RLSNSW funding bids rejected in State Budget despite rising drowning deaths and mounting economic cost
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Royal Life Saving NSW (RLSNSW) has renewed a call for long-term financial commitments from the NSW Government after its request for critical funding was rejected in today’s 2026–27 NSW State Budget.
RLSNSW CEO, Michael Ilinsky, said a pre-Budget submission to government clearly outlined a strong, evidence-based case for investment, highlighting that core operational funding has remained unchanged since 2010 despite significant increases in population, operational costs and the diversity of people participating in aquatic activities across New South Wales.
“Sadly, this decision comes as drowning deaths continue to rise,” he said.
New figures show that 129 people drowned in NSW between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, representing the highest toll of any Australian state and approximately 30 per cent above the state's 10-year average. Nationally, 357 people lost their lives to drowning during the same period; the highest number since records began and 27 per cent above the national 10-year average.
In 2024, the NSW Government committed $6 million over two years to deliver the Learn to Swim for At-Risk Communities program. RLSNSW delivered 11 of the 23 funded programs statewide through Project Elevate, providing Swim and Survive and SwimVAC programs through aquatic centres, schools and community pools. The statewide reach has been substantial: 10,686 participants, 114 aquatic facilities delivering programs across 58 local government areas. Demand has exceeded program capacity in several regions, with many locations maintaining waiting lists for lessons.
However, the current funding round will conclude on 30 June 2026.
Generations of government-supported, community-wide efforts to teach children to swim have reduced the drowning rate for children. Termination of this crucial funding would risk reversal of the gains made in regional and disadvantaged communities; and reinforcement of the socio-economic swimming competency gaps.
"NSW has experienced a record drowning toll and the highest number of drowning deaths in the nation. The case for sustained investment in water safety has never been stronger,” Mr Ilinsky added.
“Every drowning death is preventable, and we must remember that every one of the drownings across our state represents a family, friends and community left devastated.
"The reality is that demand for water safety education, community engagement, research and prevention programs has grown substantially over the past decade, yet core funding has not grown at all."
Based on RLSNSW modelling, the 129 drowning deaths recorded in NSW last year are estimated to have cost the state economy at least $725 million through lost productivity, healthcare costs, emergency response and broader social impacts. The true burden is considerably higher when non-fatal drowning incidents are included.
“Victims are overwhelmingly male, accounting for about 81 per cent of fatalities, while more than one in four people who drowned were born overseas, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and education initiatives for at-risk communities,” he added
"We remain committed to working with government, communities and stakeholders to reduce drowning deaths, but meaningful progress requires funding that reflects today's realities.”
Clearly highlights a rather worrying issue: drowning prevention funding is not keeping pace with the increasing risks and social costs, especially as figures for water safety education and community needs are rising sharply. From a lighter perspective, sometimes I switch to playing That's Not My Neighbor to change the atmosphere with its simple yet tense identity verification logic to keep my focus engaged.