Published February 24, 2026
Older Australians are at highest risk on record:
New report finds 55% jump in drowning deaths
Older Australians currently account for 26% of all drowning deaths, despite only making up 16% of the population.
Dramatic new research released today by Royal Life Saving Australia reveals a very worrying increase in drowning deaths among Australians aged 65 and over, with record numbers reported in 2024/25.
736 elderly people have drowned in the past 10 years, with 115 lives lost in 2024/25 alone. This is a 55% increase compared to the 10-year average.
Royal Lifesaving Australia chief executive Dr Justin Scarr said the findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies as Australia’s population ages. “Older Australians today are active and independent and are spending more time in and around water. This is positive for health and wellbeing, but it also means risks need to be better understood and managed,” Dr Scarr said.
“The risk of drowning increases with age due to factors such as underlying medical conditions, reduced mobility, and falls. Prevention strategies need to evolve to match this changing profile.”
Main findings
- Over the past 10 years, 736 people over the age of 65 have drowned.
- 115 deaths in 2024/25 – highest ever
- 57% had a chronic disease
- Of these, 75% were cardiovascular related.
- 54% of deaths occurred in people aged 65 to 74 years
- Most common locations: beaches (24%) and rivers/streams (22%)
- 25% occurred close to home (0-5 km) and a further 26% occurred in the person’s place of residence.
- Main activities: swimming and boating, followed by unintentional falls into water.
Changes in risk by age group
The report highlights clear patterns in older age groups.
- Ages 65-74: Most active cohort. Travel further to beaches and waterways. Swimming and boating were common activities before the drowning.
- Ages 75-84: Similar recreational profile, but increased unintentional falls.
- Ages 85 and older: More likely to have an accident at home or in a residential area. Unintentional falls are the main precursor to drowning.
Of those with a recorded medical condition, 31% had a medical condition that directly contributed to death.
call to action
To reduce drownings among older Australians and achieve the goals of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030, Royal Life Saving Australia is calling for a focus on three key areas.
1. Supporting the healthy aging agenda – Integrating water safety into falls prevention and broader healthy aging efforts.
2. Lifelong aquatic activities – Encourage older Australians to stay active in and around the water, promoting awareness of personal limits and ability to change.
3. Management of medical conditions – Facilitate regular health checkups, awareness of drug side effects, and safe management of cardiovascular and other aquatic conditions.
“Aquatic activities have tremendous physical and social benefits,” Dr. Scarr said.
“Our goal is not to prevent participation, but to enable older Australians to enjoy the water safely and confidently.”
Older people are encouraged to work with their local council and aquatic facility to refresh their swimming skills and knowledge of water safety.