The National Drowning Report 2026 recorded 313 drowning deaths in Australia, 10 per cent above the 10-year average. Nearly half occurred in coastal locations, and most pool drownings happened in backyard pools. Drowning deaths among children under five fell to 39 per cent below the 10-year average, but 11 such deaths still occurred in 2025/26. Experts urge parents to supervise children near water, fence pools securely and learn CPR. Royal Life Saving offers a free pool safety checklist online.
Six people were rescued from a 6-metre vessel that became stuck in mud in the Jordan River at Herdsmans Cove. Emergency services received a report on Saturday 17 October, about 5.50pm. Police kept in contact with those on board while rescue options were assessed. Low water levels and unsafe conditions ruled out helicopter or marine retrieval. Rescuers waited for the tide to rise, and about 2am a police vessel reached the boat. The people were taken safely to shore and the vessel was towed from the sandbar. Police urge boat users to plan before leaving the ramp.
Coalcliff Surf Lifesaving Club's Ocean Swim Club has begun its fifth season, with lifesavers providing water safety for ocean swimmers. The club focuses on participation and social connection rather than competition and welcomes swimmers aged 16 and over. Swims are backed by surf lifesavers, rescue boats, jet skis, rescue-board paddlers and a drone operator, and start at 11am. The 2026–27 season runs from 11 October 2026 to 18 April 2027, with swims roughly every fortnight. Membership costs $60 for the season, and the club is sponsored by Equilibrium Healthcare.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
An inquest in Darwin has heard calls to change the Northern Territory's pool fencing laws after the drowning of three-year-old Dion Robbins in Moulden, Palmerston, in June 2025. Counsel assisting the coroner, Fiona Kepert, told the court Dion was found floating face down in the family's backyard pool, and his younger brother was found nearby. Royal Life Saving NT chief executive Floss Roberts said properties larger than 1.8 hectares are exempt from pool fencing rules and that this exemption should be scrapped.
Murrumbidgee Irrigation is urging people to stay out of its irrigation channels this summer and use public pools instead. Maintenance crews have pulled shopping trolleys, cars, broken glass and a prosthetic leg from the water. Automated gates can open or close without warning, causing sudden surges, strong currents and powerful suction. Maintenance manager Adam Valance and chief executive Philip Holliday say channels that look calm can quickly become dangerous. The organisation advises swimmers to avoid fast-flowing water, watch for submerged objects, and never swim alone.
