Australian rivers worst for drownings

Australia's rivers are the leading location for drownings, with the rapidly changing conditions and hidden dangers claiming more than 1000 lives in the past 15 years.

Research published by Royal Life Saving as part of their Respect the River campaign found 1113 people drowned in Australian rivers, creeks and streams since July 2002.

There were 706 drownings at beaches and 634 in swimming pools across the country in the same period.

In the past year alone 68 people died in rivers around Australia.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia chief executive Justin Scarr said it was important people realised just how dangerous rivers could be.

"Often you cannot see ice cold water, rocks, snags like tree branches or strong currents," Mr Scarr said.

There is a misconception tourists account for the majority of drowning deaths, with the research revealing three quarters of people who drowned were locals.

"Conditions in rivers can change rapidly. Just because you might regularly visit an area, doesn't mean the environment will be the same next time you go," Mr Scarr said.

Men were overwhelmingly at most risk, making up 81 per cent of all drowning deaths in rivers, with more than half of those numbers influenced by drugs or alcohol.

"Men are prone to take unnecessary risks and over-estimating their abilities, but with the changeable conditions in rivers, this can, and does put their life in danger," Mr Scarr said.

Only five per cent of those who had drowned were found to be wearing a lifejacket.

Mr Scarr said the lack of people wearing lifejackets while on waterways was concerning.

He hopes the research will change people's attitudes water safety on rivers.

"We are asking people to follow four simple steps to reduce their drowning risk in river: wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and drugs around water, never swim alone and learn how to save a life," he said.

AUSTRALIA'S DEADLIEST RIVERS

* Murray River - 70 drownings (NSW, VIC, SA)

* Brisbane River - 40 drownings (QLD)

* Yarra River - 37 drownings (VIC)

* Hawkesbury River 22 drownings (NSW)

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO DROWN?

* 81 pct men

* 74 pct locals (living within 100km of the river)

* 30 pct people aged 25-44

* 402 deaths in NSW rivers

* 318 deaths in QLD rivers

* 140 deaths in VIC rivers