The Murray River continues to be the worst river for drownings across the country.
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Over the last decade 43 people have died in the river which divides the two states, of those 45 per cent, or 18 people, were Victorians. Last year alone seven people died in the river.
Life Saving Victoria have released their latest drowning report, as part of Water Safety Week, and is urging all river users to take extra care this summer.
The report states there were 34 drowning deaths across the state and 100 non-fatal drowning incidents last financial year.
A worrying statistics is that of the 18 Victorians who died in the Murray, almost half of them - 45 per cent - had reportedly consumed alcohol before getting in the water.
Principal research associate Dr Bernadette Matthews said there was a 23 per cent decrease on the drowning rate compared to the 10-year average across the state.
She said there were some worrying trends that highlighted the importance of not being complacent about water safety.
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"Every drowning death is one too many, and unfortunately this year's statistics paint a picture that suggests people aren't adequately preparing themselves for a day out on or around the water or may be underestimating the risks," she said.
"Males continue to be over represented in the drowning statistics and are four times more likely to drown than females, with men aged 25-44 years making up more than a quarter of all drowning deaths for the 2019-20 year.
"We know drinking alcohol around water remains a high-risk activity for all age groups that should be avoided."
