With NSW Seniors Festival approaching next week, communities across the state will come together to celebrate the valuable contributions of older Australians and promote opportunities for people to stay active, connected and healthy as they age.

At Royal Life Saving NSW, Seniors Festival is also an important reminder of the role that water safety and aquatic activity can play in supporting healthy ageing — both physically and socially.

Over the coming months, Royal Life Saving NSW is proud to partner with the NSW Government and local aquatic facilities across Western Sydney to deliver a series of FREE Seniors Water Wellness Programs for adults aged 60 years and over, starting in March.

These programs are designed to help older adults confidently return to aquatic environments, build skills and enjoy the many benefits that water-based activity provides.

Why Water Safety for Older Adults Matters

New national research from Royal Life Saving Australia highlights why programs like these are so important. The latest report shows that older Australians are now experiencing the highest drowning risk on record, with people aged 65 years and over accounting for 26% of all drowning deaths, despite representing just 16% of the population.

In 2024/25 alone, 115 older Australians lost their lives to drowning — a 55% increase on the 10-year average.

Over the past decade:

• 736 older adults have drowned in Australia

• 57% had a pre-existing medical condition

• 75% of those conditions were cardiovascular-related

• Many incidents occurred close to home or within 5km of residence

• Common activities included swimming, boating and unintentional falls into water

  
  

As Australians live longer and remain more active, time spent around water also increases. While this is positive for health and wellbeing, it also highlights the need to better understand and manage risk.

Factors such as underlying medical conditions, reduced mobility, medications, fatigue and falls can increase drowning risk with age.

The message is clear: staying active around water is important — but doing so safely is essential.

Supporting Lifelong Aquatic Participation

Royal Life Saving strongly supports a lifelong approach to aquatic participation. Water-based activity provides significant benefits including improved mobility, cardiovascular health, balance, strength and mental wellbeing. It also creates opportunities for social connection, which is vital for healthy ageing.

The goal is not to discourage participation, but to ensure older adults can continue enjoying aquatic environments safely, confidently and with awareness of their personal limits.

Seniors Water Wellness Programs Across Western Sydney

To support this, Royal Life Saving NSW will deliver FREE Seniors Water Wellness Programs across multiple aquatic centres in Western Sydney from March onwards.

These programs focus on:

• Returning to aquatic activity in a safe and supportive environment

• Building confidence in and around water

• Learning practical water safety and lifesaving skills

• Understanding personal risk factors and safe decision making

• Gentle aquatic exercise to support strength, mobility and balance

• CPR awareness and emergency response knowledge

The programs are suitable for:

• Adults aged 60+

• People new to aquatic activity

• Those returning after time away

• All fitness and swimming ability levels

Importantly, the sessions are social, welcoming and delivered by experienced instructors who understand the needs of older participants.

Get Involved

As we celebrate Seniors Festival, there is no better time to prioritise health, wellbeing and confidence in, on and around water!

Registrations are now open for upcoming Seniors Water Wellness Programs across Western Sydney, with sessions commencing in March.

Spots are limited and bookings are essential.

👉 Visit our events page to find a program location near you and register.

www.drowningprevention.org.au/industryevents

Together, we can support older Australians to stay active, connected and safe in the water for life.