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The release of the National Drowning Report 2026 provides an important reminder of the ongoing impact of drowning across Australia and the need for continued investment in drowning prevention, swimming and water safety education. The annual National Drowning Report examines fatal drowning across Australia, providing critical insights into who is drowning, where incidents are occurring and the activities and circumstances contributing to drowning risk. This year’s report recorded 313 drowning deaths across Australia during 2025/26, with 109 deaths occurring in New South Wales. For Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS, the findings reinforce the importance of ensuring people of all ages, backgrounds and locations have the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to enjoy the water safely. A continued focus on drowning prevention in NSW New South Wales has consistently carried a significant proportion of Australia's drowning burden, reflecting both the size of the population and the diverse range of aquatic environments enjoyed across the state. The latest report highlights: These findings build on concerning trends identified in previous years. The 2025 National Drowning Report recorded 129 drowning deaths in NSW, 29% above the 10-year average. Rivers and creeks were the leading locations for drowning, followed by beaches, while older Australians and males continued to be significantly represented in the statistics. While annual figures fluctuate, the longer-term trends demonstrate why drowning prevention cannot be focused on one age group, location or time of year. Addressing those most at risk Drowning risk is not experienced equally across the community. Factors including where people live, access to swimming and water safety education, socioeconomic disadvantage, cultural background and familiarity with Australian waterways can all influence a person's risk around water. Regional and remote communities remain an important priority, where people often have greater exposure to rivers, dams and other inland waterways while facing reduced access to swimming lessons, aquatic facilities and lifesaving services. People from multicultural and newly arrived communities are another important focus. Ensuring everyone has access to culturally appropriate water safety information and opportunities to develop swimming and survival skills is critical as Australia's communities continue to grow and diversify. Older Australians also remain an important focus for drowning prevention, highlighting the need to maintain swimming ability, understand changing physical capabilities and make considered decisions when participating in aquatic activities. Building skills for life The National Drowning Report is not simply a record of lives lost. It provides evidence to help guide where drowning prevention efforts can have the greatest impact. Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS continues to work across communities to address these risks through swimming and water safety education, lifesaving programs, CPR and first aid education, community awareness initiatives, research, advocacy and partnerships with aquatic facilities, schools, councils and community organisations. A particular priority is ensuring children and young people develop strong swimming and water safety skills early in life. Swimming ability alone does not eliminate drowning risk, but developing swimming, survival, rescue and water safety skills provides an essential foundation for safer participation in aquatic activities throughout life. Equally important is ensuring these opportunities reach communities that may otherwise miss out due to cost, location, transport, language or other barriers. Drowning prevention is everyone's responsibility Every drowning death represents a life lost and has a lasting impact on families, friends, first responders and communities. The release of the National Drowning Report 2026 is an opportunity for all Australians to consider what they can do to reduce drowning risk. Simple actions can save lives: actively supervise children around water, learn to swim and maintain your skills, wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing, avoid alcohol around water, check conditions before entering the water, avoid going alone and choose patrolled beaches whenever possible. For Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS, the latest findings strengthen our commitment to working with governments, industry and communities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to be safe around water. Every life lost to drowning is one too many. By working together and investing in prevention, education and access, we can continue to build safer communities across New South Wales and Australia. Read the full National Drowning Report 2026 and learn more about the latest drowning trends across Australia here: 10 Sept 2026 National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media < Back to News The release of the National Drowning Report 2026 provides an important reminder of the ongoing impact of drowning across Australia and the need for continued investment in drowning prevention, swimming and water safety education. The annual National Drowning Report examines fatal drowning across Australia, providing critical insights into who is drowning, where incidents are occurring and the activities and circumstances contributing to drowning risk. This year’s report recorded 313 drowning deaths across Australia during 2025/26, with 109 deaths occurring in New South Wales . For Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS, the findings reinforce the importance of ensuring people of all ages, backgrounds and locations have the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to enjoy the water safely. A continued focus on drowning prevention in NSW New South Wales has consistently carried a significant proportion of Australia's drowning burden, reflecting both the size of the population and the diverse range of aquatic environments enjoyed across the state. The latest report highlights: These findings build on concerning trends identified in previous years. The 2025 National Drowning Report recorded 129 drowning deaths in NSW, 29% above the 10-year average. Rivers and creeks were the leading locations for drowning, followed by beaches, while older Australians and males continued to be significantly represented in the statistics. While annual figures fluctuate, the longer-term trends demonstrate why drowning prevention cannot be focused on one age group, location or time of year. Addressing those most at risk Drowning risk is not experienced equally across the community. Factors including where people live, access to swimming and water safety education, socioeconomic disadvantage, cultural background and familiarity with Australian waterways can all influence a person's risk around water. Regional and remote communities remain an important priority, where people often have greater exposure to rivers, dams and other inland waterways while facing reduced access to swimming lessons, aquatic facilities and lifesaving services. People from multicultural and newly arrived communities are another important focus. Ensuring everyone has access to culturally appropriate water safety information and opportunities to develop swimming and survival skills is critical as Australia's communities continue to grow and diversify. Older Australians also remain an important focus for drowning prevention, highlighting the need to maintain swimming ability, understand changing physical capabilities and make considered decisions when participating in aquatic activities. Building skills for life The National Drowning Report is not simply a record of lives lost. It provides evidence to help guide where drowning prevention efforts can have the greatest impact. Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS continues to work across communities to address these risks through swimming and water safety education, lifesaving programs, CPR and first aid education, community awareness initiatives, research, advocacy and partnerships with aquatic facilities, schools, councils and community organisations. A particular priority is ensuring children and young people develop strong swimming and water safety skills early in life. Swimming ability alone does not eliminate drowning risk, but developing swimming, survival, rescue and water safety skills provides an essential foundation for safer participation in aquatic activities throughout life. Equally important is ensuring these opportunities reach communities that may otherwise miss out due to cost, location, transport, language or other barriers. Drowning prevention is everyone's responsibility Every drowning death represents a life lost and has a lasting impact on families, friends, first responders and communities. The release of the National Drowning Report 2026 is an opportunity for all Australians to consider what they can do to reduce drowning risk. Simple actions can save lives: actively supervise children around water, learn to swim and maintain your skills, wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing, avoid alcohol around water, check conditions before entering the water, avoid going alone and choose patrolled beaches whenever possible. For Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS , the latest findings strengthen our commitment to working with governments, industry and communities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to be safe around water. Every life lost to drowning is one too many. By working together and investing in prevention, education and access, we can continue to build safer communities across New South Wales and Australia. Read the full National Drowning Report 2026 and learn more about the latest drowning trends across Australia here: Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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Royal Life Saving NSW is passionate about working with local communities to create safer and more inclusive aquatic environments. Last week we had the pleasure of hosting our Northern NSW Drowning Prevention Workshop to develop an Action Plan to reduce drowning in the region. The North Coast of NSW has some of the most beautiful waterways in the world to enjoy, recreate and socialise in. However, it is one of the country’s leading locations for drowning incidents with over 600 fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents in the last 15 years. We must work together and challenge ourselves to ensure all Australians can enjoy a waterway of life. Drowning Prevention is a critical issue within the community, and we can’t make a significant difference in this area without a collaborative and holistic approach. We are incredibly thankful to the over 35 local representatives from key sectors such as NSW Water Police, Maritime NSW, Marine Rescue, SES, Health, Office of Sport, local Councils, aquatic industry and more for joining us to discuss this important topic. The objective of this workshop is to come together and develop Drowning Prevention Plan for Northern NSW including: Complex problems that require an adaptive and systematic approach within the support of a strong legal framework. Motivating individuals and communities to change their behaviour through context appropriate information. Present research, policy and practice that aim to provide insights and address the issues. Facilitate setting a collective agenda and action for Northern NSW. Engage, collaborate and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders. This is our fourth event of its kind that we have delivered in the past 12 months, with previous workshops taking place in the Albury-Wodonga region, Western Sydney and Tasmania. To learn more about our water safety campaigns visit Campaigns (drowningprevention.org.au) and inland waterway safety at Inland Waterways | Royal Life Saving (drowningprevention.org.au). 26 June 2023 Developing a Drowning Prevention Plan for Northern NSW Drowning Prevention < Back to News Royal Life Saving NSW is passionate about working with local communities to create safer and more inclusive aquatic environments. Last week we had the pleasure of hosting our Northern NSW Drowning Prevention Workshop to develop an Action Plan to reduce drowning in the region. The North Coast of NSW has some of the most beautiful waterways in the world to enjoy, recreate and socialise in. However, it is one of the country’s leading locations for drowning incidents with over 600 fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents in the last 15 years. We must work together and challenge ourselves to ensure all Australians can enjoy a waterway of life. Drowning Prevention is a critical issue within the community, and we can’t make a significant difference in this area without a collaborative and holistic approach. We are incredibly thankful to the over 35 local representatives from key sectors such as NSW Water Police, Maritime NSW, Marine Rescue, SES, Health, Office of Sport, local Councils, aquatic industry and more for joining us to discuss this important topic. The objective of this workshop is to come together and develop Drowning Prevention Plan for Northern NSW including: Complex problems that require an adaptive and systematic approach within the support of a strong legal framework. Motivating individuals and communities to change their behaviour through context appropriate information. Present research, policy and practice that aim to provide insights and address the issues. Facilitate setting a collective agenda and action for Northern NSW. Engage, collaborate and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders. This is our fourth event of its kind that we have delivered in the past 12 months, with previous workshops taking place in the Albury-Wodonga region, Western Sydney and Tasmania. To learn more about our water safety campaigns visit Campaigns (drowningprevention.org.au) and inland waterway safety at Inland Waterways | Royal Life Saving (drowningprevention.org.au) . Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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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.” 23 June 2026 RLSNSW funding bids rejected in State Budget despite rising drowning deaths and mounting economic cost News and Media < Back to News 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.” Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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Incoming Changes to Pool Lifeguard Courses Courses / Incoming Changes to Pool Lifeguard Courses Training Menu Back to Courses Student Handbook Code of Practice Group Bookings Online PD Funded Training Learner Portal Verify a Certificate Subscribe Course Enquiries Royal Life Saving NSW-ACT-TAS will be soon implementing new versions of their Pool Lifeguard Training products, to be reflective of the new SISSS00133 – Pool Lifeguard skillset. These changes will take place from Monday 16th October, with all scheduled courses for new candidates and re-accrediting Lifeguards transitioning beyond this date to reflect the new qualification requirements. Please visit our website to view further information about our new Pool Lifeguard and Pool Lifeguard Update courses and their entry requirements. Courses scheduled prior to this transition date will continue to be conducted, carrying the preceding skillset; both courses provide a recognized and valid skillset for entry and re-accreditation, respectively, and as such, there is no need to delay training. Important information for Existing Lifeguards – what is changing for those needing to complete annual updates? The course will continue to be in a one-day, heavily practical based session, assessing the outcomes of the units making up the new SISSS00133 – Pool Lifeguard skillset. The emphasis will continue to be to ‘assess what you needed to know yesterday’, promoting the need for Lifeguards to keep their skills and knowledge sharp throughout the year. A Pre-Requisite of a valid HLTAID011 Provide First Aid unit of competency will be required in order to enrol into this course Please note that while a valid HLTAID003 – Provide first aid unit may be sufficient for meeting First Aid requirements in the workplace, it does not meet the pre-requisite needs a new unit in the skillset, and cannot be used for entry. Existing Lifeguards holding a Royal Life Saving NSW-ACT-TAS Pool Lifeguard Licence are eligible to receive a discount when booking in a First Aid course; courses can be found here. Important information for new Lifeguards – what is required to enter the industry? Our new Pool Lifeguard course for brand new lifeguards entering the industry has been designed to remove as many barriers to enrolment as possible, to further encourage candidates to seek out a role as a Pool Lifeguard. The new course will continue to be delivered in a blended format, with interactive online learning leading into 2 days of face to face training. Most importantly, the new course will be inclusive of the HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid unit, and candidates will no longer need to seek this out prior to the course.

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