Drowning is a persistent and traumatic issue that affects thousands of families, first responders and communities every year. This report found there were 323 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, 16 per cent higher than the ten-year average. This report examines the factors that contribute to drowning deaths in Australia by examining who, where, when and how people have drowned in Australian waterways over the last year. 

Key findings

• 92 adults 65 years or older drowned (28% of the total), the largest number ever.
• 82% of all drowning deaths were males.
• 15 children under the age of 5 drowned; this was down by 25% on the 10-year average.
• 25% of those who drowned were born overseas, with the highest countries being India, China, Nepal and the UK. Long term data shows this figure is higher (34% over ten years)
• People from disadvantaged and regional areas drowned at a higher rate than those from higher advantaged areas, particularly in children aged 5 – 14 years.
• 46% of drownings occurred in coastal locations (150), including 84 drowning deaths (26%) at beaches.
• 34% of drownings occurred at inland waterway locations (110), including 80 drowning deaths (25%) at rivers.
• 11% of drownings occurred in swimming pools (35 deaths), half (51%) were backyard pools.
• December and March recorded the highest numbers of drowning deaths.
• Drowning rates increase ten-fold from age 10 to age 20, likely due to increases in risk taking, and a lack of swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills across youth and young adult populations.