Overseas-born Australians account for 39% of drowning deaths
39 per cent of Australians who drowned last financial year were overseas-born; swim lessons cost about 75 dollars for five classes.
Last financial year, 313 people drowned at Australian beaches, rivers and pools. Of those who died, 39% were born overseas.
Among 25 to 34 year olds, foreign-born people made up 51% of drowning deaths. Many recent migrants grow up in landlocked regions or areas without ocean access.
This leaves them unfamiliar with Australia's strong waves and ocean conditions. Swimming lessons cost around 75 dollars for five 30-minute classes.
For many migrants on tight budgets, this is a barrier. Swim instructor Jasmin Petty said some students have never been in water before.
They need to learn basic skills like standing and putting their face in. It can take 10 to 20 hours in still water for someone to become proficient enough to rescue themselves.
- 39 per cent
- Overseas-born drowning deaths
- 51 per cent
- Young adults aged 25-34
- 75 dollars for five classes
- Swimming lesson cost
- 10 to 20 hours
- Training time to self-rescue
Why it mattersDisproportionate drowning deaths among migrants reveal a gap in water safety education and accessibility that affects people's survival.
AustraliaGrowing migrant populations in coastal areas face higher drowning risk; affordable swimming lessons could save lives in communities like the Illawarra.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 d ago
