With summer at its peak and more Victorians heading to pools, beaches and waterways, it’s a timely reminder that while water brings fun and relaxation, it also carries real risks. Every year, drowning claims lives across Australia, and tragically, many of these incidents are preventable.

At St John Ambulance Victoria, we are urging families, swimmers and anyone spending time near water to prioritise water safety and refresh their first aid and CPR skills. Because when an emergency happens, seconds truly count.

The Reality of Drowning in Australia

Recent national data paints a sobering picture. In the year to June 2025, 357 people lost their lives to drowning across Australia, a 27% increase on the 10-year average. These tragedies occurred across a range of environments:

• 43% at beaches
• 34% at inland waterways such as rivers and creeks
• Others at pools and backyard settings

Older Australians aged 65 and over accounted for a significant proportion of drowning deaths, while young adults aged 15–24 also experienced rates well above the national average.

Closer to home, Victoria recorded 54 fatal drowning incidents and more than 130 non-fatal drownings requiring paramedic care during the 2023–24 reporting period: both figures above long-term averages. Importantly, these incidents occurred throughout the year, showing that risk isn’t limited to peak summer months alone.

Drowning Is Fast and Often Silent

“Drowning is often silent and rapid, it doesn’t look like it does in the movies,” says St John Ambulance Victoria CEO, Gordon Botwright.

In many cases, there is little splashing or calling for help. Without close supervision and quick action, a person can slip beneath the surface in seconds.

“A few seconds of CPR knowledge, combined with good supervision and water safety awareness, can bring someone back to life,” Mr Botwright says. “That’s why we are urging all Victorians, especially parents, carers, pool owners and young adults, to brush up on CPR and stay vigilant around water this season.”

Simple Water Safety Steps That Save Lives

Whether you are heading to the beach, spending time by a river or relaxing in the backyard pool, these simple precautions can make a life-saving difference:

Supervise at all times
Always watch children and inexperienced swimmers closely. Drownings can happen quickly and quietly.

Swim at patrolled beaches
Beaches flagged by lifesavers are statistically safer. If you’re swimming in unpatrolled areas, be aware of conditions and ensure constant supervision.

Avoid alcohol around water
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and reaction time, significantly increasing drowning risk.

Learn CPR and first aid
Knowing how to respond in the first moments of a drowning emergency can save a life before paramedics arrive.

Prepare before you go
Check weather and water conditions and always take a charged phone so you can call 000 in an emergency.

Why First Aid Knowledge Matters

When someone is pulled from the water and not breathing, CPR started within the first few minutes can double their chance of survival. Whether the incident happens at a pool, beach, river or backyard, early action by bystanders buys critical time until professional help arrives.

“We want Victorians to enjoy water safely,” Mr Botwright says, “but we also want our communities ready to act if the unthinkable happens. Knowing the basics of CPR and water safety really can be the difference between life and death.”

Enjoy Summer Safely

Water safety starts before you enter the water. By staying alert, supervising closely and equipping yourself with lifesaving skills, you are not just protecting yourself; you are helping keep everyone around you safe.

This summer let’s look out for one another and make water safety second nature.