Enjoy the beach - but stay safe

As Australia braces for an increasingly hot summer, there are concerns about ongoing drowning deaths. According to Royal Lifesaving Australia's Fatal Drowning Toll, there have already been 21 deaths recorded since December 1, and now swim safety experts share their tips for staying safe in the water.

Beachgoers are seen at Maroubra Beach, Sydney (AAP).jpg Source: AAP / DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• Since the start of summer this year, there have already been 21 drowning deaths recorded across the country - that's three more than recorded on the same date last year.
• People from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, are disproportionately represented in these drowning statistics.
• Swim between the flags, identify and avoid rips and always signal for help - are few of the important tips to remember for a safe swim.

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Enjoy the beach - but stay safe

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An Australian El Nino summer is characterised by hot, dry days, with many flocking to beaches and pools to escape the heat.

But with that comes a greater risk of drowning deaths.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales CEO Steven Pearce explains the heightened risk of drowning over the festive period.

"Always statistically over the Christmas festive period you're twice as likely to drown on a New South Wales coastline than any other time. That's predominantly because you get many people coming down recreating on the beaches now and visiting locations where they're just not used to those local conditions. They don't understand those rip locations or where it's safe to swim at the beach. And you know we always have this heightened peak of operation particularly around Christmas. And even unfortunately particular here in New South Wales it's been a really tragic start, and even you know since 1 December we're up to 6 coastal drownings in New South Wales alone."