Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) is calling on Tasmanians to make safer choices on the coast, following the release of the 2025/26 Summer Coastal Drowning Report by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA). Three coastal drowning deaths were recorded in Tasmania this summer which is 50% above the state’s five year average.

All three deaths occurred more than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service, and all three victims were male. The majority (75%) were aged 65 years or older which is a timely reminder that experience and familiarity with the ocean does not eliminate risk. 

Nationally, 50 coastal drowning deaths were recorded over summer equalling to one every two days. This representation is a welcome 14% decrease from the five-year average driven in part by the tireless efforts of volunteer surf lifesavers across the country.

SLST CEO Tony van den Enden, said the Tasmanian figures are a sobering reminder of the dangers that exist beyond the flags.

“Three families in Tasmania are now living with the devastating consequences of coastal drowning, and that is something our entire community feels deeply.

"Tasmania's coastline is beautiful but it is also unforgiving. Conditions can change quickly and we urge everyone, particularly older Tasmanians who may feel confident  in and around the water, to stop, assess the conditions and always choose to swim at a patrolled beach where our volunteers can look out for you,” van den Enden said. 

Despite the tragic loss of life, Tasmania’s surf lifesavers delivered an extraordinary level of service this summer performing 18 rescues, 337 preventative actions and 73 first aid treatments. Modellings estimates these efforts saved one additional life, prevented one critical injury and delivered $6.42 million in value to the Tasmanian community. 

“The value our volunteers deliver to Tasmanian communities is immeasurable. Our volunteers give up their weekends and holidays to stand watch on our beaches so that others can enjoy them safely. That commitment deserves recognition,” van den Enden said.

With the summer patrol season drawing to a close, SLST is encouraging all Tasmanian’s to show their support for surf lifesaving volunteers by getting behind the inaugural Red & Yellow Day on Wednesday 4 March 2026 - a national day of celebration and recognition for the surf lifesaving community. 

“Red & Yellow Day is a chance for every Tasmanian to say thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who have kept our beaches safe this summer. Wear the red and yellow colours, share the message, donate, and help us make sure these incredible volunteers know how much they are valued.”

Tasmanians can find their nearest patrolled beach and water safety messaging via the Beachsafe app or at beachsafe.org.au

To read the full 2025/26 Summer Coastal Drowning Report, click here.

To find out more about Red & Yellow Day, click here.