Australia’s drowning death toll highest since records began three decades ago

Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia say there were 357 deaths from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 - 27% more than the 10-year average

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Australians' swimming skills are at crisis levels, life-saving organisations warn, as a new report shows 357 people drowned last financial year, the highest drowning death toll since records began in 1996.

The annual drowning report released by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia on Tuesday recorded 357 deaths between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 - 34 more than the previous year's total of 323, and a 27% increase on the 10-year average.