With drowning deaths rising across Australia and older Australians most at risk, Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) is putting water safety front and centre this summer through a series of free ‘Come and Try’ programs running throughout January 2026.

Recent national and state data reinforces the need for these programs to help keep Tasmanians safe. While Tasmania recorded a decrease in drowning deaths in 2025, the National Drowning Report 2025 revealed 54% of drowning deaths involved people aged 55 years and over, with rivers and beaches identified as leading locations. 

Concerns also remain for children and young people. A joint study with Life Saving Victoria found only 1% of Tasmanian children surveyed were perceived as fully competent swimmers for their age, reinforcing the urgent need for early and ongoing water safety education.

Against this backdrop, SLST is delivering a range of free ‘Come and Try’ holiday water safety programs designed to turn awareness into action and equipping Tasmanians of all ages with knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy beaches and waterways more safely this summer. Running throughout the January 2026 school holiday period at beaches across Hobart and the north-west coast, the programs are led by qualified SLST lifesaving staff and focus on practical, hands-on learning in a supportive environment. 

SLST Community Programs Coordinator Nadia Roulias said: “These programs are crucial for building a culture of safety around our beaches and waterways. By giving Tasmanians the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills in a practical, supportive environment, we are helping prevent accidents, giving families confidence and ensuring that all participants, from toddlers to older adults, can enjoy the water safely beyond this summer.”

Beach Wise is designed for children, teens and adults to build confidence, teens and adults to build confidence and skills in a fun, practical environment. Silver Salties targets older Australians aged 65 and over, combining water safety education with social and beach-based activities. Water Babies provides families with children aged 0-3 years an interactive, play-based approach to introduce young children and their carers to safe practices around water. 

Participants will learn how to recognise beach hazards such as rips and changing conditions, understand the meaning of red and yellow flags and beach signage, practise sun safety and develop strategies to signal for help in an emergency. Sessions also build assurance through basic water skills including wading, floating and safe movement in shallow surf, alongside modified beach games that encourage safe decision-making and awareness around water. 

The programs are scheduled to operate weekdays throughout January at different beaches in Hobart and North-west Tasmania. 

To find out more information about all three holiday programs, click here.