Surf Life Saving Australia releases National Coastal Safety Report 2025

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has today released the National Coastal Safety Report for 2025, revealing a tragic rise in coastal drowning deaths across the nation, with older Australians emerging as the group most at risk.

Last year (FY25), 154 lives were lost to drowning on Australia’s coast, the highest number ever recorded, accounting for 43% of all national drowning deaths (n=357).

Queensland sadly recorded the second highest drownings with 31 lives lost – it was an increase of 35% on the previous year.

Click here for full report.

Alarmingly, every incident occurred outside of the red and yellow flags, patrol times, or at unpatrolled locations, highlighting the ongoing dangers of swimming, surfing, or recreating in unsupervised coastal areas.

The national report found that more than half (55%, n=85) were aged 55 years or older, with 1 in 4 coastal drowning deaths amongst 60–69-year-olds (25%, n=38).

Last season, surf lifesaving services completed more than 2.19+ million preventative actions, performed more than 8,200 rescues, contributing an estimated $9 billion in value to the community.

Without the interventions of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards, there would have been at least an additional 1,500 coastal drowning deaths last year alone.

Surf Life Saving Queensland, Regional Manager Gold Coast, Nathan Fife said: “In Queensland last year, we saw 31 drownings along our coastline which was a 35% increase on the previous year.

“One of the concerning trends we are seeing is older Australians aged 55+ drowning along our coastline.

“We are also seeing an alarming number of people swimming outside of the patrolled flags, outside of patrolled times and well away from the red and yellow flags.

“Once again we’ve seen males overrepresented in coastal drownings, accounting for 87% of all drownings. We know males can be risk taskers, but we’re urging people not to take risks and swim at patrolled beaches during patrolled hours,” he said.

Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Research Manager, Dr Jaz Lawes said:

“Drowning risk increases when older adults are by themselves and have pre-existing medical conditions.

“No one plans to get in trouble, and as we get older, we may no longer have the skills we once had, to get ourselves out. We also know that many drowning incidents happen when people are alone, which means there is no one who can call for help. That’s why social connection and regular participation with others are key to reducing drowning risk.”

To help address this growing concern, Surf Life Saving Australia is calling on older Australians to get involved in the Silver Salties program, a national initiative designed to get older Australians engaged with their local Surf Life Saving Clubs.

Silver Salties encourages older adults to stay active, connected, and confident around the water through inclusive and enjoyable physical activities. Programs can include traditional surf lifesaving skills, gentle beach fitness, swimming, walking, yoga, or other recreational pursuits delivered at the beach, pool, clubhouse, or nearby park.

Surf Life Saving Australia is urging all Australians, particularly those aged 55 and over, to swim between the red and yellow flags, avoid going alone, and get involved with their local Surf Life Saving Club.

NATIONAL COASTAL SAFETY REPORT

• Coastal drowning deaths hit a tragic record –154 lives lost, making up 43% of all national drowning deaths (n=357). Every drowning death happened outside of the red and yellow flags, patrol times, or at unpatrolled locations.

• Older Australians at highest risk: 55% of drowning deaths were of people aged 55 years or above (n=85), with 1 in 4 among 60–69-year-olds (25%, n=38).

• Males were 6.8 times more likely to drown than females, comprising 87% of the drowning burden.

• Drowning risk more than tripled (3.3 times) during public holidays and long weekends.

• Most coastal drowning occurred during summer (40%, n=62), while December and April showed spikes 127% and 53% above average respectively.

• Swimming/wading was the deadliest coastal activity, accounting for 32% of drowning deaths.

• As the number one coastal hazard, rip currents remain deadly – they were responsible for at least 37% of beach drowning deaths.

Last year, our volunteer surf lifesavers and the Australian Lifeguard Services performed:

• 8,207 rescues

• 2.19 million preventative actions

• 65,942 first aid treatments

• Delivering community services valued at over $9 billion.

QUEENSLAND STATISTICS 2024/25

• 31 coastal drowning deaths were recorded — a 35% increase from last year and 15% above the ten-year average.

• No. patrolling members – 9,398

• No. of rescues – 2,355

• No. of preventative actions – 617,666

• No. of first aid treatments – 35,142

• Volunteer patrol hours – 344,789

• Value to community – $2.5+ billion

• All coastal drowning deaths occurred at unpatrolled locations, outside patrol hours, or away from the red and yellow flags.

• Males accounted for 87% of coastal drowning deaths.

• Individuals aged 55 and over made up 65% of QLD coastal drowning fatalities.

SAFETY MESSAGES

STOP

• Before you enter the water

• Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling

• Don’t go alone

LOOK

• For the red and yellow flags, if they’re on the beach swim between them

• For signs and warnings about the area

• At the conditions and weather forecast

• For rip currents and other dangers

• Always supervise children in, on and around water

STAY ALIVE

• Assess the conditions based on your own ability

• If it’s unsafe, don’t swim

• Avoid alcohol and drugs around water

• Complete the online Beach Passport for basic training and education on water safety and visit beachsafe.org.au to find a patrolled beach and for the latest safety advice.