New figures reveal there were nine fatalities last summer – all were men and three of them were the result of someone attempting to save the life of another.

Additionally, 80% of the coastal drownings occurred more than 5km from a surf lifesaving service.

The new statistics are prompting an urgent message from Surf Life Saving SA’s Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Manager, Daniel Willetts.

“900,000 South Australians visited our coastline last summer period, but we’ve seen the emotional toll that a single drowning death can take on families, friends, and local communities,” Willetts said.

“Not wearing a lifejacket, using inflatable pool toys at the beach, and underestimating the power of the ocean are key contributors to drowning, so please consider this over summer, as it could save your life,” he said.

“Tragically, most drowning deaths occurred during attempts to rescue someone else.

“We see it too often, when someone has selflessly entered the water to rescue someone else, they end up getting into trouble themselves, and it tragically costs them their own life, as highlighted by these figures.

“If someone is in danger, make you sure you have something with you that floats to throw to them or assist them with in a rescue.”

Willetts said complacency with the water also led to many tragedies.

“Leave the pool toys at home as they often drift out to sea and create the need for a rescue situation, wear a life jacket on boats, kayaks and other watercraft, and know your limits if you’re not a strong swimmer,” he said.

The nine coastal drownings in SA are up by one on the 10-year average of eight, but older individuals have been identified as an emerging population of concern, with 45-54 and 65–74-year-olds both accounting for 33% of coastal drowning deaths.

Nationally, the number of drowning deaths in Australia reached its highest point in 25 years, with COVID-19 blamed for helping to push up the tally.

There were 339 drownings nationwide in the 12 months to June 30, up from 295 the previous year and the highest reported tally since 1996.

More than a third occurred in coastal locations, the Royal Life Saving Society and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) said on Friday.

“This year has been the worst we have experienced (in) collecting coastal drowning information during the past 18 years,” SLSA chief executive Adam Weir said.

“Despite performing more than 8600 rescues and over 58,300 first aid treatments, there were 141 coastal drowning deaths recorded.

“This is a distressing result for all emergency service groups in addition to being devastating to so many families, friends and loved ones.”

-with AAP