Geelong, Surf Coast water deaths contribute to statewide drowning surge
Life Saving Victoria’s annual report has revealed 39 people have died in local waters in the past decade, with experts warning the crisis will worsen without urgent action.
An average of almost four people a year have drowned across Geelong and the Surf Coast over the part decade, part of a statewidesurge in drowning deaths that has experts calling for action.
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 annual drownings report released on Wednesday revealed 39 people had lost their lives in localwaters over the past 10 years, with 59 per cent of deaths involving men and the majority of victims aged between 45 and 64.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) research and evaluation manager Dr Hannah Graefe said a “whole community response” was required to keep the number of drowning incidents down.
“52 people lost their lives to drowning in the 2024-25 financial year, and a further 123 people experienced a non-fatal drowning incident that can have lifelong impacts on those involved,” she said.
“These figures are both above their respective 10-year averages, pointing to a concerning upward trend in drowning incidents across the state.
“We must all work together as a community to bring these numbers down.”
Victoria also recorded the highest number of autumn drownings in 12 years, with 14 deaths between March and May, as well as the most spring drownings since 2001, with 12 deaths between September and November.
LSV attributed the rise in out-of-season deaths to “summer weather stretching into traditionally cooler months”.
“Hotter, longer seasons, poor swimming skills, medical issues and people entering water alone or outside patrolled areas are driving a crisis that cuts across rivers, lakes, beaches and backyard pools,” a LSV spokesperson said.
Drowning deaths of young people aged between 15 and 24-years-old recorded a significant 27 per cent increase in 2024-25 compared to the 10-year average.
Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula communities are no stranger to the devastating impact of drownings, following a year of numerous water tragedies and close calls.
The remains of a 38-year-old Coburg woman were found near Apollo Bay in March, a month before the body of 49-year-old Sydney woman Gita Platthy was pulled from the water near Jan Juc.
The loved ones of Gavin Heard mourned the Newtown father of three after his leg rope got caught under a rock while surfing at Thirteenth Beach near Barwon Heads in April.
Beloved Ocean Grove local Mary-Rose Attard, 62, was found dead in ocean waters near Point Lonsdale in May after she was reported missing from her home.
The efforts of local lifesavers in two particular incidents helped prevent dozens more water deaths in 2025, including the large-scale rescue of 17 swimmers and three kayakers by the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club in April.
The heroic efforts of Ocean Grove lifesavers also saved the lives of three fishermen whose boat capsized off Barwon Heads in May.
The tragic drowning death of Clifton Springs 12-year-old Cienna Jervies in September 2023 also sparked calls for stronger water safety guidelines this year.
Coroner Simon McGregor recommended in April a new document be introduced for all agencies to be aligned in their responsibilities to keep locals safe by the water.
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Originally published as Geelong, Surf Coast water deaths contribute to statewide drowning surge
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