Nationwide, five people have drowned since New Year’s Eve, and 29 since 1 December.

ACT families travelling to the coast this summer are urged not to be complacent about water safety, as Royal Life Saving ACT warns that unpatrolled beaches and rip currents remain the biggest drowning risks nationwide.

RLS ACT regional manager Lucas Hayden said that the ACT had been “reasonably lucky” so far this holiday period: no drownings have been recorded within Canberra itself, but one recent death at Jervis Bay was still counted in ACT statistics.

“Of course, one death is one too many — we want that number to be zero,” Mr Hayden said.

Unpatrolled beaches the biggest danger

Mr Hayden said nearly all recent coastal drownings had occurred at unpatrolled beaches or outside lifeguard patrol hours — showing how treacherous unsupervised water can be even for experienced swimmers.

Rip currents remain Australia’s number one coastal hazard, responsible for more drowning deaths than sharks, floods or cyclones, he said.

He warned that beaches that look calm could still hide powerful currents or undertows that sweep swimmers out quickly — particularly ACT residents who may not be familiar with daily surf conditions.

Inland water risks closer to home

While the ACT does not face coastal exposure, Mr Hayden said there are significant inland water risks.

Local waterways such as Lake Burley Griffin, Kambah Pool, Casuarina Sands and river crossings attract swimmers and paddlers. Poor water quality, submerged hazards, strong currents after rainfall, and limited supervision can all pose risks.

Heavy rain or algae can lead to popular swimming spots closing — those risks might not always be obvious from the surface.

Backyard pools remain one of the most common locations where young children drown, often rapidly and silently, when not supervised.

Parents should keep watch over their children at public swimming pools. “Lifeguards are there to help, but not be a babysitter for children,” Mr Hayden said.

Who is most at risk

Mr Hayden said drowning risk was not evenly distributed across the population.

Older adults aged 55 and over account for a disproportionately high share of adult drownings, often because their ability to swim declines, or due to underlying health conditions.

People born overseas represent around 30 to 34 per cent of drowning deaths nationally, as many have limited exposure to ocean conditions or have not been formally taught how to swim.

Most people who drown are men, because they take more risks in water and overestimate their ability to swim.

People in regional or disadvantaged communities have less access to swimming lessons and safe facilities.

Learn-to-swim and water safety programs in the ACT

Royal Life Saving ACT delivers water safety education in schools and communities, including the ACT Public Schools Year Two Water Safety Program using the Swim and Survive curriculum.

Community and inclusive programs include the Refugee and Migrant Swimming Project Canberra, which provides free, culturally safe swimming lessons, partnering with Royal Life Saving and local leisure centres, and the Ngadyung community swim program for Indigenous children.

The organisation also runs courses in first aid / CPR, Bronze Medallion training, pool lifeguarding, and swim teaching.

Ongoing gaps in swimming skills

Despite these programs, Mr Hayden said major gaps remained.

National data shows nearly half of Year 6 students do not meet baseline swimming and water safety benchmarks (swimming 50 metres and treading water), and improve little in high school.

High lesson costs and uneven access to facilities create disparities: kids from wealthier areas get more opportunities, Mr Hayden explained.

Many adults — particularly recent arrivals — lack basic water skills and confidence, putting them more at risk when visiting beaches, rivers, and lakes.

“Improving lifelong swim education — not just early childhood lessons — remains a gap in the ACT and across Australia,” Mr Hayden said.

A simple message for summer

“Water safety isn’t instinctive — it’s learned,” Mr Hayden said. “Avoid assumptions about your own ability or local conditions, and always plan ahead.”

• Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags every time.
• Supervise children actively around all water, including pools and bathtubs.
• Know your limits, wear a lifejacket when boating or paddling, and avoid alcohol near water.
• Even familiar waterways can be dangerous — check conditions each time you visit.
• Preparation and respect for the water means fewer tragedies.