Anyone can drown, no one should.. How to stay safe in water

AROUND 10 people drown in Ireland every month, most of whom are male, shocking statistics reveal.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

Figures show 42 people have drowned so far this year after getting into difficulty, which is 10 more than during the same period last year.

The figures were released for World Drowning Prevention Day today, which honours all victims and hopes to prevent further tragedies.

Water Safety Ireland said this year's figures equate to 0.82 deaths per 100,000. This is higher than in the UK, Spain, and Portugal, but lower than in France, at 0.91 per 100,000, and 2.08 per 100,000 in Greece.

As part of a five-year analysis over the course of 2018 to 2022, 578 people drowned in Ireland - which worked out an average of 116 per year.

Water Safety Ireland said this was a marked improvement on the 132 annual average recorded between 2013 and 2017.

“These are everyday activities - nobody expects them to end in tragedy

WATER SAFETY IRELAND SPOKESMAN

The charity said 69% of victims were male and 61% were aged between 40 and 69 years old.