​Water safety remains an important issue for communities across Australia. For local governments, it shapes public awareness, prevention efforts, recreation planning and community wellbeing.  
 
The 2026 National Drowning Report provides a useful snapshot of changing water safety trends and what they may mean locally. While the report shows some encouraging signs, it also reinforces the need for continued education, prevention and community awareness.  
 
In Western Australia, these issues are especially relevant given the central role beaches, pools, rivers and coastal environments play in everyday life. 

Nationally, 313 people drowned in 2025/26, down from 357 the previous year. While this is an improvement, drowning deaths remain 10 per cent above the 10-year average, and Australia is not on track to meet the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 target of halving drowning deaths.  
 
In Western Australia, 35 people drowned during the same period, accounting for 9 per cent of the national total. Beaches were the most common location for drowning fatalities, followed by ocean and harbour locations, rivers and swimming pools. 
 
There are some positive signs. Drowning deaths among children under five fell to 11, the lowest on record and 39 per cent below the 10-year average. This reflects the value of continued investment in pool fencing, legislation and public education. However, 55 per cent of these deaths occurred in backyard swimming pools, highlighting the need for ongoing focus on supervision, pool barrier compliance, and early swimming and water safety education.  
 
The report also points to areas of growing concern. Drowning rates rise sharply among adolescents and young adults, with 34 people aged 15 to 24 drowning in 2025/26. Older Australians are also an increasing concern, with those aged 65 and over accounting for 30 per cent of all drowning deaths.  
 
For local governments, this highlights the need for water safety messaging tailored to different age groups and life stages. 
 
Location remains a major factor. Nearly half of all drowning deaths occurred in coastal locations, including beaches, ocean and rocks, while 29 per cent occurred in inland waterways such as rivers and creeks. In WA, where communities have strong connections to both coastal and inland water environments, these findings reinforce the importance of locally relevant safety efforts.

The report also highlights persistent inequality. Drowning rates were almost three times higher in regional areas than in cities, and twice as high in the most disadvantaged communities. Where country of birth was known, 39 per cent of people who drowned were born overseas, reinforcing the need for culturally inclusive and accessible water safety messaging.  
 
For local governments in WA, the report underscores the value of practical local action, from pool safety and signage to education, partnerships and support for swimming and water safety skills. Its clearest message is that effective drowning prevention starts at the local level. 
 

 Key takeaways for local governments 

• Local government pool safety has improved steadily through the Scheme-funded Royal Life Saving safety assessment, which has now been in operation for more than 10 years.

• Prevention efforts for young children continue to show positive results, but backyard pools remain a major risk area and stronger compliance enforcement remains critical.

• Older adults and young people continue to require targeted messaging and support to address their specific risk exposures.

• Coastal and inland waterways continue to present a high level of risk in Western Australia and need to be managed accordingly.

• Regional, disadvantaged and culturally diverse communities continue to require tailored approaches to improve safety outcomes.

For further information about water safety, aquatic risk management or aquatic facility compliance assessments, please contact the LGIS Risk Services team on 08 9483 8888.