PM Turnbull makes safety warning amid drownings spike

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned swimmers to be “alert all the time” in the wake of the national drowning figures dramatically rising.

There has been a 24 percent increase in coastal deaths with 130 people drowning last year compared to 105 the year before, according to the annual Surf Life Saving Australia report released today.

Mr Turnbull addressed the coastal safety report this morning, pleading for people to remember to swim between the flags.

"Complacency leads to tragedy, that's why we have to be alert all the time," he told the gathering in Sydney's Bondi beach.

"You cannot take anything for granted."

Surf Life Saving said it was saddened by the figures.

"One death is one too many," president Graham Ford said.

The figures revealed men and boys made up 89 per cent of deaths, with the majority of drownings occurring while swimming or wading at beaches.

Medical conditions or injury were the top reasons for the death toll while rip currents, alcohol and drugs were also contributing factors.

However, the number of drowned tourists is declining, down to 10 percent from 14 percent last year.

NSW had the highest number of coastal drownings at 53 while Victoria was second with 22 deaths, a majority due to boating.