Australia drowning deaths remain 10% above 10-year average

Australia recorded 313 drowning deaths during the 2025/26 period, according to the National Drowning Report. While this figure is a decrease from the record 357 deaths in 2024/25, the total remains 10% above the 10-year average.

Significant demographic shifts were noted in the data. Drowning fatalities among children under five dropped to 11, which is 39% below the 10-year average, attributed to improved pool fencing and public education. However, drowning rates rose among adolescents and young adults, and every age group over 45 saw rates above the 10-year average. Specifically, 95 people aged 65 and older lost their lives, with the 65-74 age cohort recording the highest rate of any group.

Location data indicates that 48% of deaths occurred in coastal areas, while 29% occurred in inland waterways such as rivers and creeks. The report also highlighted socioeconomic disparities, noting that drowning rates were twice as high in disadvantaged areas and nearly three times higher in regional areas compared to cities.