Towards the drowning free nation Australia 2025

The National Picture

357 lives lost to drowning in 2024-25. The worst year in more than two decades. A 39% increase since 2017–18.

Despite years of safety campaigns, swimming and recreation remain the leading causes, linked to one in four drowning deaths nationwide.

Here’s what stands out:  swimming is one of the only top five physical activities shared by both children and adults, with 22.9% of children and 15.2% of adults participating each year. Yet, it remains the setting where too many Australians die.

Progress isn’t just stalling; it’s going backwards. The question is who’s being left behind, and why.

- Alena Sarri, Owner of Aquatots

The Generational Shift

Over the past decade, Australia’s childhood drowning rates have improved, with deaths among children under 9 have fallen by 3.5% annually. It’s a sign that early education works.

“Aquatots is proud of its role in this progress. We’ve taught over 7,000 children across the nation through programs that exceed national standards”
- Alena Sarri, founder of Aquatots.

But while childhood risk declines, a new challenge has surfaced.

Among older Australians, drowning rates are climbing. Those aged 75+ face a 4.3% annual increase.

Water safety isn’t something you outgrow. It’s a lifelong skill that needs practice, confidence, and connection at every age.

The Participation Cliff

Australia loves the water, but participation falls sharply after childhood. 22.9% of children swim regularly. Yet, by adulthood, that number drops to 15.2%.

The change begins around age 14, when structured lessons stop and swimming shifts from learning to leisure.

Even among adults who swim, only 46% take paid lessons, compared to 76% of children. Clearly, safety education fades long before the risk does.

Water safety isn’t a childhood phase. It’s a lifelong habit that needs to be nurtured, practised, and passed on.

The Inequality Divide

For families earning under $40,000 a year, just 9.7% of adults and 14.2% of children participate in swimming. In wealthier households, that rises to almost 30% of children.

“Drowning risk isn’t about where you live. It’s about what support you have. Every child deserves the same chance to learn.”
- Alena, owner of Aquatots

The Inequality Divide

Access to Swimming Shouldn’t Depend on Income

Aquatots developed the Swim Safety & Access Gap Index (SSAGI) to identify the gaps. This is the first national measure of its kind. SSAGI combines three key factors: drowning risk, access to swimming lessons, and the demand for those lessons. Higher the score, higher the risk.

Download the full report “Towards a Drowning-Free Nation - Australia 2025”

“Transparency saves lives. When we see the gaps clearly, we can close them. One swim, one state, one child at a time.”

Key findings:

• Northern Territory shows the largest safety & access gap, ACT the smallest.
  
  
• Tasmania and Western Australia reveal significant gaps tied to limited lesson capacity.
  
  

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