Water Safety Alert Issued for 2025-26 Holiday Season as Drowning Risks Rise in Australia

Authorities Urge Vigilance Amidst Heightened Drowning Risks

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) have issued a critical water safety warning for the upcoming 2025-26 holiday season, urging beachgoers and water users across Australia to exercise extreme caution. The warning highlights a significantly increased risk of drowning, particularly on public holidays and long weekends, when coastal areas experience a surge in visitors.

According to the 2025 National Coastal Safety Report, the risk of coastal drowning is 3.3 times higher on public holidays and long weekends. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened awareness and adherence to safety guidelines during the festive period.

Record Drowning Toll and High-Risk Demographics

The past year has seen a tragic increase in coastal drowning incidents, with 154 lives lost – the highest number ever recorded. Critically, every single one of these coastal drowning deaths occurred outside of patrolled areas, beyond patrol times, or at unpatrolled locations. Furthermore, 41% of all coastal drowning deaths occurred during the summer months.

Specific demographics have been identified as being at higher risk. Males accounted for a disproportionate 87% of coastal drowning deaths in the last year. Additionally, older adults aged 55 and over represented nearly half (48%) of summer drowning fatalities, according to RLSA data. Swimming and wading were identified as the deadliest coastal activities, contributing to 32% of drowning deaths.

Adam Weir, CEO of Surf Life Saving Australia, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, 'We are urging everyone to take care over the New Year period. The research shows us that the risk of coastal drowning more than triples on public holidays, when beaches across the country are at their busiest.'

Key Safety Recommendations for Beachgoers

To mitigate these risks, both SLSA and RLSA have provided clear and actionable safety advice:

• Swim between the red and yellow flags: This is the safest place to swim, as it indicates a patrolled area.
• Visit patrolled beaches: Utilize resources like beachsafe.org.au to find your nearest patrolled location.
• Assess conditions: Be aware of your own swimming ability and the prevailing water conditions. 'If its unsafe, don't swim,' advises SLSA.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Do not consume alcohol or drugs before or during water activities.
• Wear a lifejacket: Always wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing, or paddling.
• Supervise children: Actively supervise children around all bodies of water.
• Don't go alone: Always swim, boat, or fish with someone else.
• Be rip current aware: Learn to identify and respond to rip currents.
• Complete the Beach Passport: Engage in online water safety education provided by SLSA.

Dr. Justin Scarr, CEO of Royal Life Saving Australia, noted that 'the combination of holiday travel, changing conditions and disrupted routines contributes to a sharp rise in drowning risk over summer.' He also highlighted that drowning deaths peaked between Christmas Day and New Year's Day last summer, with 19 fatalities.

Lifesavers on Duty

Volunteer surf lifesavers will be out in force across the country throughout the holiday period, including New Year's Day, to ensure public safety. In the past year, surf lifesavers performed 8,207 rescues and undertook 2.19 million preventative actions, underscoring their vital role in protecting beachgoers.