The Latest Breaking News from Royal Life Saving Australia

Kids safer but drowning risk rises for older generation

Australia has significantly reduced the number of drownings among children aged under five, but older people are increasingly at risk, latest figures show.

AAP · Sep 10

Some kids stop swimming lessons too early. How well can your child actually swim?

As the weather starts to cool down and outdoor pools shut, are you thinking of pressing pause on your child’s swimming lessons, or even stopping altogether?

The Conversation · Mar 19

Drownings among surprise cohort at all-time high

More seniors are drowning than ever before as Australians take to the water later in life, despite many having medical conditions which could put them at risk.

AAP · Feb 23

Fifth Drowning Confirmed in NSW Amid Spate Of Fatal Long Weekend Incidents

A fisherman swept into the water has become the fifth death to occur during the Easter long weekend in NSW.

Pedestrian.tv · Apr 19, 2025

Fishermen among five drownings in deadly Easter weekend

Five people have died in a spate of drowning tragedies over the Easter long weekend, three of them while rock fishing, highlighting its dangers.

AAP · Apr 19, 2025

‘This is Australia, we’re surrounded by water’: how a nation of strong swimmers is losing its way

Australia’s global reputation for swimming is being eroded by unequal access to lessons. The consequences are as tragic as they are predictable

The Guardian - AU · Mar 29, 2025

If your tween or teen doesn’t know how to swim, it’s not too late for lessons

New figures show shocking numbers of Australian kids are not achieving basic swimming skills.

The Conversation · Mar 19, 2025

Nearly half of Australia’s year 6 students can’t swim 50 metres or tread water for two minutes

‘Range of factors’ behind fall in swimming skills to below national benchmarks, including cost of lessons, researchers say

The Guardian - AU · Mar 17, 2025

Royal Life Saving Aus Is Urging Swimmers To Be Cautious After 6 People Drowned Over The Weekend

Royal Life Saving Australia is urging swimmers to take care this summer as the national drowning death toll continues to climb.

Pedestrian.tv · Dec 30, 2024

Fears summer drownings could double during Christmas

The week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day is the worst time for drownings in Australia, lifesavers warn, with an average of 15 lives lost annually.

AAP · Dec 21, 2024