Young Aussie men most likely to drown

SYDNEY: Men accounted for 80% of all drownings across Australia in the 12 months to June, a new water safety report has found.

Young Australian men taking risks and overestimating their abilities are continuing to put themselves at risk of drowning, a new report says.

Males accounted for 80% of the 248 drownings across Australia in the 12 months to June.

Men aged 25 to 34 were the most at risk, the Royal Life Saving Society and

Surf Life Saving Australia said yesterday, with the use of alcohol and drugs and absence of safety precautions key factors.

The number of overall drownings fell by 8% for the year.

Nationally there were 82 drownings in inland waterways, 45 on beaches, 41 offshore and 26 at rock or cliff locations.

A further 28 people drowned in swimming pools.

There was an overall 52% decrease in deaths of children under five. — AAP