11 Sept 2023
National Drowning Report
The National Drowning Report 2023, developed by Royal Life Saving – Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, provides an analysis of fatal drowning between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
When presenting these figures, we are mindful of the devasting impact that drowning has on everyone affected: those who have died or had their lives forever altered by a non-fatal drowning incident, their families, friends, communities, and those who put their own lives at risk to save others.
Key Findings:
The analysis shows that 281 people lost their lives to drowning in Australia last financial year.
Nationally, the number of drowning fatalities in children aged 0-4 years (16 deaths, 6%) was 33 per cent below the ten-year average.
57% of drowning deaths were people over the age of 45 years.
Drowning was above the 10-year average for all age groups 45 years and older except for 65-74,where there was no change.
The leading drowning locations for nationally were rivers/creeks (76 deaths, 27%), beaches (75 deaths, 27%), and ocean/harbours (33 deaths, 10%).
The National Drowning Report analysis also shows that those residing in regional and remote areas drown at higher rates compared to those residing in major cities and that those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas drown at higher rates that those in advantaged areas.
Further findings:
Drowning fatalities in young children continue to decrease.
Older adults are a growing concern.
Poor swimming skills compound drowning risk
Boating deaths decline by 40%
Regional and remote communities drown at higher rates.
Inland waterways
Since 2002, more drowning deaths have occurred in rivers/creeks than any other body of water. In 2022/23, rivers/creeks were the leading drowning location again with 76 drowning deaths. Most river/creek drowning deaths occurred in the 33-44 year and 45-54 year age groups and occurred while swimming and recreating. Nearly one third (32%) of river/creek drowning deaths occurred in the springtime months of September, October, and November, and two thirds occurred in regional and remote areas.
Breakdown by State / Territory
ACT
There were 0 unintentional drowning deaths in the ACT between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
However, our 20-year report found there have been 43 drowning deaths in the ACT over the past 20 years.
NSW
There were 107 drowning deaths that occurred in NSW between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
In the past 20 years, there has been a 25% decrease in drowning rates and a 10% decrease in the number of drowning deaths when comparing baseline years 2002/07 and 2017/22.
NSW Overview:
2022/23 drowning deaths: 107
10-Year average: 95
This is a 13% increase compared to the 10-year average.
This is a 7% increase compared to the 10-year average.
NSW 2022/23 Facts:
78% of drowning deaths were males (83 deaths)
14% of drowning deaths adults aged 75 years or older (15 deaths)
3% of drowning deaths children under 5 years of age (3 deaths)
NSW continues to have the highest number of drownings in Australia - almost double the rates of QLD and VIC; and triple the rates of Western Australia.
TAS
There were 4 drowning deaths that occurred in TAS between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
In the past 20 years, there has been a 29% decrease in drowning rates and a 18% decrease in the number of drowning deaths when comparing baseline years 2002/07 and 2017/22.
2022/23 drowning deaths: 4
10-year average: 9
This is a 56% decrease compared to the 10-year average
This is a 56% decrease compared to the 10-year average
2022/23 Tasmania Facts:
100% of drowning deaths were males (4 deaths)
50% of drowning deaths adults aged 45 – 54 years (2 deaths)
50% of drowning deaths occurred at Ocean/harbour location (2 deaths)
Summer is fast approaching
Royal Life Saving acknowledges there has been some improvements in the number of drowning deaths in the past year, however we are concerned about summer fast approaching.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting higher than average temperatures across Australia from early September and into 2024, which will increase the use of coastal and inland waterways and swimming pools. We urge everyone to keep water safety front of mind as you enjoy time in, on and around the water this summer.