Life Saving Victoria recently announced the 2008/2009 Victorian Drowning Report showing males represent the greatest proportion of drowning deaths and infants were also over-represented.

The 2008/2009 report revealed males are typically at greatest risk being three times more likely to drown than females. Alcohol is a major contributing factor, representing one third of drowning deaths in males each year.

Infants and toddlers were also over-represented in the statistics with 8 non-fatal drowning incidents for every one drowning death.

Life Saving Victoria has warned that near drownings, often resulting in brain damage, remain high, with an average of 39 incidents in the state each year. Earlier this month, a two-year-old boy was in a stable condition at Monash Medical Centre after almost drowning in a backyard pool at a Glen Waverley home.

"A real concern is that for every one toddler who drowns, another eight experience a near drowning incident," said Dr Bernadette Matthews, Life Saving Victoria's manager of research and injury prevention. She welcomed the changes as a
"further barrier that provides a few extra seconds to save a life."

This year's findings highlight the continued need to ensure the promotion of water safety is a year round concern and parents are aware of all potential dangers surrounding children and the water.

This years report has also been expanded to include more of the work Life Saving Victoria and our volunteer members undertake through key education programs and services.

For a copy of the report please click here.