This year, Australian drowning deaths reached their worst level in three decades. Tragically, 357 drownings were reported between July 1 2024 and June 30 2025, with many more non-fatal incidents.

Australian drowning fatalities have surged because of “crisis-level” declines in swimming skills, especially among regional, remote and migrant communities.

Swimming at unpatrolled beaches and inland waterways that typically don’t have lifesaving services has also contributed to these deadly trends. So too has rock fishing.

With people now off work and enjoying the summer holidays, drowning risk is even higher than normal.

Education and awareness remain tried and tested ways to reduce drowning fatalities.

For example, this summer, Surf Life Saving Australia’s virtual “Beach Passport Campaign” is enabling the public to easily locate patrolled beaches. But water safety experts are also partnering with computer scientists to harness the power of algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to help save lives.

Surveillance AI for lifesaving is one key advancement.

Cameras at coastal........

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