Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) released the National Coastal Safety Report for 2025 on Friday 24 October, revealing a tragic rise in coastal drowning deaths across the nation, with older Australians emerging as the group most at risk.
In the past year, 154 lives were lost to drowning on Australia’s coast, the highest number ever recorded, accounting for 43% of all national drowning deaths.
Alarmingly, every incident occurred outside of the red and yellow flags, patrol times, or at unpatrolled locations, highlighting the ongoing dangers of swimming, surfing, or recreating in unsupervised coastal areas.
The report found that more than half were aged 55 years or older, with 1 in 4 coastal drowning deaths amongst 60–69-year-olds.
Last season, surf lifesaving services completed more than 2.19+ million preventative actions, performed more than 8,200 rescues, contributing an estimated $9 billion in value to the community.
Without the interventions of surf lifesavers and lifeguards, there would have been at least an additional 1,500 coastal drowning deaths last year alone.
“Every life lost on our coastline is tragic, and last year we were alarmed to record our highest ever number of drowning deaths,“ Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Research Manager, Dr Jaz Lawes said
“Our coast continues to be a central source of joy and connection for millions of Australians and international visitors, but these statistics show that we must do more to keep our older community members safe when they visit the beach or other coastal environments.”
“Drowning risk increases when older adults are by themselves and have pre-existing medical conditions.
“No one plans to get in trouble, and as we get older, we may no longer have the skills we once had, to get ourselves out.
“We also know that many drowning incidents happen when people are alone, which means there is no one who can call for help.
“That’s why social connection and regular participation with others are key to reducing drowning risk.”
To help address this growing concern, Surf Life Saving Australia is calling on older Australians to get involved in the Silver Salties program, a national initiative designed to get older Australians engaged with their local Surf Life Saving Clubs.
Silver Salties encourages older adults to stay active, connected, and confident around the water through inclusive and enjoyable physical activities.
Programs can include traditional surf lifesaving skills, gentle beach fitness, swimming, walking, yoga, or other recreational pursuits delivered at the beach, pool, clubhouse, or nearby park.
“We want older Australians to feel welcome at their local surf life saving club, to build friendships, learn about coastal safety, and enjoy being part of a community again,” said Lawes.
Each club has the flexibility to design Silver Salties programs that reflect their local environment, capacity, and membership. Activities are led by qualified instructors, club volunteers, or external providers, and can run at different times throughout the year.
“By promoting connection with and between older Australians through programs like Silver Salties, we’re not only improving physical wellbeing but also creating social networks that can help prevent tragedy,“ he said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported when they enjoy Australia’s incredible coastline.”
Surf Life Saving Australia is urging all Australians, particularly those aged 55 and over, to swim between the red and yellow flags, avoid going alone, and get involved with their local Surf Life Saving Club.
