The South Australian government is responding to rising drowning incidents among foreign-born residents by potentially installing swim safety signs at Adelaide Airport. A recent National Drowning Report reveals that in the 2024-25 financial year, 33 percent of the 357 drownings in Australia involved individuals born overseas, marking a 27-percent rise over the previous ten-year average. This alarming trend has triggered a consensus that improving water safety education for new arrivals is essential.

This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by immigrants, particularly those from countries where swimming lessons and water safety education are not emphasized. A spokesperson from the Australian Migrant Resource Centre highlighted the importance of offering guidance on local ocean and river conditions, which can be drastically different from those in their home countries. The organization's efforts underscore a commitment to ensuring that newcomers to Australia can navigate local waterways safely and with confidence, minimizing the risks they face due to unfamiliar aquatic environments.

Given that 43 percent of drownings occur in coastal areas, including at beaches, this proposed signage is not just about immediate safety but also about fostering awareness and understanding of the potential dangers that lie in the Australian water landscape. The government's openness to this suggestion indicates a proactive approach to public safety and inclusivity for immigrants, aiming to create a safer environment as these individuals settle into their new lives.