Beach Safety Research Group

a person swims in an ocean pool at sunrise

Drowning risk increases in heatwaves unexpectedly - here's how to stay safe

08 Sep 2023

New research reveals who is most at risk and what we can all do to stay safe while swimming.

‘Your first emotion is panic’: rips cause many beach drownings, but we can learn from the survivors

11 Aug 2023

We can learn a lot about avoiding and escaping this natural hazard by asking survivors what being caught in a rip is really like.

Life savers in a surf rescue boat attempt a rescue in rough surf

'It's not their fault': study highlights risk factors behind South Asian migrant beach drownings

27 Jan 2022

Beach safety education needs to be better targeted at multi-cultural Australian migrant communities if drownings are to be avoided.

A surfer waits for a wave at sunset or sunrise

Surfers the unsung heroes of beach rescues

30 Nov 2021

UNSW scientists will be assessing the role surfers play in rescuing swimmers in distress as well as their broader contribution to society in a world-first, global survey.

Aerial view of beachgoers at an Australian beach

While drowning numbers soar, beach safety programs are largely unevaluated

17 Mar 2021

Australia may be leading the way on coastal drowning research, but a study led by UNSW has identified the need for more evidence to support prevention strategies.