Victorian Public Pools See Zero Fatal Drownings This Summer
Victorian Public Pools See Zero Fatal Drownings This Summer
This summer, Victoria recorded zero fatal drownings in public swimming pools. That’s a meaningful milestone — and it reflects the everyday care, teamwork and professionalism across the aquatic sector.
Victoria also recorded zero fatal drownings in public swimming pools in 2024–25 which was the first time since 2019–20. Importantly, this has continued in 2025-26 (year to date).
While this is positive news for public pools, it sits alongside a sobering reality: there were still 25 fatal drownings recorded in Victoria over the November–April patrol season across coastal, inland and home settings.
It’s a reminder that water safety matters everywhere people swim, fish, boat, and spend time near water.
To build on this result, we need to keep using the messages that work.
Two key campaigns support this: Watch Around Water and SwimSafe.
Why this happened (and why it matters)
This outcome didn’t happen by chance. It came from strong routines and steady teamwork.
It reflects:
- Lifeguards staying alert and scanning throughout every shift
- Teams supporting each other during busy periods
- Operators and councils investing in training, systems, and safe facilities
- Clear safety messages that are easy to see, understand, and repeat
- As a result, people are safer when they visit public pools — and families can enjoy the water with more confidence.
Watch Around Water
Watch Around Water promotes active supervision, especially for young children. In other words, parents and carers need to stay close and keep watching.
Parents supervise. Lifeguards save lives.
To make the message stick:
- Keep it visible at entry points and poolside
- Reinforce it in staff briefings
- Use it in customer conversations
Swimsafe
SwimSafe supports adults who may be at higher risk. It shares five simple tips to help people make safer choices around water.
To keep it front of mind:
- Rotate SwimSafe on screens and posters
- Keep the conversations going at reception and on the pool deck
A reminder: vigilance still matters everywhere people swim
This good news doesn’t mean the risk is gone. Drowning can happen in any water setting. Public pools are among the safest places to swim because they’re supervised and supported by strong safety systems — but only when everyone keeps doing what works.
Nationally, Royal Life Saving reported 81 drowning deaths since 1 December (one person almost every day over summer). These figures are a clear reminder: we need to stay focused and prepared at pools, beaches, inland waterways and homes.
Thank you to everyone who played a part
This result is worth celebrating. Your work matters. It helps keep communities safe, day after day. Thank you to everyone who contributed, including:
- Lifeguards and aquatic staff
- Facility and operations teams
- Operators and local councils
In summary, this summer shows what’s possible when the sector works together. It’s a milestone worth recognising and one worth protecting. At the same time, the wider season’s toll in Victoria is a reminder that we need to keep safety front of mind across every water setting.