TASMANIA has become the nation's drowning capital with the highest rate of drowning deaths per head of population. The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report, released on Tuesday, revealed nine people drowned in the state in the year to June 30, 2015. The figure represented 1.75 drowning deaths per 100,000 people but was an 18 per cent reduction on the ten-year average. The nation recorded a total of 271 drownings. Royal Life Saving Tasmania general manager Mel Bush labelled the statistics "incredibly concerning". She said the figures revealed that all the state's drowning deaths occurred among men and that most were older than 45. "This is a very different cohort and phenomenally concerning," she said. "There is no doubt a range of factors involved. "In many cases, these accidents are mostly preventable." Almost half of all deaths happened in rivers, creeks and streams and the River Derwent was listed as the nation's eighth most dangerous river. "We really need to be focusing on these areas," Ms Bush said. Ms Bush said it was a "wonderful thing" no drowning deaths in Tasmania had been recorded in people younger than 18. "But it does not take away from the fact we're seeing this emerging older group of men," she said. Royal Life Saving Tasmania will continue to hone in on safety in inland waterways. Ms Bush also reminded people to avoid alcohol around water, be aware of conditions, learn lifesaving skills and always go boating in a group. "And whether you're 10 or 110, you're never ever too old to learn to swim," she said.
