In water-rich Australia, formal swimming lessons are a critical layer of protection for children, building confidence and automatic responses that can prevent tragedy. Learn why consistency is key.
A decade after an extreme east coast low battered the Hunter, claiming one life, marine rescue volunteers reunite to honour their courage in 8-metre swells. Read their incredible story.
A tourist in his 20s has died after being caught in a rip at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast. It's the fifth drowning on Australian beaches this festive period. Authorities urge water safety vigilance.
A four-year-old boy has died after being pulled from a backyard pool at Port Stephens. The tragedy follows a national surge in drowning deaths, with backyard pools accounting for most incidents.
A four-year-old boy has tragically died after being found unresponsive in a pool at Bobs Farm, Port Stephens. Emergency services rushed to the scene on Friday night.
Two teenage boys were rescued from a dangerous rip at an unpatrolled Illawarra beach. The incident highlights the rising summer drowning toll and the critical importance of swimming between the flags.
Human remains believed to be missing 32-year-old Wen Ren Gu have been recovered near Ledge Point Beach. The snorkeller vanished on New Year's Day. Follow the latest updates.
A major NSW waterways safety operation found more than 20% of jet ski offences occurred at Lake Macquarie. Police urge riders to slow down and follow safety rules.
A 33-year-old man spent a night in custody after police allege he drove dangerously at Nelson Bay with a blood alcohol reading of 0.280. He faces multiple charges as police operations continue.
A 34-year-old man has drowned at Green Patch Beach in Jervis Bay, marking the second tragic death on Shoalhaven beaches in two days. Emergency services responded to the incident in rough conditions.
A 34-year-old man has drowned in rough seas at Jervis Bay, marking the second tragic death on the NSW South Coast in 48 hours. Authorities urge extreme caution amid dangerous coastal conditions.
A Brisbane lawyer saved the life of a 23-year-old man at Shoal Bay on Christmas Day. Read the incredible story of the rescue and the family's search for their hero.
A man in his 50s has died after being pulled from the water at Lobster Bay on the Beecroft Peninsula. Police are investigating the incident and have issued a water safety warning.
Three men were rescued from a capsized vessel off Shoal Bay after encountering large waves. Marine police responded to the early morning incident on January 1.
Tributes flow for Melissa Austin, 45, who drowned at a NSW beach. Her death is part of a tragic cluster of coastal fatalities, prompting urgent water safety warnings.
A multi-agency search resumes for a 25-year-old man at Coogee and a 14-year-old boy at Palm Beach after separate incidents. Authorities issue urgent warnings after multiple drownings on the NSW coast. Stay informed and stay safe.
A man in his 40s was airlifted after a diving incident at a popular Port Stephens jetty on January 1, suffering a suspected neck injury. Emergency services rushed to the scene.
A 35-year-old Irish tourist has died in a drowning at Queensland's Whitehaven Beach. Police are investigating as the Whitsundays community mourns the tragic start to the new year.
A Port Stephens canoe club's missing trailer, thought stolen for scrap, was discovered impounded by council rangers. Read how a mix-up over registration led to the costly confusion.
A young man was saved from drowning on Christmas morning at Shoal Bay. His family now seeks the stranger who performed life-saving CPR. Read the dramatic story and vital water safety warning.
A major police operation across Port Stephens beaches, waterways and national parks resulted in over 630 breath tests, dozens of fines and multiple arrests. Read the full details of the holiday crackdown.
The Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club is devastated after thieves stole a vital $14,000 custom-built trailer, stranding their canoes and jeopardising their entire competition season.
Six people were rescued in separate incidents across Victoria's waterways on Christmas Day, including paddleboarders blown 10km out to sea. Authorities urge water safety as summer risks rise.
A 12-year-old girl has tragically died in hospital nearly two days after being found unresponsive in the water at Perth's Trigg Beach. The community is in mourning.
Police are searching for Graham Bassett, 69, who vanished while travelling in a white Mercedes campervan on Christmas Day. Live updates from Newcastle Herald.
Suzanne Lupica, charged with murdering a Port Kennedy aged care resident, has been found mentally unfit to stand trial. The WA Supreme Court heard chilling details of the alleged attack. Read the full story.
WA authorities urge vigilance as heatwave hits. Over 40% of toddler drownings occur in home pools. Check your fence, close the gate, and maintain constant supervision.
A 71-year-old man has been found dead in a cabin at the BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park. A 49-year-old Aldinga man has been charged with murder in what police say was not a random attack. Read the latest.
Popular Port Stephens swimming spots will be off-limits to jet skis and power boats this holiday season in a safety trial. Find out where and when the bans apply.
A quick-thinking parent and corrections officer tackled a pitch invader who knocked down an umpire during a junior cricket match in Port Macquarie. Read the full story of the dramatic incident.