In today's release of the National Drowning Report 2025, Tasmania is one of only two states and territories in Australia to record a decrease in drowning deaths. Eight drowning related deaths were recorded in Tasmania in the past year, an 11% decrease on the 10-year average. 

The National Drowning Report 2025, published today by Surf Life Saving Australia and Royal Life Saving Australia, identified 357 drowning deaths in the past year, which was 27% higher than the 10-year average.

In Tasmania, 54% of the drowning deaths were people aged 55 years or over, correlating with one of the key findings in the reports that drowning rates had increased for every age group over 45 years. 

Although there is a diverse amount of waterways in the regions across Tasmania, the leading location for drownings were rivers (38%) and beaches (25%). 

Despite the tragic surge in drowning deaths across the country, Tasmania’s decrease from the previous season is testimony to the work that is being done by Surf Life Savers protecting the beaches across Tasmania. 

Surf Life Saving Tasmania COE, Tony van den Enden said, “with 1,269 accessible mainland beaches across Tasmania and responding to incidents in rivers, lakes and floods; we know our surf lifesavers can’t be everywhere. While our volunteers do an incredible job protecting swimmers between the red and yellow flags, we need greater support to extend and strengthen our services beyond the flags. Drowning prevention requires a whole-of-community approach – from expanding water safety education, competence in moving water, installing public rescue equipment and improving accessibility – so that everyone can enjoy our waterways safely.”

As the risk of drowning always remains, it is vital for Tasmanians to prepare for the upcoming summer season to keep friends and family safe in our waterways. 

To keep your family and friends safe this summer:

• Always supervise children around water
• Learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills
• Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
• Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
• Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
• Check the conditions, including weather forecasts

Key findings from The National Drowning Report 2025:

• 357 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, a 27% increase on the 10-year average.
• The lowest rates of drowning were in children 5-14 years, but this rises sharply by ages 15-24 years.
• Drowning rates were above the 10-year average for every age group over 45 years.
• One third (33%) of all drowning deaths were adults aged 65 and older (118).
• The highest drowning rates were in people aged 75 years and older.
• 43% occurred in coastal locations (154), including 82 drowning deaths (23%) at beaches.
• 34% at inland waterway locations (122), including 99 drowning deaths (28%) at rivers.
• 10% occurred in swimming pools (35 deaths), 68% of those deaths were in backyard pools.
• Where the country of birth was known, 33% were born overseas, consistent with the 10-year average.
• Inequities persist - drowning rates double for those from the most disadvantaged areas and nearly triple for regional and remote residents compared to major cities.

To view the National Drowning Report 2025, click here.