Alcohol and water don't mix. Alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk of drowning. Alcohol-related drowning deaths occur across all ages and environments, among men and women, in urban and regional areas.

Like alcohol, medication and illegal drugs can both increase the risk of drowning by causing drowsiness, impacting alertness and impairing judgement and the perception of risk.

Floodwaters are an unknown entity. Even if they appear relatively shallow, it is easy to underestimate the force of the water. It only takes a few centimetres of water to shift and float a full-size car.

People with epilepsy need to take additional precautions to prevent drowning, and must follow their doctor's advice on whether it is safe to swim and participate in aquatic activities.

People with autism are at increased risk of drowning. They therefore need to take additional precautions to prevent drowning. In particular, they should never swim alone and should be supervised at all times.

Cold water increases the risk of drowning, can cause hypothermia, and can impact even the most capable swimmers.

Hypoxic blackout occurs when a swimmer loses consciousness underwater from a lack of oxygen and can result in drowning. It is often linked to hyperventilation and extended breath-holding, both in pools and open water.

Accidental falls into water are a leading cause of drowning in Western Australia, particularly during boating, fishing and other recreation. Learn practical safety tips to reduce the risk of slipping into the water and protect yourself and others around rivers, rocks and coastal areas.

Drowning is not just a summer risk, with cold water immersion during the colder months posing serious dangers across Western Australia. Learn how cold shock and hypothermia affect the body, what to do if you fall in, and the safest way to respond to a cold water emergency.

Rip currents are a major hazard on Australian beaches and can be hard to spot, even for experienced swimmers. Learn how to recognise the signs of a rip, what to do if you are caught in one, and simple steps to stay safe at the beach.