Fifty-six people drowned in the state’s waterways in the 2018-19 financial year

This article is more than 9 months old

This article is more than 9 months old

Victoria has recorded its worst drowning toll in two decades, a Life Saving Victoria report has revealed.

Fifty-six people drowned in the state’s waterways in the 2018-19 financial year and paramedics were called to 101 near-drownings, figures released on Sunday show.

Men were four times more likely to drown than women, and almost one in five drowning deaths were people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Those aged 65 and older were also at risk. There was a 71% increase in deaths last year compared to the 10-year average.

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The drowning toll is the worst in 20 years, and Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia to have recorded an increase in drowning deaths when compared to the 10-year average.

The principal research associate at Life Saving Victoria, Bernadette Matthews, said she was particularly concerned to see an rise in deaths among people who had not intended to go into the water.

“Unintentional entry into water – via slips, trips and falls – was the most common activity just prior to drowning last year, accounting for almost half of all drowning deaths,” she said.

“Drowning deaths are entirely preventable and simple safety measures can make all the difference between a great day out and a tragedy.”

Matthews was joined by Victoria’s emergency services minister, Lisa Neville, on Sunday to launch water safety week.

“Last year was a tragic year for drownings, and we don’t want to see a repeat of last summer,” Neville said.

“Our lifesaving volunteers do an amazing job but it’s up to everyone to be aware of the dangers.”