Overview

• The toll was 27% above the 10‑year average and increased from 323 deaths the previous year.
• Older Australians accounted for one‑third of fatalities, deaths among those 75+ rose 63%, drownings among 15–24‑year‑olds climbed 38%, and under‑fives fell to 15.
• Coastal locations made up 43% of deaths, with rip currents responsible for more than one in three beach fatalities.
• Men comprised 81% of victims, with rates about twice as high in the most disadvantaged areas and nearly three times higher in remote and very remote regions than in cities.
• Lifesaving organisations called for more funding, lifeguard recruitment and targeted safety campaigns, and the federal government pointed to $34 million invested in water‑safety efforts.