By Brad Maunsell
Chief Executive Officer - AUSTSWIM
Today (26 August 2025), as a member of the National Water Safety Council, I attended the launch of the National Drowning Report 2025 at Parliament House in Canberra, representing AUSTSWIM alongside senior colleagues from across the sector.
The report reveals a tragic and sobering reality: 357 people lost their lives to drowning in the past year, a 27% increase on the 10-year average and the highest number since records began. Coastal environments, rivers, and an ageing population are all major contributors to this devastating trend.
At AUSTSWIM, we know that Quality Swim Teachers Save Lives. The report highlights the urgent need to reverse the decline in swimming skills among children and young people. Swimming teachers are critical in giving every child the chance to learn to swim and gain vital lifesaving skills.
“We must ensure that no matter where a child grows up, they have access to quality swimming lessons. Skilled, passionate swim teachers are our frontline in preventing drownings.”
“Investing in teacher training and swimming education today is investing in safer communities tomorrow.”
Congratulations to Royal Life Saving Australia, in conjunction with Surf Life Saving Australia, for continuing to drive this important research and data collection. Reports such as this are vital to ensuring the right messages are shared, and the requirements for action are understood."
The report is a call to action for us all – governments, communities, educators, and industry – to work together so that fewer families experience the tragedy of drowning.
More about the full report here.
Pictured (L-R): Rob Woodhouse - CEO Swimming Australia, Brad Maunsell - CEO AUSTSWIM, Adam Weir - CEO Surf Life Saving Australia, Brendon Ward - CEO Swim Australia, Justin Scarr - CEO Royal Life Saving Australia
