Life Saving Victoria (LSV) has released the 2022/23 drowning report, detailing the increasing drowning toll in Victorian waters.

Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, 59 lives were tragically lost to drowning, a 33 per cent increase on the decade average, while a further 122 people narrowly survived a drowning incident requiring paramedics.

The report found that 58 per cent of those who drowned were over the age of 45 – with two-thirds of fatalities male. Men born overseas were also overrepresented in recreational deaths, such as fishing. While men continued to be disproportionate in the drowning statistics, there has been a steady increase in the number of females drowning, with the drowning rate for females now 50 per cent higher than the past decade’s average.

Bass Coast is considered one of the state’s key blackspot drowning locations, including for rock fishermen.

In 2022, it was announced that three high-risk locations around Phillip Island and San Remo would be included in a state government trial requiring anyone rock fishing to wear a life jacket.

Life Saving Victoria also announced Woolamai Beach would be part of a trial for interactive, electronic drowning prevention signs.

Rips

Woolamai Surf Beach is popular with surfers, but is known for its rips and currents, making it dangerous for swimming.

The beach is only patrolled during the summer months.

Each year over 50 people are rescued from the surf at Cape Woolamai, with the island s ocean beaches claiming at least seven lives since January 2016.

Terry Aslanidis Director of Member Development at Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club said people should also check the conditions and assess if it is safe to swim.

"Woolamai Beach is considered to be highly dangerous due to its bar and rip beach," he said.

"If you get stuck in a rip, the number one rule is not to panic. A rip will generally take you out to sea and back onto a sandbar.

"If you are unsure of the dangers, the Beach Safe App provides detailed information from patrol status, facilities and hazards, to weather, swell and tide." 

There are dangerous rips at many of Phillip Island’s ocean beaches, so swimming on an unpatrolled beach can be deadly.

At the start of December 2022, local surfers rescued five people from a rip at Berrys Beach.

According to research by Surf Life Saving Australia, most Australians don't know how to spot a rip, and two out of three people who think they can, get it wrong.

Visual cues that can indicate a rip current include fewer breaking waves, dirty or discoloured water, dark patches of water, or sand or debris floating beyond the surf zone.

Report

According to the LSV report, inland waterway fatalities were equal to the number of fatalities in coastal locations. In contrast, the number of fatal drowning incidents around the home was a growing theme, with eleven fatalities – more than double the decade average, with common locations being bathtubs, dams and ponds.

Extreme weather was a factor in eight lives lost and as climate change continues to have an impact on Victorian communities, extreme weather events will continue to be fatal. This is especially concerning as we face predictions of the hottest summer on record.  

LSV’s manager of Research and Evaluation, Dr Hannah Calverley, expressed sympathies to those whose loved ones had been represented in this year’s report. 

“Despite working hard to relay the water safety message, the reality is that 59 lives were lost to drowning this year and that’s too many people who will be missed by loved ones. My heart goes out to everyone affected,” she said.

“This year we saw eight fatal drownings as a result of extreme weather events. That’s the highest we’ve seen on record, and with more expected events ahead of us we’re urging Victorians to be vigilant when seeking a waterway to cool off. Visit patrolled waterways so lifesavers can watch you and provide advice about conditions.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said people should not swim alone or when they’ve been drinking, and should always wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing.

“Hundreds of Victorians are affected every year by drownings — nearly all of them completely avoidable.”

Emergency Management Victoria Deputy Commissioner Chris Stephenson said it was important to understand the local risk and be aware of any changing conditions.

“Check the VicEmergency app, social media, including Facebook and Twitter, and tune in to your local emergency broadcasters for the latest emergency information.” 

General water safety tips: 

• Be aware of the impact of medication, fitness and pre-existing health conditions has on your abilities in, on and around water. 
• Wherever possible, swim with a friend at patrolled locations during patrolled times, including between the red and yellow flags at beaches, and if unfamiliar with waterways speak to lifeguards before you enter the water. 
• When boating and fishing, check online for conditions and information. 
• Check the weather conditions before entering the water and leave alcohol or other drugs until after you’ve left. 
• It’s important to stay calm if you find yourself caught in a rip. Raise an arm to seek help, float with the current until it releases you and swim parallel to the shore or towards breaking waves and use them to help you in.