Over the last 10 years*, 630 people have fatally drowned on unpatrolled beaches across Australia. Behind that number are precious lives that ended too soon. Sons, fathers, daughters, friends; many of them unaware of the dangers in our oceans.

The data paints a clear picture:

• 630 drowning deaths at unpatrolled beach during the 10-year period
• 85% of drowning deaths were male
• 59% occurred while swimming or wading
• 36% due to rip currents
• 60% occurred greater than 1km from a Surf Life Saving service
• 66% occurred at beaches that are never patrolled
• 25% outside of patrolled hours or away from supervised areas on a patrolled beach

* 2014-2024.

It's a sobering reminder that the safest place to swim is always between the red and yellow flags, and that the work of Surf Life Saving is far from over.

Safety tips from Surf Life Saving Australia

Coastal locations can present dangers, some that you can see and some that you can't. When visiting a beach, always remember to Stop, Look, Stay Alive.

Whether for yourself, your family, or those you care about, always follow these simple steps:

STOP before you enter the water

LOOK for red and yellow flags, signs, rips and conditions

STAY ALIVE by swimming to your ability, never going alone, and brushing up on safety knowledge with the Beach Passport

You can also find your nearest patrolled beach by visiting beachsafe.org.au or downloading the Beachsafe App.