Water activities are great for healthy ageing. But as more older adults remain active and enjoy swimming, boating, or relaxing near water, drowning rates have started to rise.
The Royal Life Saving Australia 2025 National Drowning Report showed that one in three drowning deaths in 2024/25 were people aged 65 and over. This age group has the highest drowning rate in the country.
Key findings from the report
- Drowning deaths in older adults increased by 74% compared to the 10-year average.
- People aged 75 and older had the highest drowning rate.
- For people aged 85 and over, the most common cause of drowning is falling into water unintentionally.
- 84% of drowning deaths in this age group were male.
Leading activities prior to drowning:
- swimming and water activities (28%)
- boating (14%)
- unintentional fall into water (6%)
Common locations where drowning occurred:
- beaches (26%)
- rivers and creeks (19%)
- ocean/harbour (16%)
- swimming pool (13%)
Why is the risk of drowning rising?
Australians are living longer and healthier lives than past generations. In the last 20 years the number of Australians aged 65 and over has grown from 12% to 16%.
Royal Life Saving suggests a lifelong love of water activity, combined with health conditions, medications and reduced mobility, is increasing unexpected falls into water. Other factors include:
- swimming alone
- overestimating swimming abilities
- drinking alcohol
- a lack of up-to-date water safety skills and knowledge.
How to encourage older adults to enjoy water and stay safe
As the weather warms up, it’s important to stay safe while enjoying our beautiful waterways. Here are some tips you can share with older adults:
Learn or refresh your swimming and water safety skills with Royal Life Saving’s Aqua Skills 55+ courses available across Perth.
Do balance and strength exercises every other day to improve your mobility and reduce your risk of having a fall when near water.
Avoid alcohol when near the water.
Be aware of medication side effects and medical conditions that may affect your coordination and alertness. Speak to your doctor about how your medications might affect you on the water.
Wear a life jacket when near or in the water.
Check weather conditions before heading out.
Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
Avoid walking too close the the edge of rivers and creeks or other water bodies, and wear safe footwear.
Always swim, boat or fish with a buddy.
For more information on water safety and improving your swimming skills, contact Royal Life Saving WA.