The Royal Life Saving Society this week reported a significant increase in drowning deaths last year, with 114 of the 291 deaths occurring in the over-55s.

This figure recorded is the highest in a decade for babyboomers, who now account for more than a third of the total drowning deaths.

According to Chief Executive of the Royal Life Saving Society, Mr Justin Scarr, baby boomers taking up water-based hobbies may be to blame for the increase in deaths. Notably, accidents involving watercraft accounted for 27 drowning deaths in this age bracket.

In addition, child drownings almost doubled last year, with 10 more deaths in the under-four age bracket. Alarmingly, of all child drownings, 81 per cent of deaths occurred after a child was left unsupervised. Men, largely due to their thrill-seeking behaviours and alcohol consumption, accounted for the overwhelming majority of deaths, comprising 82 per cent of all drownings.

Find more information and some tips on how to keep children save from drowning here and here.