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The Latest Breaking News from Surf Life Saving Australia

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 are surging in Australia. AI can help

This year, Australian drowning deaths reached their worst level in three decades. Tragically, 357 drownings were reported between July 1 2024 and June 30 2025, with many more non-fatal incidents.

The Conversation · Jan 4

Australia’s red and yellow beach flags can be dangerously confusing. Is it time to change them?

Every summer in Australia, millions of people head to the beach, and every year, thousands are rescued by lifeguards or Surf Life Savers and even surfers or other bystanders. Tragically, many people lose their lives on our coasts.

The Conversation · Jan 1

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Are shark attacks on the rise in Australia? And what is being done to reduce the risk of fatal interactions?

There has been an increase in bites, but not deaths, say experts who praise Smart drumlines, live tracking, drones, high-tech wetsuits and better first aid

The Guardian - AU · Sep 12, 2025

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

Report reveals 357 deaths from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 – 27% more than the 10-year average

The Guardian - AU · Aug 26, 2025

'Wake-up call': the cohorts driving record drownings

Australia's drowning deaths have hit a sobering new high, with two at-risk groups accounting for an alarming number of incidents.

AAP · Aug 26, 2025

Despite decades of beach safety ads, at least 55 people have drowned in Australia this summer. It’s time to change tack

Australia is considered a nation of beach lovers. But with all this water surrounding us, drownings remain tragically common. At least 55 people have drowned in waterways in Australia so far this summer, most of whom drowned at the beach. And the season’s not over.

The Conversation · Jan 15, 2025

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The surprising ways ‘swimming off’ a hangover can be risky, even if alcohol has left your system

It’s the morning after a big night and you’re feeling the effects of too much alcohol.

The Conversation · Dec 31, 2024

Let’s take the boat out! 5 tips on staying safe on the water if you fancy a drink

Australia is a nation of boaters, with one of the world’s highest rates of boat ownership. There are about one million registered vessels in Australia and one in ten Australians has a boat licence.

The Conversation · Dec 18, 2024

More than 1000 deaths prevented by surf lifesavers

Surf Life Saving Australia's annual drowning report has found officials saved a stack of lives, while men were far more likely to drown than women.

AAP · Sep 12, 2024

From selfie injuries to viral stunts, social media can be risky for children. Could a ban help?

Australia is one of several countries currently considering a social media ban for children. Nationally, there are calls to raise the age a young person can legally use social media from 13 to 16, while South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas is leading calls to raise the age to 14.

The Conversation · Jul 30, 2024

Victoria pushes national summer drowning toll to 99

A spike in summer drownings in Victoria has pushed the national toll higher but surf lifesavers suggest it could have been much worse.

AAP · Mar 1, 2024

Afternoon Update: Israel hostage deal setback; Victorian Coalition drops support for treaty; and Sarah Ferguson diagnosed with malignant melanoma

Families of those held by Hamas are camped outside the Israeli PM Netanyahu’s private residence, demanding a deal be made

The Guardian - AU · Jan 22, 2024

Ironwoman and her daughters nip rip currents in the bud

Sportswoman Candice Warner and her daughters have joined a beach safety campaign that is targeting kids to reduce drownings.

AAP · Jan 12, 2024

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The Conversation · Jan 12, 2024

Thousands of visitors flock to Australia's national parks each year – and many take silly risks. How do we keep people safe?

A man was airlifted to hospital last weekend after falling ten metres from a waterfall in Queensland’s Tamborine National Park, which was closed to due to storms. And last month, a major safety operation was launched to rescue nine bushwalkers in Wollemi National Park near Sydney after one walker fell…

The Conversation · Dec 21, 2023

Australian beachgoers are told to always 'swim between the flags' – but what if there aren't any?

This summer, millions of people will flock to Australia’s beaches – and tragically, not all will survive. Last summer, 54 people drowned along the Australian coast. This included 28 people in New South Wales – the highest number in the state’s recorded history.

The Conversation · Nov 1, 2023

Using social media for your holiday 'inspo' can be risky and even dangerous – here's why

How do you choose your next travel destination? Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are handy tools for holiday research, full of #inspo for new and beautiful places to go.

The Conversation · Aug 23, 2023

Trampling plants, damaging rock art, risking your life: taking selfies in nature has a cost

In the age of the selfie taking photos of yourself has become an everyday occurrence. Half of all teenagers regularly post selfies. Driven by social media algorithms, many of us now flock to natural places for the best selfie background.

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The Conversation · Aug 9, 2023

'Your first emotion is panic': rips cause many beach drownings, but we can learn from the survivors

Danger lurks in the surf beaches of Australia in the form of rip currents or rips. These narrow, fast-flowing, seaward channels of water are responsible for an average 26 drownings a year and 80-90% of the thousands of surf rescues. Yet, unlike other well understood and feared natural hazards such…

The Conversation · Mar 3, 2023

Dangerous selfies aren't just foolish. We need to treat them like the public health hazard they really are

Selfies have been called everything from an artform to narcissistic and a sign of a dysfunctional society.

ABC News · Mar 1, 2023

NSW beaches record deadliest summer of all time with 28 drownings

A Surf Life Saving Australia report identifies the reasons behind the devastating summer death toll. Drownings in the NSW accounted for more than half the national toll of 54.

ABC News · Feb 17, 2023

Australian beach drowning statistics rise as lifesavers plead with public to stay safe

New data has revealed Australia is experiencing a deadlier than usual summer, with coastal drowning deaths breaching the 10-year average for the first time.

Newcastle Herald · Jan 16, 2023

Where's the best beach in Australia? Ask the man who's visited all 12,500 of them

"I like a beach with a surf, a nice headland so you get good views of it, uninhabited, accessible but with difficulty, with no facilities."

The New Daily · Jan 10, 2023

Australia surpasses 30 drowning deaths this summer

There have been 35 drowning deaths so far this summer in Australia, following a deadly Christmas period and several warnings.

The Conversation · Mar 28, 2022

Want to avoid a bluebottle sting? Here's how to predict which beach they'll land on

If you’re among the one in six Australians to experience the bitter pain of a marine stinger such as a bluebottle, you’ll know how quickly they can end a fun day at the beach.

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