New Surf Life Saving Australia data shows increased drowning risk on public holidays

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has released its National Summer Coastal Drowning Report, which shows there were 104 drowning deaths nationally across the summer season, with almost half occurring along the coastline.

The peak summer holiday periods, specifically between Christmas Eve to New Years Day and the Australia Day long weekend, were especially risky this summer recording 27% of summer coastal drowning deaths.

While summer has drawn to a close, the busy Easter/school holiday period ahead has surf lifesavers urging the public to make sure water safety remains top of mind.

51 lives were lost across the Australian coastline, each one with long lasting impacts to family and friends. Males, unpatrolled beaches and rip currents were again highlighted as dominant risk factors. 

SLSA point out that the number would have been far greater if not for the efforts of its services, who they say performed more than 1.31 million preventative actions and 5,500 rescues over the summer months.

It also advised that more than 29,000 people have also completed the SLSA Beach Passport, a virtual water safety course that provides practical tips on how to keep safe when visiting the coastline.

Advising that the figures are a timely reminder, with the upcoming school holidays, including the Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends, of the need to be vigilant in aquatic environments, Surf Life Saving Australia Chief Executive, Adam Weir stated “while this concludes a busy summer, surf lifesavers will continue to patrol beaches for the next few months, including the coming school holiday period which includes Easter and ANZAC Day.

“We are urging all beachgoers to keep water safety top of mind when visiting our coastline, understand your limitations and swim between the red and yellow flags.

“Before visiting the beach, also be sure to complete our free online Beach Passport for surf safety education or just to brush up on your water safety knowledge - it could save your life, or the life of someone you share it with,” he said.

The efforts of surf lifesavers across the summer season have certainly helped towards the 22% decrease observed in summer coastal drowning deaths, compared to the 2023/24 summer.

Weir added “we are grateful to our volunteer surf lifesavers and lifeguards across the country who commit their summer to keep Australians and all beachgoers safe.

“Over the last three months, our surf lifesavers have performed more than 5,500 rescues, 1.31 million preventative actions and 45,500 first aid treatments, returning so many loved ones to their family and friends.

“The work of those in red and yellow is estimated to have contributed an almost $5.3 billion value to the community.”

Click here to read the interactive National Summer Coastal Drowning Report.

Image: Professional lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service perform a beach rescue. Credit: Australian Lifeguard Service.