HOTTER, longer summers are driving a rise in drowning deaths across Victoria, and Life Saving Victoria’s latest report shows more incidents are now occurring outside the usual peak season, with coastal areas like Geelong and the Surf Coast appearing prominently in long-term statewide data.<\/p>\n
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 annual drowning report, released last week, recorded 52 fatal drowning deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents across the state. Both numbers are above their 10-year averages.<\/p>\n
Autumn was particularly alarming, with 14 fatalities \u2013 the highest number in 12 years and almost 50 per cent above the decade average \u2013 as hotter weather extended well beyond summer.<\/p>\n
A further 12 deaths were recorded across the state between September and November, the highest number since 2001.<\/p>\n
The report shows that the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions have each recorded five or more fatal drownings each year since 2015. More than 50 per cent of these deaths involved men and most victims were aged between 45 and 64 years of age.<\/p>\n
Life Saving Victoria chief executive, Catherine Greaves, warned that drowning risk is broadening across demographics and seasons.<\/p>\n
“Drowning can happen to anyone, but in 2025, no one should be drowning in Victoria,” she said in the report’s foreword.<\/p>\n
“It’s particularly concerning to see increasing numbers of incidents across many ages, backgrounds and seasons\u2026 More people are visiting our beaches and waterways more of the time, and the risks associated with this must be managed with resources that are already stretched.”<\/p>\n
Statewide, fatalities among 15\u201324-year-olds were 27 per cent above the 10-year average, people aged 65 had the highest drowning rate of any age group, and people from multicultural backgrounds remain over-represented in the data, accounting for more than a third of drowning fatalities over the past decade.<\/p>\n
Federal Corangamite MP, Libby Coker, said the findings were a reminder of the responsibility that comes with living on a world-renowned coastline.<\/p>\n
“We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, right by some of Australia’s most iconic beaches,” she said. “Yet, this report shows drowning remains a persistent and traumatic issue that affects so many families, first responders and communities each year.”<\/p>\n
Ms Greaves said a whole-of-community approach was required to bring down the rate of drowning incidents across the state.<\/p>\n
“This includes targeted solutions to reach high-risk populations and communities, so everyone can enjoy the water safely and gain the full benefits of participating in aquatic activities,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Every life lost to drowning is an unbearable tragedy, and not a single drowning should ever be considered acceptable. It’s critical that we expand our efforts to reach every part of Victoria, ensuring no community is left behind in the vital conversation and action for water safety.<\/p>\n
“We owe it to every person and every family to keep this message front-of-mind, all year round.”<\/p>\n
LSV says the findings will guide new prevention, education and community outreach measures as warmer conditions continue to stretch the traditional summer season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HOTTER, longer summers are driving a rise in drowning deaths across Victoria, and Life Saving Victoria’s latest report shows more incidents are now occurring outside the usual peak season, with coastal areas like Geelong and the Surf Coast appearing prominently in long-term statewide data. Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 annual drowning report, released last week, recorded […]<\/p>\n