Three drownings over weekend add to Australia’s growing toll as lifesavers plead for caution

Another three people have drowned in Australian waters as the summer death toll continues to climb during the festive period.

Police said on Sunday that two tourists were unable to be revived after a group of swimmers were pulled from a rip at a beach on Western Australia’s south-west coast.

Emergency services responded to reports that three adults were struggling in the water at Conspicuous Cliff beach, 17km from Walpole, about 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon.

A 40-year-old woman and a 44-year-old male were pulled from the water but were unable to be revived. A 42-year-old man was resuscitated at the scene and taken to hospital. All three were known to each other and were visiting from the Perth area, Western Australia police said.

Conspicuous Cliff is about a 20-minute drive from Walpole and is popular for surfing and whale watching.

The stretch of beach is notorious for its treacherous waters, with signs leading to the beach warning swimmers about rips. WA Parks and Wildlife warns visitors to be wary of the hazardous conditions due to “large, unpredictable waves and swells, slippery rocks and strong currents”.

A third man died after drowning at Carlton Beach in southern Tasmania on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services were called following reports that five swimmers, including children, were experiencing difficulty in strong currents about 1pm.

The group was retrieved from the water but the man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other swimmers did not require medical treatment.

Only weeks into summer, 29 lives have been lost to drowning.

Royal Life Saving Australia data shows the number of drownings has spiked in 2024, with the death rate 20% higher than the five-year average, but slightly lower than the number of deaths recorded this time in 2023.

Life savers said the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day was the deadliest time to be in and on the water.

There have been three drownings on NSW’s south coast in the past week and in Victoria a man died on Boxing Day after drowning at Balnarring Beach on the Mornington Peninsula.

Royal Life Saving Australia general manager of capability, RJ Houston, said drowning deaths in 2024 were overwhelmingly male, accounting for 22 of the 29 lives lost.

“Blokes in particular need to look out for themselves around water and be aware of their limitations,” he said.

“Don’t take risks, wear lifejackets when needed and don’t drink on the water.”

NSW leads the death toll, followed closely by Queensland.