Life Saving Victoria recorded26 drownings between December 1,2023,and February 29,2024 – the highest number in that period since records began 23 years ago.

“This is the highest number of lives lost to drowning in any summer period in Victoria since detailed record-taking began in 2000. To note,last year was the second-highest,with 24 lives lost in the summer,” the organisation said.

Of those 26 drownings,69 per cent occurred in coastal waterways,19 per cent in inland waterways and 12 per cent at a home or other place.

The average age of those who drowned was 42 and 85 per cent of victims were male.

“The number of coastal drownings this summer is almost double the five-year average,” Life Saving Victoria said.

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