31 July 2025
WA stands together for World Drowning Prevention Day
Last Friday, Royal Life Saving WA staff, members, community partners and supporters came together to mark World Drowning Prevention Day with a special breakfast event at Matilda Bay Restaurant.
The morning was a chance to reflect on the importance of drowning prevention education and water safety programs in saving lives, as well as recognise some big milestones within the organisation.
The event opened with a warm Welcome to Country from Steven Jacobs, a Whadjuk man and member of Royal Life Saving WA’s Reconciliation Steering Committee, who also shared his reflections on the meaning of water safety within his community. Board President Vaughan Davies gave a brief welcome, before CEO Peter Leaversuch shared an update on the organisation’s new strategic plan and the continued work by staff across WA to educate communities and prevent drownings.
The breakfast was also an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible contribution of Ian Brown, who is retiring after 30 years of dedicated service to water safety and aquatic programs. Ian’s work has made a real impact in drowning prevention right across the state, and it was a fitting moment to recognise his legacy in front of colleagues and friends.
World Drowning Prevention Day, held each year on 25 July, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the global impact of drowning. Around the world, more than 300,000 people lose their lives to drowning every year, while here in Australia it remains a leading cause of accidental death, with children and young people disproportionately affected.
To coincide with the day, Royal Life Saving Australia released new research analysing almost 5,700 drowning deaths from around the country over a 20-year period. The landmark study found a 24% reduction in overall drowning rates, including a 59% decrease among children aged 0 to 4. But it also highlighted key challenges, especially among teenagers, older adults, and people living in regional or disadvantaged areas.
These findings were front and centre at last week’s National Water Safety Summit in Sydney, where more than 230 experts from across health, education, aquatic and community sectors met to shape the new Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030. Royal Life Saving WA’s Health Promotion and Research Senior Manager Lauren Nimmo was among the attendees helping to lead this important work.
The strategy sets a national target of halving drowning deaths by 2030, a goal that’s been challenged by a rise in drownings over recent summers and will require renewed focus and coordinated action to achieve.
“The National Water Safety Summit offers a critical reflection on where we’ve made progress and where more focus is urgently needed,” shared Royal Life Saving Australia CEO Dr Justin Scarr.
“Every life lost to drowning is devastating and preventable. By uniting the expertise of communities, governments, and stakeholders under the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030, we hope to boost the focus on swimming skills, addressing inequities and on collaboration.”
We’d like to thank everyone who joined us to recognise the day, and all those who lit landmarks blue across WA to show their solidarity. Your support helps shine a light on drowning prevention and the steps we can all take to keep our communities safe.
Read more about the 2025 research below.
