10 November 2026
Child drowning figures reinforce the importance of Keeping Watch
With summer approaching, Royal Life Saving WA is reminding families to Keep Watch around water, as national drowning figures highlight the continued risk to young children.
Between 2016/17 and 2025/26, 170 children aged under five drowned in Australia, with almost half of these deaths occurring in swimming pools. The findings reinforce the importance of active adult supervision and restricting children’s access to water.
Of the 83 swimming pool drowning deaths recorded in this age group, 93% occurred in residential backyard pools. More than three quarters of the children who drowned in swimming pools were not being directly supervised at the time.
Royal Life Saving WA General Manager, Advocacy and Research Lauren Nimmo said active adult supervision remains the single most important way to prevent drowning among young children.
“Drowning can happen quickly and silently. That is why supervision needs to be constant, without distractions from mobile phones, conversations, or other activities.”
For children under five, this means being in the water with them when swimming, staying within arm’s reach and actively interacting with them.
With pool parties and family gatherings becoming more frequent over summer, the Keep Watch campaign encourages parents and carers to clearly agree on who is supervising children.
Lauren said having several adults nearby can create a false sense of security, with each person assuming someone else is watching.
“Supervision should never be assumed. A responsible adult must be clearly nominated to actively supervise young children at social gatherings, with a direct handover whenever that person needs to step away.”
The figures further highlight the importance of preventing children from accessing water when swimming is not planned. In 34% of swimming pool drowning cases, children gained access through a gate that had been left open.
Families are encouraged to check their pool fences and gates ahead of summer, particularly before welcoming visitors with young children.
“Make sure pool fences and gates are in working order and never leave a pool gate propped open. Pool fencing provides an important layer of protection, but it is no substitute for active adult supervision,” Lauren said.
For more than 25 years, Royal Life Saving’s Keep Watch campaign has encouraged parents and carers to follow four actions to help prevent childhood drowning:
- Supervise: Actively supervise children in and around water. For children under five, be in the water with them when swimming, stay within arm’s reach and give them your full attention.
- Restrict: Restrict children’s access to water. Ensure pool fences and gates are secure, properly maintained, and never propped open.
- Teach: Teach children water safety skills through play and swimming lessons.
- Respond: Learn CPR and know how to respond in an emergency.
Keeping young children safe around water is a year-round responsibility. As families prepare for summer, taking time to check pool barriers, plan supervision and refresh CPR skills can help ensure they are ready for the months ahead.
Find out more about Keep Watch.
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