IN SHOCKING statistics released this week, 40 people have fatally drowned across Australia this summer already.

And in what may come as a surprise to many, of the 291 drowning deaths in Australia in 2017, 23 per cent, the majority of those happened in rivers, creeks and streams.

74 per cent of those who drowned were men and 25% per cent of people died while swimming or recreating.

These statistics are from the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2017, which also shows the number of drowning deaths climbing steadily in past years.

More than a third of drowning deaths occur in summer and a study found that alcohol was known to be involved in 314 cases (41 per cent) of the 770 river drowning deaths between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2012.

WIRAC aquatic co-ordinator Karen Peters said fun in the water required active supervision.

"Water is fun, but it's dangerous too,” she said.

"You need to keep an eye on your kids, an eye on your mates, an eye on your family, it's so important.

"Responsibility is key, we're educating children all the time, it seems it's often the parents that aren't educated enough.”

Mrs Peters said parent needed to be completely aware of the dangers of pools, rivers, creeks and dams.

"If your child is under five or can't swim, you need to be at arm's length at all times,” she said.

"You can't be off chatting or sitting on your phone.

"We see it quite often here at WIRAC and it's shouldn't happen.”

Mrs Peters said even the next age group up needed constant supervision.

"Kids from 6 to 11 still needs a parent guardian around at all times, this is training we've received from Royal Life Saving and as result we don't allow anyone under 11 in the pool at all without a parent,” she said.

"And that should relate to wherever kids and people want to swim, be it out at the dam or at home.

"You should always know your kids are.”

Mrs Peters said rivers and dams could be very dangerous and that extra care was needed.

"Floaties aren't enough for kids, parents still need to be with them,” she said.

"Once you start talking about teens and adults, men and boys are daredevils.

"They'll try anything, jumping off cliffs and out of trees and a lot of the time alcohol is involved.

"There's a correct way to enter a river, you need to lower yourself in - you never know what's under there, and could cause yourself serious, even permanent injury.

"Never dive or jump into a river of dam.”

If you're out on the water, Mrs Peters said lifejackets were essential.

"They are life-savers if you get into trouble.

"It's regulation now, but you often still see people without them, everyone should be waearing them.”

Mrs Peters said water safety came down to common sense and supervision.

"People clearly need to be more educated about water safety,” she said.

"Don't be so blase about it, the stats don't lie, don't become a statistic - have fun, but stay safe, especially at this time of year.”

Drowning prevention safety tips

. Avoid alcohol around water

. Don't swim or take a boat out under the influence of drugs or alcohol

. Never go in or on the water alone

. Always wear a lifejacket

. Always be prepared before heading out on the water