Stay within arm’s reach around water. No child should drown.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death and injury in children under five in Australia.

NSW saw the highest number of drowning deaths in 2023 - 2024 since the National Fatal Drowning Database records began in 2002. The greatest increase in drowning deaths of children was those aged 5 -14 years.  Drowning occurred mainly from an unintentional fall into water.

From July 2024 to March 2025, there has been approximately 50 presentations to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, and the Children's Hospital Westmead, for fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents.  Over half of the children brought to the hospitals for drowning related incidents have been under the age of 4 years old. 

In NSW, the risk of a drowning incident is highest between the 25 December and 2 January, during heatwaves and in the afternoons. NSW is predicted to see hotter days, prolonged days of higher temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, so it’s important to be attentive around water this summer.

A drowning incident does not need to be fatal to have serious consequences. Non-fatal drowning incidents can result in serious lifelong health issues, including organ and brain damage, with devastating lifelong effects for survivors and families. Children are at the most risk for non-fatal drowning incidents.

Tips to keep safe around water this summer:

• Encourage children to take breaks from swimming. Swimming can be tiring for children and young people, even if they are strong swimmers. Taking a break can help children regain their strength and energy
• Set family rules that a child must ask for permission before going near any water
• Safety test all child swimming aids and flotation devices before getting into the water. Swimming and floatation aids do not prevent drowning
• Check floatation devices for slits, leaks or holes, sizing and that they still fit properly and for any product recalls
• Follow the instructions or manufacturer guides for the correct use of the device
• Dress children in brightly coloured, sun-safe clothing and note what your child is wearing to help track their movements

Make sure there's always an adult to be the ‘Water Watcher’. No one can supervise or watch your child as closely as you. Even if lifeguards are present, beaches can get very busy, and despite their best efforts, you need to be your child’s number one supervisor.

For more information see our Water safety information in the kids health hub.