Water Safety and Drowning Prevention

• What we teach: Water Safety Program, opens in a new tab, ACT Government Education, (accessed 25 August 2025). Available to year 2 students attending ACT public schools, the program provides swimming and water survival skills through a combination of classroom and pool-based lessons that: focus on water safety in or near water; teach basic swimming skills; and improve a child's skills when in water.
  • The program is delivered by Royal Life Saving ACT, opens in a new tab and consists of both practical pool-based sessions and classroom sessions.
• Ngadyung, opens in a new tab Royal Life Saving ACT, (accessed 25 August 2025). Ngadyung is the word used by the Ngunnawal People of the ACT region to describe water and various activities associated with it. The program is a dedicated Aquatic Recreation Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and provides free access to the RLSSA Swim and Survive program for children in the local community who are otherwise at risk of missing out on formal water safety and survival education.

• Learn to Swim Program, opens in a new tab, NSW Government, Office of Sport, (accessed 25 August 2025). Launched in 2025, fifteen learn to swim providers were appointed to deliver learn to swim and water safety programs that target people born overseas and those living in the most disadvantaged areas of NSW. The providers will deliver free learn to swim and water safety lessons to all major at-risk demographics including people from low socioeconomic groups, multicultural communities, First Nations people, and people in regional areas.
• Water Safety NSW, opens in a new tab, NSW Government, (accessed 25 August 2025). The website contains information on aquatic safety related to boating, fishing, home pools, inland waterways, and beaches.
• Swimming Pool Register, opens in a new tab, NSW Government, (accessed 25 August 2025). This site contains information about home pool safety, inspection, and legal requirements.
• The Surf Club Facility Program, opens in a new tab, NSW Office of Sport, (accessed 24 April 2025). The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to develop facilities that will enable increased participation in Surf Life Saving for all people, increased facility usage, and improved safety. The NSW Government has allocated up to $5,404,000 for this Program in 2024/25. Applicants may submit more than one application however an organisation will not be granted more than $1,000,000 from this Program in 2024/25.
• Places to Swim program, opens in a new tab, NSW Government, Planning, (accessed 25 August 2025). Supports the creation of great places for people to enjoy NSW rivers, lakes, dams and other inland waterways when swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, walking, or just being around water.
  • Places to Swim: A best practice guide to get in, on, and around water in NSW, opens in a new tab, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, (2024). This guide can be used to assist with the strategic planning and delivery of places to swim, scoping work, informing design briefs, identifying the specialist knowledge required, informing ongoing management plans and setting budgets for delivery and management.
  • Places to Swim Perspectives Report, opens in a new tab, Morrison N, Wright I, and Littman A, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University, (2023). The purpose of this report was to understand the various perceptions held by the community, governments, and stakeholders; detail the barriers to providing swimming sites across NSW; outline the benefits of high-quality, public open space for swimming in waterways; explore findings, case studies and design thinking in the creation and maintenance of areas available for swimming.
• SwimVac,, opens in a new tab Royal Life Saving NSW, (accessed 25 August 2025). School holiday program targeted at children from 6months - 14 years of age with the aim of getting as many children as possible to the 6- and 12-year-old national benchmarks for swimming and water safety.

• NT Water Safety Strategy 2030, opens in a new tab, Northern Territory Government and the Northern Territory Water Safety Advisory Council, (September 2023). This strategy is designed to build on work that has already been done and to continue to minimise the rate of fatal and non-fatal drowning and water related injuries in the Northern Territory.
  • NT Water Safety Advisory Council, opens in a new tab (NTWSAC). Members of the NTWSAC meet quarterly and report six monthly to review the current action plan that underpins the strategy. The minutes of the meetings and bi-annual reports are sent to the Minister for consideration. The Chairperson will meet with the Minister as required or requested to ensure the highest standards of water safety are implemented in the Northern Territory.
• Drowning and water safety, opens in a new tab, NT Government, (accessed 25 August 2025). Brief information on preventing drowning at home, especially for young children, and programs relating to the dangers of playing in pipes and drains.
• Learn to swim vouchers, opens in a new tab , NT Government, (accessed 25 August 2025). Available for children under 5 years of age who are not enrolled in preschool or school. Each child can receive two $100 vouchers per year (January and July). Vouchers can only be used to enrol children in swimming lessons with a registered activity provider.

• Water safety and swimming education, opens in a new tab, Queensland Government, Education, (updated 19 February 2025). The Queensland Government is committed to providing a high-quality water safety and swimming education program and developed the:
  • Water Safety Action Statement, opens in a new tab
  • Water Safety Action Plan, opens in a new tab
  • Pledge of Commitment to Water Safety, opens in a new tab
• South East Queensland Local Water Safety Strategy 2023-2027,, opens in a new tab Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, (2023). This strategy balances a focus on the prevention of drowning with reinforcing the benefits of recreating in and around the water. It will provide the region with a guiding strategy for reducing drowning, coordinating collective action and reinforcing the importance of safe enjoyment of the water. This will be achieved through improvements to individual and community resilience and investments in infrastructure, programs, research and capacity-building of the water safety community in the region.

• Water Safety, opens in a new tab, South Australian Government, (updated 21 December 2023). Brief information and links to programs relating to water safety.
• The South Australian Water Safety Committee, opens in a new tab (SAWSC) was formalised in 2006 to direct South Australia’s approach towards water safety. The SAWSC promotes, guides, and provides subject matter advice regarding water safety.
• VACSWIM, opens in a new tab is a government funded school holiday initiative administered by Surf Life Saving SA. It offers fun, affordable swimming and water safety lessons for children aged 3 to 15. Programs are held at beaches, rivers, lakes and pools across South Australia in December and January to teach vital survival skills and build water confidence for all ability levels.
• South Australia's Recreational Boating Safety Strategy 2025-2030, opens in a new tab aims to help combat irresponsible and dangerous behaviour across the state’s coastal and inland waters. This Strategy contains five priority areas, identified from evidence and extensive consultation, to guide decisions and actions through to 2030 with the goal to deliver better safety outcomes for all into the future.

• Swimming and water safety, opens in a new tab, Tasmanian Government, Department of Education, Children and Young People, (accessed 25 August 2025). The three-year program is mandatory for students in Tasmanian Government Schools in years 3, 4 and 5 students and optional for year 6 students assessed as at-risk at the end of the year 5 program. This program consists of ten consecutive lessons per year, supporting students to become competent swimmers and to be water safe.

• Play it Safe by the Water, opens in a new tab is a collaborative program between the Victorian Government and the aquatics and safety sectors. Established in 1998, Play it Safe by the Water is a communication and awareness program that aims to increase safety around water and reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents in Victoria. The Victorian Government works with the aquatics and safety sectors in promoting positive change in relation to water safety, through education, events and awareness activities to ensure water safety is a priority for all ages, genders and cultures.
• Swimming and water safety education, opens in a new tab, Victorian Government, Schools, (accessed 25 August 2025). The Victorian Curriculum F-10 requires schools to deliver swimming and water safety education as part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum.
  • The Victorian Water Safety Certificate, opens in a new tab is a Victorian Government initiative, which describes specific competencies that should be achieved by the time students reach the end of primary school. The certificate describes specific competencies that focus on water safety knowledge, rescue skills, a survival sequence and the ability to swim a continuous distance of 50 metres. The certificate is designed to supplement existing swimming and water safety programs delivered by schools and learn-to-swim providers.

• Swimming lessons, opens in a new tab, Western Australian Government, Department of Education, (accessed 25 August 2025). The Department provides swimming lessons for Western Australian children and employment opportunities for swimming instructors through our Interm and VacSwim swimming programs.
  • VacSwim, opens in a new tab school holiday programs give children from 5 to 17 years of age across Western Australia the skills to stay safe and build their confidence in the water.
  • Interm swimming, opens in a new tab is a school-based swimming program for children from Pre-primary to Year 7. It provides quality swimming lessons across the state to ensure children develop vital swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons costs are covered for all primary students in public schools and for primary students in rural and remote non-government schools, although there may be some fees for parents/carers to cover transport and pool entry costs. The program is also available to primary students in metropolitan non-government schools on a 'user pays' basis.
• Safety, opens in a new tab, Western Australian Government, Parks and Wildlife Service, (updated 12 January 2024). Provides brief information and links to relevant services to help people stay safe in various natural environments. Topics include Swimming safety; Beaches and coastal areas; Rivers, lakes and lagoons; Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving.

International Life Saving Federation (ILS)

The International Life Saving Federation (ILS), opens in a new tab is composed of national aquatic lifesaving organisations from around the world. They focus on working with Member Federations to lead the global effort to reduce injury and death in, on, or around the water. This includes assisting existing national lifesaving organisations; facilitating and developing a global exchange of drowning prevention and lifesaving information and of best lifesaving practices; helping establish lifesaving organisations in areas of the world where they are needed, but do not exist; acting as the International Federation for lifesaving sport; and cooperating with other international bodies with shared goals. Both Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving Australia are full members.

• The ILS World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP), opens in a new tab is held every two years to bring together the world’s foremost experts, research, systems and information on drowning prevention, rescue, lifesaving and water safety for exchange, debate and further development that will lead to reduction of death and injury in all aquatic environments worldwide.
• The Lifesaving World Championships (LWC), opens in a new tab are held every two years. They typically involve between 4,000 and 5,000 competitors, 1,000 team officials and coaches and more than 300 Technical officials and last some 17-18 days.

International Drowning Researchers' Alliance (IDRA)

International Drowning Researchers' Alliance (IDRA), opens in a new tab seeks to promote innovative drowning-related research by serving as a platform for collaborative efforts fostering the reduction of aquatic incidents in and around water. They also aim to manage, coordinate and disseminate drowning research worldwide around the topics of prevention, rescue and treatment, covering different areas such as public health, educational and sport sciences, psychology and sociology (as well as policy, economics, engineering, and others).

• Drowning and aquatic injuries dictionary, opens in a new tab, David Szpilman, Jose Palacios Aguilar, Roberto Barcala-Furelos, et al., Resuscitation Plus, Volume 5, (2021). The objective of this study was to develop a standardised drowning dictionary using a consensus-based approach. The drowning dictionary included more than 350 terms. Of these, less than 10% had been previously published in peer review literature. The drowning dictionary provides a common language, and the authors envisage that its use will facilitate collaboration and comparison across prevention sectors, education, research, policy and treatment.

United Nations (UN)

• World Drowning Prevention Day - 25 July., opens in a new tab On 28 April 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/75/L.76, opens in a new tab on Global drowning prevention. Among other recommendations the Resolution proclaimed 25 July as 'World Drowning Prevention Day' to raise awareness and promote coordinated, multisectoral action.

World Health Organisation (WHO)

• Drowning,, opens in a new tab World Health Organisation, (accessed 26 August 2025). Drowning is a leading killer. In 2021, over 300,000 people globally lost their lives to drowning. Drowning disproportionately impacts children and young people. Children aged under 5 years account for nearly a quarter of all drowning deaths, and more than half of deaths occur among people aged under 30 years. Over 90% of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Drowning prevention interventions range from community-based solutions, such as day care for children and barriers controlling access to water, to national policies and legislation around water safety, including setting and enforcing boating, shipping and ferry regulations. While significant progress has been made in reducing drowning deaths, much more needs to be done. Everyone should have safe access to water and be able to enjoy water safely.
• 76th World Health Assembly adopts first ever resolution on drowning prevention,, opens in a new tab (29 May 2023). The first ever resolution on drowning prevention requesting governments and their partners, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), to accelerate action on drowning prevention through 2029. The resolution was sponsored by the Governments of Bangladesh and Ireland and adopted by Member States to address this public health concern.
• Global status report on drowning prevention 2024,, opens in a new tab World Health Organisation, (December 2024). The report details the scale of global drowning fatalities, and progress made in advancing strategies and actions to reduce drowning around the world. It presents a benchmark against which to track drowning prevention progress over time – at global, regional and national levels – and to galvanise meaningful multisectoral collaboration within governments, organisations, societies and across the Unites Nations.
• Hidden depths: the global investment case for drowning prevention, opens in a new tab, World Health Organisation, (July 2023). This report shows the health and economic benefits from implementing two evidence-based interventions to prevent drowning in high-burden countries. It demonstrates the benefits of providing day-care and teaching basic swim skills to children and shows high returns from investing in these interventions. It provides policymakers, donors, advocates and other relevant stakeholders with a sound economic case for investing in and scaling up these measures.
• Preventing drowning,, opens in a new tab World Health Organisation, (May 2022). This publication provides best practice recommendations for 3 interventions to prevent drowning. The 3 interventions – provision of day-care, basic swimming and water safety skills, and safe rescue and resuscitation training – are implemented at community level. Safe and effective implementation depends on programme implementers following the guidance provided in these best practice recommendations.
• Preventing drowning: an implementation guide,, opens in a new tab World Health Organisation, (May 2017). Provides practical steps to reduce drowning, through 10 evidence-based interventions and strategies. It is designed to help drowning-prevention practitioners – from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers to government officials and policy-makers – approach drowning prevention in a strategic, evidence-based and multisectoral way. It also highlights ways to harness public awareness and engagement to strengthen drowning prevention interventions.
• Global report on drowning: preventing a leading killer,, opens in a new tab World Health Organisation, (November 2014). Drowning is a serious and neglected public health threat claiming the lives of 372,000 people a year worldwide. More than 90% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. This death toll is almost two thirds that of malnutrition and well over half that of malaria – but unlike these public health challenges, there are no broad prevention efforts that target drowning.

• Water Safety Ireland, opens in a new tab focus on public awareness and education. They work to reduce fatalities by increasing water safety awareness and by changing attitudes and behaviours so that our aquatic environments can be enjoyed with confidence and safety.
• Since 2021, WSI have had an annual Water Safety Awareness Week, opens in a new tab dedicated to water safety education, awareness and events.
• National Drowning Prevention Policy 2018 – 2027, opens in a new tab. Developed by Water Safety Ireland, this is a blueprint to save lives and reduce the number of drownings in Ireland by 50% by 2027. It is also a statement of what we can achieve when all our stakeholders combine their efforts with a shared focus.
  • On average 133 people die from drowning in Ireland every year.
  • The economic cost of drownings in Ireland is €266M each year.
  • Ireland's drowning death toll is more than two thirds of that on all our roads.
  • There are 3 times more male drowning fatalities than there are female.

Water Safety New Zealand, opens in a new tab. Through leadership, advocacy and education, Water Safety New Zealand works with water safety sector organisations, individuals and the public to reduce the incidence of drowning and injury in Aotearoa New Zealand. Their work contributes to the reduction in drownings and to a thriving society for individuals, families and communities.

• Drowning Insights., opens in a new tab Data-driven insights are used to support advocacy and reduce preventable drowning, water-related injury and hospitalisations.
• National Drowning Prevention Report - 2024., opens in a new tab The 2024 National Drowning Prevention Report is the official account of preventable drownings across Aotearoa over the past year. Compiled by Water Safety New Zealand, using data from DrownBase, New Zealand’s authoritative drowning database, the report synthesises information from coronial findings, incident reports, and other verified sources. It provides an accurate and thorough representation of drowning incidents and remains a cornerstone resource for the water safety community, designed to inform strategy, guide interventions, aid policymakers, and support collaborative efforts to reduce drowning fatalities and promote safer water practices.
• What Kiwis tell us about water safety, opens in a new tab. Insights from the National Coastal and Water Safety Survey, carried out by Water Safety NZ and Surf Life Saving New Zealand, and funded by NZ Search and Rescue. The annual online survey of 1,000 people aged 16 years and over explores people’s abilities, behaviours, and attitudes around water safety, and helps shape data-driven efforts to prevent drownings and improve public safety. Some key insights include:
  • Most New Zealand adults (82%) do not consider themselves competent in open water.
  • Most New Zealanders can not identify a rip current, either in a photo or in a real life situation.
  • Less than 20% of people consider themselves competent – and more than half of New Zealanders are unable to swim or weak at swimming in open water.
  • A quarter of New Zealanders surveyed consider themselves unable to float or weak at floating.
• New Zealand's Water Safety Code, opens in a new tab. Every year too many New Zealanders die in preventable drownings. Simple yet essential skills, like floating, can mean the difference between life and death. Following the water safety code can save lives. Five simple ways to survive: Know how to float; Find the safest place; If in doubt, stay out; Take care of yourself and others; Know how to get help.
• Water Skills for Life, opens in a new tab prioritises water survival skills for children aged 5-13 years. It provides freely available resources aimed at enhancing the quality and focus of aquatic programmes. The programme emphasises age-appropriate skills relevant to environments where drownings most commonly occur, such as beaches, rivers, and lakes.
• Kia Maanu Kia Ora l Stay Afloat, Stay Alive, opens in a new tab. Embodies the intimate connections Māori have always had with wai (water). It is central to Māori identity, as a life-giving force for sustenance, health and wellbeing. The kaupapa of Kia Maanu Kia Ora l Stay Afloat, Stay Alive acknowledges that water safety is not merely about teaching water skills. It must start with a deeper understanding and respect for wai that is natural for Māori, which can also lead to the provision of more purposeful drowning prevention for all New Zealanders.
• New Zealand Water Safety Sector Strategy 2025,, opens in a new tab (2021). To work collectively to instill respect for the water and encourage safe behaviours/tikanga by all people in Aotearoa New Zealand so that drowning fatalities and injuries are reduced.

National Water Safety Forum, opens in a new tab (NWSF) is a collaborative network of the UK’s leading experts in drowning prevention, serving as a collective voice for water safety organisations and practitioners across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, promoting key issues to government and communities through education, communication and data-driven research. The NWSF was established in 2004 following a government review into water safety.

• The UK Drowning Prevention Strategy 2016-2026, opens in a new tab aims to reduce accidental drowning fatalities in the UK by 50% by 2026, and reduce risk amongst the highest risk populations, groups and communities.
• #RespectTheWater, opens in a new tab is the national campaign for members of the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF). It runs throughout the year, but with a focus on the busy spring and summer months, complimenting and amplifying a number of national water safety campaigns. It aims to provide lifesaving advice for those in danger in, on or close to the water.
• The WAter Incident Database, opens in a new tab (WAID) is a service developed by the NWSF to bring together water-related incident data from a wide range of sources within the UK search and rescue region, including search and rescue reports, coroners' reports and media reporting.
  • Data from WAID are used to publish the Annual Fatal Incident Reports, opens in a new tab for the UK as a whole, as well as England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Water safety principles, opens in a new tab, (accessed 29 April 2025). The guiding principles were specially developed with the visitor in mind, therefore the level of assumed risk and protection afforded needs to be considered using a different matrix than that applied to an occupational situation or premise.

Water safety toolkit, opens in a new tab, Local Government Association, (accessed 29 April 2025). The LGA has produced a water safety toolkit for councils, to ensure both locals and visitors enjoy the natural environment safely whether on the coast or inland. In 2020, 254 people lost their lives in accidental drownings in the UK, with hundreds more having near drowning experiences, sometimes suffering life-changing injuries.