Toddlers and baby boomers spike in nation's drowning deaths Belinda Hedley with her twins, Seth and Braith, who fell into a pool several years ago, were pulled out and revived. DROWNING deaths across Australia have jumped this past year with worrying spikes involving children aged under five and baby boomers, according to latest national data. A total of 291 Australians drowned last year - a rise of 15 - with men overhwlmiongly accounting for 82% or 238 deaths between July 2012 and June 2013, the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report has revealed. Released today (THURSDAY) the report also identified inland waterways and not beaches as the location of the largest number of deaths with 99 people (34%) drowning in ages, rivers, dams and streams. The finding has prompted the RLS Society to begin compiling a list of top 10 black spots ahead of the coming summer to highlight the dangers to the public. The Society's CEO Justin Scarr said an unexpected sharp rise in young children tragically losing their lives was again cause for concern. The deaths of 31 children aged 0-4 years represents a 48% increase - mostly due to 10 deaths reported in Queensland - but is the first rise after four years of steady decline. The majority of toddlers drowned in backyard pools (19) followed by baths (4), dams and creeks (3 respectively). "It is concerning and worrying and this spike in backyard pool drownings underlines the importance of not just pool fencing but constant adult supervision of little ones around water," Mr Scarr said. The report found children died after getting into an unfenced pool or through a faulty/propped open gate - while lack of supervision was identified in 94% of all the drownings. In NSW, as of April 29, swimming pool owners are required to register their pool with the Government and Mr Scarr said similar changes across the country were expected to help reduce child deaths. We have some ways to go and the figures show you need at least two or three mechanisms to work which includes fencing, adult supervision, wider family awareness and CPR. In another growing trend of concern, it was found those aged over 55 accounted for a third of all drownings (114) last year - an increase of 27 on the 10-year average of 87 - and over half (56%) had an underlying medical condition. "We're concerned with people moving into active retirement as they purchase boats, travel to locations inland waterways and take unnecessary risks reliving their past years, " Mr Scarr said. There are three simple ways to stop men drowning this summer - less alcohol, greater use of PFDs, and to exercise more caution with the weather. The RLSS advises a doctor's check-up and being aware of the impact of medications before venturing into the water. For more information on water safety and drowning prevention strategies go to www.royallifesaving.com.au Drownings by State/Territory: New South Wales - 104 Queensland - 64 Western Australia - 46 Victoria - 41 South Australia - 14 Northern Territory - 9 Tasmania - 9 Australian Capital Territory - 4