As summer heats up, a new report reveals a shocking rise in drowning deaths in Australian waterways with older adults at an ever-increasing risk.
Locals keen to cool off as the mercury rises this summer are being urged to play it safe around the water after a recent report from Royal Life Saving Australia revealed 323 people drowned in Australian waterways in the last financial year, with more affected by non-fatal drowning injuries.
The latest figures show a rise of 42 deaths by waterways over a 12-month period, the highest in a decade.
In their 2024 National Drowning Report, the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia once again raised drowning rates in older adults as a growing concern.
Shockingly, 82 per cent of drowning deaths were male, up 5 per cent from 2023, and 40 per cent were over the age of 55 years with percentages dropping by 17 per cent from 2023, however, the age group increasing by a decade.
While the number of drownings in children aged under five represented five per cent of all cases, positively the statistics have decreased over the past 10 years.
Over a 10-year average, there was a decrease of 24 per cent, with a 6 per cent decrease from last year.
Sadly, whilst the 5 – 14 age group also represented five per cent of all drowning cases, over a 10-year average, the numbers had increased a whopping 40 per cent.
In teenagers to adolescents aged 15 – 24, this age group represented 11 per cent of all cases with a 10 year average increase of 22 per cent.
Most shockingly, there had been a continued rise in drownings in older adults.
Ninety-two adults aged 65 and over drowned in Australia in the last financial year, 17 more than last year and 44 per cent compared to the 10-year average.
Nearly half (46 per cent) of the people who drowned in 2023/24 in Victoria resided in socio-economically advantaged areas, whilst people who lived in disadvantaged areas in NSW accounted for 27 per cent of the total state drowning deaths whereas, people who lived in the most advantaged accounted for 25 per cent of all deaths.
The rate per 100,000 across Ovens Murray was 0.99 with a national rank of 53, on the lower end of the scale whilst the Murrumbidgee was 1.31, sitting at a national rank of 31, the midway point of rankings.
With a long hot summer ahead, the research has promoted urgent calls to keep water safety top of mind when planning a day in or near the water.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting higher-than-average temperatures across Australia over the summer months, which is more reason to be proactive with water safety.
Local waterways amongst deadliest
Over the past two decades, the Murray River has stood as both a haven for recreation and a silent witness to tragedy. The National Drowning Report 2024 highlights a persistent concern- the Murray River remains the deadliest river in Australia.
Just in November, a 51-year-old male tragically died on the Murray River in Moama after he fell overboard when the boat suddenly stopped to help a fallen water skier it was towing.
Despite continued drowning prevention efforts targeting visitors to inland waterways, especially rivers, the overall rates of drowning at inland waterways remain unchanged.
Inland waterways continue to account for 34 per cent of total drowning deaths in Australia, with adults aged 65 – 74 representing 13 per cent of fatal drownings and people aged 75+ accounting for 14 per cent of fatalities.
Over half (66 per cent) of cases at inland waterway locations occurred in regional and remote areas with 24 per cent of these occurring within a 100km radius of the persons residence.
The latest statistics show that rivers accounted for 80 drowning deaths in 2023/24, an 11 per cent increase on the 10 year average with men accounting for the vast majority of drowning deaths with 84 per cent in the last financial year.
However lakes and dams also recorded 30 drowning deaths in 2023/24, a 15 per cent increase throughout the 10 year average and representing nine per cent of all drownings.
Recently, a 10-year-old Albury girl was rescued from a probable drowning on Lake Hume at Ebden on Tuesday, November 19 due to heroic efforts of three tradespeople.
Rutherglen Police Sergeant Michael Savage was among the police who attended the scene, along with swarms of police and paramedics from Wodonga.
“The 10-year-old girl had a paddleboard, with her sister aged 14. They were walking along the sandbank when the ground gave way and she slipped into the water. She got caught in the undercurrent,” Sgt. Savage said.
“It happened at about 1.30pm and the older sister called out for help. Fortunately, three tradesmen heard the screams.”
The tradesmen, aged 62 and in their mid-20s, went into the water and rescued her.
“The 62-year-old performed CPR and the other two were assisting,” Sgt. Savage said.
“She was conveyed to Albury Base Hospital. I went over to the three tradesmen and praised them for their wonderful, quick action. I believe they will be formally recognised for their work.”
Sgt. Savage checked on the hospitalised 10-year-old later that day.
“She was in good spirits – after asking her if she needed anything, she said ‘chicken nuggets’!
“But I want to take this opportunity of alerting people to be aware of the dangers of water when people might think the water’s clear.
“The Hume Weir can be dangerous with snags and trees. It might look clear on the surface but there can be undercurrent.”
A greater awareness of water safety and practical tips for swimming and recreating in and around rivers and lakes in Australia, with a specific focus before and during the summer for all communities is recommended.
Local volunteer rescue diver Peter Wright OAM continues to issue warnings to locals not to be complacent around the Murray River and other inland bodies of water this summer.
“It is a really frustrating time of the year. I still get so apprehensive. There will be drownings this summer, it’s just a matter of when, not if it will happen,” the rescue diver of 40+ years said.
“I hope it is a hassle free and drowning free summer but my stomach tells me it is not going to be like that.
“It is an ongoing issue. Water safety is an issue that cannot be stressed enough to the entire community.
“The river is beautiful but it’s deceptive. The people most at risk are the ones who are unaware of the dangers.
“Everybody needs to take care around the water and be aware of the hazards.
“If you see someone doing something silly around the water, speak up.
“Look after your mates and family. Don’t be backward in coming forward.
“There is no tragedy like a drowning where the parents and family are on the scene. There’s the utter devastation and shock because they couldn’t believe it could happen to them. It does happen, and sadly it will continue to happen.
“The only way to minimise these tragedies from occurring is to be aware of the risks.
“Areas where people thought were safe last summer, might not be safe this summer.
“Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds to minutes, especially in the river where you can’t see below the surface. You have no idea where they are, and the situation can become disastrous very quickly.
“I have photos of the river at a lower level and if people knew what lies beneath the John Foord Bridge, they would not consider jumping from it. Visibility is so poor in the river, some accidents and fatalities have been avoidable.
“One message I have really been passing on is that if you get into trouble, don’t panic.
“Go with the flow. The river has many curves and turns, you will come to the bank. If you try to swim against the current or across the river, that is when you get into trouble as you tire.
“It is just about keeping your head above water and doggy paddle. If you go downstream, 200, 300 yards, it doesn’t really matter, you will come to the bank or something you can hang on to.
“Ninety per cent of drownings I have been to have been avoidable if proper precautions have been taken. Even wearing a life jacket, you don’t have to be in a boat to wear a lifejacket. If you want to have fun at the river and you are not a good swimmer, lifejackets do save lives.
“Supervision of children particularly isn’t sitting on the bank, or chairs around the pool on your phone. It is eyes on the person in the water.”
Drowning risk triples when children turn one
Between 2014 and 2024, there were 197 drowning deaths of children aged 0 – 4 years in Australia, 65% of which occurred in a swimming pool or bathtub.
Ninety-two children in that age bracket lost their lives in a swimming pool, with 41% of these children aged just one year.
The majority (91%) occurred in a backyard swimming pool with 82% of swimming pool deaths occurring while the child was not being directly supervised by an adult.
Tragically, drowning incidents have occurred when one adult assumes someone else is watching the children with swimming pools the leading location for young children drowning.
Most children accessed the swimming pool unsupervised through a gate that had been propped open or not properly closed.
Drowning risk for young children peaks in summer, with 37% of all deaths occurring between December and February.
With the warm weather and holiday season approaching, it is crucial to ensure that one responsible adult is always actively supervising children whenever they have access to water, including social gatherings around water.
“It is vital you keep constant watch and restrict access to water around the home. This is the time of year to check your pool fence and gate are in working order.” Royal Life Saving Australia CEO Justin Scarr said.
“If there is a lapse in supervision, a correctly installed and regularly maintained pool barrier can prevent your child from drowning.
“Always check you’ve closed the pool gate behind you, never leave the gate propped open and restrict children’s access to outdoor areas without adult supervision.”
Accidental falls into water (75%) were the leading activity prior to drowning in the 0-4 age group followed by bathing (19%).
Over the last decade, 37 children drowned in a bathtub, with 54% aged less than a year old.
Drowning in children is quick and silent, and a momentary lapse of supervision can be a matter of life and death. It is essential young children are not left in the care of older children when around water.
“We are reminding parents and carers that ‘Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to ‘Keep Watch’,” Mr Scarr said.
Knowing the risks of child drowning can help prepare parents and carers for their vital role in preventing child drowning.
Parents and carers are urged to ‘Keep Watch’ by actively supervising children around all water, restricting access to water, teaching children water safety skills and knowing how to respond in the case of an emergency.
Keep children safe around water
1. Supervise. Actively supervise children around water
2. Restrict. Restrict children’s access to water
3. Teach. Teach children water safety skills
4. Respond. Learn how to respond in the case of an emergency
For more information about Royal Life Saving’s Keep Watch campaign, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/keepwatch.
Learn to swim
The Corowa Aquatic Centre offers an extensive Learn to Swim Program for children, adults and NDIS participants. Residents are encouraged to find out more on these programs by visiting www.corowaaquaticcentre.com.au, or by contacting our friendly staff on (02) 60334401.