Older Adults Extreme Heat and Water Safety

01 January 2026
People aged 65 years and above are most at risk of drowning and heat-related illness. 

This campaign aims to help people aged 65 and above, particularly those from multicultural communities, stay safe during extreme heat, especially around water. 

The campaign’s objectives are to enhance awareness and encourage action, such as knowing personal limits and medication impacts, staying hydrated, and making informed decisions, including at home to stay cool and prevent falls around water, and when undertaking activities like swimming, boating and fishing. 

Approximately 13 people aged 65+ drown in Victoria each year. In 40% of incidents, the person never intended to get in the water – they slipped, tripped or fell in. Drownings in this age group occur most commonly in home environments such as backyard pools and bathtubs. Never relax your vigilance around any type of water. 

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Browse the sections below to learn more

At all times

  • Know your limits:
    Medications, health conditions and fitness changes can affect balance, strength and alertness around water. Take extra care when returning to the pool, beach or river after illness or injury.
  • Stay connected:
    - Tell friends and family where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and check in regularly during heatwaves.
    - Watch for signs of fatigue or heat stress in friends and family, and help them stay cool and hydrated.
  • Stay hydrated:
    - Keep drinking water before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors or exercising.
    - Whenever you leave home, always take a full water bottle with you.
    - Watch for signs of dehydration like feeling thirsty, lightheaded, having a dry mouth, tiredness, having dark-coloured, strong-smelling urine or passing less urine than usual.

When visiting open water

  • Be aware and prepared:
    - Do outdoor activities during the coolest part of the day.
    - Remember weather conditions can change suddenly, so always wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing.
    - Always stay between the red and yellow lifeguard flags at patrolled beaches, where lifeguards can see you.
  • Remember your options:
    Public swimming pools are great places to swim and cool off if it’s too hot at the beach, river or lake. They are among the safest places to swim, particularly for people who aren’t confident around water.
  • Beaches have dangerous rip currents.
    If you have problems in the water, stay calm, float on your back, and:
    - Raise your arm and call out to signal for help.
    - Swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves. Never swim against the current.

At home

  • Watch your footing around water:
    Prevent falls by removing trip hazards whenever you're around water, such as removing garden hoses by backyard pools, and installing handrails in bathrooms.
  • Plan ahead:
    Ask your doctor how to lower the risk of heat-related health impacts.
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