Victoria recorded a concerning 52 drowning deaths in the past year, an eight per cent increase on the 10-year average, according to the alarming National Drowning Report 2025 released by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia.
This rise comes as Australia grapples with its highest number of drowning deaths since records began, prompting urgent warnings ahead of a forecast warmer and wetter summer.
The report highlights that nearly half (48 per cent) of Victoria’s drowning incidents occurred during the summer months. Beaches were the leading location for these tragedies, accounting for 21 per cent of deaths, followed closely by rivers (19 per cent) and lakes (12 per cent).
A particularly troubling statistic for Victoria reveals that the 18-24 age group experienced the highest drowning rate in the state, at 1.62 deaths per 100,000 population, representing 19 per cent of all Victorian drownings.
Across Australia, 357 people drowned in the past year, a staggering 27 per cent higher than the 10-year average. This surge is attributed to a decline in swimming skills, an ageing population, and increased visitation to remote, unpatrolled locations.
Dr Justin Scarr, CEO of Royal Life Saving Australia, emphasised the critical need for action.
“This is a wake-up call. Drowning deaths have surged to unprecedented levels,” he said.
“Half of all children leave primary school unable to swim 50 metres and float for two minutes, causing lifelong risk.”
As summer approaches, authorities are urging all Victorians to prioritise water safety.
Key advice includes constant supervision of children around water, learning swimming and water safety skills, wearing lifejackets when boating or rock fishing, and always swimming at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
