A tragic death in Queenscliff comes as Life Saving Victoria launched its annual drowning report, revealing the number of lives lost to drowning are the highest in a decade.
The latest increase in drownings was recorded among 15 to 25-year-olds, with 10 fatalities.
Seventeen people aged 25 to 44 also died in the last year.
Cath Greaves from Life Saving Victoria said people needed to be careful around oceans, rivers, pools and other waterways.
“I think it’s just continually pushing the message out, and we’re really keen for people to download the Beachsafe app, and have a look at where to swim safely,” she said.
“We want to encourage people to recreate by the water and that’s going to happen more and more as the temperature increases.
“But to do so safely it’s just so important.”
Life Saving Victoria again encouraged locals and visitors to swim at patrolled beaches and between the red and yellow flags over the summer months.
A 76-year-old man drowned when he fell from a small boat on a creek in Queenscliff Wednesday morning.
And the search has been held for a fisherman near Lorne, after they got swept out to sea last Thursday afternoon.
