Men and adults aged 45 years and older were the victims of the majority of drownings last financial year, according to a new report.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s (RLSS) National Drowning Report 2023 found men made up 77 per cent of drowning deaths, and adults over 45 made up 57 per cent.
Drownings declined overall with 281 deaths, down 17 per cent on the previous year when there were 339 deaths.
Males were the most likely to drown because of trying to save a family member from the water.
However, drowning prevention efforts had seen a 33 per cent decrease in deaths in children four years and younger, compared to the 10-year average.
The report found 42 per cent of drowning occurred more than 5 kilometres from a Surf Life Saving service.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) chief executive Adam Weir said people were seeking more secluded spots to swim and putting themselves in danger.
People from disadvantaged areas were also more likely to drown than those from advantaged areas.
New South Wales recorded the greatest number of drowning deaths with 107, while Victoria saw the biggest jump in drownings against the 10-year average, with 59 — a 26 per cent increase.
Mr Scarr encouraged people, especially older men, to take safety precautions when in and around water.
“We urge men to make the right call, and avoid alcohol and drugs around water, check the conditions and avoid over-estimation of swimming ability.
(ABC)
