Two thirds of coastal drownings happen more than 1km from a lifesaving service, according to the latest data released as part of the 2025 National Coastal Safety Report – a joint initiative of Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving NSW.
Males continue to be significantly overrepresented in statistics, accounting for 88% of coastal drownings in NSW, and rip currents remain the most common cause of drowning – two in every five – but with 63% of drownings occurring over 1km from established lifesaving services or assets, the message is clear – if our lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you.
“There is a very clear trend evident in this data that shows beachgoers are straying from patrolled locations and looking for more remote, less populated spots to swim,” SLSNSW President, Peter Agnew AM said.
“It’s completely understandable to look for ways to make your trip to the beach memorable, but when you avoid locations where lifesavers and lifeguards are present, you take on a very big risk.
“You need only look at the efforts of our dedicated volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards this past season – nearly 3,500 rescues, over 1 million preventative actions undertaken to mitigate the risk of drownings and rescues, and an overall decrease in coastal drownings from the previous season.”
Indeed, for the 2024/25 season, encompassing 1 July 2024 through to 30 June 2025, there were 52 coastal drownings across NSW – down from 60 the previous season.
Volunteer lifesavers and Australian Lifeguard Service lifeguards performed 3,494 rescues, 1,087,710 preventative actions, and 24,944 first aid treatments – the latter a spike of over 30% on 2023/24.
Nationally, 55% of coastal drownings were people over the age of 55; a worrying trend for older Australians. At a state level, while 44% of coastal drownings were people aged 55 years plus – well below the national average – that figure is more than 30% higher than last year and the equal highest percentage of coastal drownings in six years.
On a rolling 10-year comparison, further breakdowns of the figures reveal that the Far South Coast – encompassing clubs and coastal regions from Batemans Bay to the Victorian border – has the highest average rate of drowning per 100,000 residents, more than 50% higher than the next closest region (NSW North Coast).
With 34 coastal drownings since 2015, the Far South Coast has a drowning rate of 4.55 per 100,000 people. Sydney has seen the most coastal drownings over that 10-year period, with 101, however that represents a drowning rate of just 1.12 per 100,000 people.
“Every year, what these statistics and what this report ultimately highlights is the importance of our volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards to their communities, and why it’s crucial that beachgoers plan their trips and visit patrolled locations,” Peter continued.
“Once again, there were no fatalities between the red and yellow flags this season. As we move into the warmer months and more people begin to visit our beautiful coastline, I implore everyone to seek out patrolled beaches where they see the red and yellow flags flying.”
KEY NSW FINDINGS IN 2024/25
- Coastal drownings totalled 52 – down 15% on the previous year, however up 13% on the rolling 10-year average.
- All coastal drowning deaths occurred at unpatrolled locations, outside of patrol hours, or away from the red and yellow flags.
- Males accounted for 88% of coastal drownings in NSW.
- Swimming/wading represented the largest categorical percentage of coastal drownings, with two in every five. Rock fishing was second (19%).
- 40% of drowning deaths were rip-related.
- Volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards performed 3,494 rescues, 1,087,710 preventative actions, and 24,944 first aids.
- This equates to a ‘Value to Community’ dollar figure of $4.3 billion.
DROWNINGS BY REGION
Far North Coast – 5
North Coast – 2
Mid North Coast – 4
Lower North Coast – 0
Hunter – 3
Central Coast – 6
Sydney Northen Beaches – 6
Sydney – 9
Illawarra – 3
South Coast – 9
Far South Coast – 4
Other – 1
VIEW OR DOWNLOAD THE NSW REPORT HERE
Friday 24 October 2025