Drowning in the Data: What You Need to Know This Summer with Dr Jaz Lawes

With summer just around the corner, drowning stats are rising — and Dr Jaz Lawes joins MJ to break it all down. There’s good news for toddlers: thanks to better fencing, education, and community action, drowning deaths in under-fives have dropped. But the bigger picture is confronting — especially for older adults, who now account for 33% of drowning deaths. With health conditions and slower reflexes at play, it’s a sobering reminder that water safety isn’t just for kids. Key figures discussed: Rates are nearly three times higher in regional and remote areas compared to cities The Torres and Cape and North West QLD regions reported the highest rates Dr Jaz also talks about: Why swimming lessons for all ages still matter How localised, culturally relevant education can make a real difference The right way to treat box jellyfish stings (spoiler: it’s not urine!) Read The National Drowning Report 2025, published by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia here: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/news-and-updates/news/2025/aug/tragic-surge-in-drowning-deaths-prompts-urgent-call-for-action-ahead-of-summer ----more----