Lives lost in the water as summer drowning toll rises

Royal Lifesaving Australia reports 31 drowning deaths from 1 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, with several recent incidents reported in New South Wales and other states.

Royal Lifesaving Australia reported 31 drowning deaths across Australia between 1 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. The figure covers deaths in a variety of waterways, including beaches, lakes and dams. The toll includes multiple recent incidents in New South Wales, as well as cases in other states. Last summer saw 139 drowning deaths between 1 December 2024 and 28 February 2025. Known details: - Royal Lifesaving Australia reported 31 drowning deaths from 1 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. - Recent incidents were reported in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. - In some cases searches were scaled back or called off, according to reports. - The 2025 National Coastal Safety Report stated coastal drowning risk is 3.3 times higher on public holidays and long weekends, and last summer recorded 139 deaths between December and February. Summary: The reported toll of 31 deaths marks an early-season rise compared with last summer's counts. Authorities reported multiple incidents and that some searches have been scaled back or called off. Undetermined at this time.