Framing Migrant Drownings in Australia: News Media Representations Through the Lens of Critical Discourse

Australian news media shape public understanding of drowning risk, but coverage tends to emphasise individual adaptation over structural causes. Greater consistency in reporting systemic barriers and prevention initiatives is needed to support equity-oriented water safety strategies. SO WHAT?: Aligning media representation with the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 requires greater inclusion of migrant voices, consistent reporting of systemic barriers, and framing prevention in equity-oriented terms. Collaboration between journalists and water safety agencies could help shift coverage from episodic tragedy to sustained public health communication.