in Western Australia
41 drowning deaths occurred. This is the most recorded cases since 2016-17 and a 17% increase on the 10-year average of 35.
The Kimberley (3rd) and Midwest (7th) regions were in the top ten regions with the highest drowning rate in Australia.
South Perth (5th), North Perth (7th) and East Perth (8th) were in the top ten metro regions with the highest drowning rate in Australia.
The highest number of drowning deaths in WA occurred in the 45-54-year age group (24%).
Leading activities before drowning deaths occurred between 2023-24.
Drowning in WA most commonly occurred at beaches (32%), followed by rivers/creeks (22%) and 15% in swimming pools (majority being home swimming pools), while swimming (23%) or as a result of an unintentional fall into water (15%). Over half (56%) of all people who drowned in WA were lived in disadvantaged and low socio-economic areas, highlighting the need for increased access and opportunities to swimming and education programs for those that are at risk. These statistics indicate that people may not have had the swimming and water safety skills to help themselves out of difficulty.
Simple water safety advice can and does save lives
Across Australia, drowning in young children (0-4) have continued to decrease. However, in WA, children aged 0-4 years accounted for 7% of drowning deaths this year, an increase of 52% in crude drowning rate on the 10-year average. The report encourages simple water safety advice, including:
- Always supervise children in, on and around water.
- Learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills.
- Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling.
- Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water.
- Know the conditions, check the weather.
Local governments have responded by implementing community drowning prevention plans, investing in frontline services, and investing in local swimming pools. Infrastructure and program support is essential across all layers of government. To learn more about the role you can play in reducing the incidence of drowning in young children, access the Know Injury Drowning Prevention Toolkit.
In Western Australia, drugs were involved in 29% of cases and alcohol was reported in 17% of cases. Alcohol is reported as the most significant risk factor for injury in Australia. Therefore, avoiding alcohol and drugs around water is highly recommended.
Download the Know Injury Alcohol and Injury fact sheet to learn more about the impact of alcohol on injury, including drowning.
We encourage you to use findings from the National Drowning Report 2024 to share water safety messages and help water safety organisations, community members and those who manage water spaces to reduce the risk of injury and drowning.