The ACT was the only state or territory to record a higher than average number of fatal drownings last financial year, as the number of drowning deaths in Australia hit a record low.
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The Royal Life Saving Society's national drowning report, released on Wednesday, shows that three people fatally drowned in the ACT in 2017-18.
All three victims were men. One of them, Peter Trueman, drowned in Lake Ginninderra on Christmas Day. It is understood the other two drowned at Casuarina Sands, a popular swimming spot in the Murrumbidgee River, and in Bulgar Creek.
While the total of three represents a decrease on the 2016-17 figure of four drowning deaths in the ACT, the number is higher than the territory's 10-year average of two drowning deaths per year.
Victoria and South Australia recorded 2017-18 drowning death tolls equal to their 10-year averages, while every other state or territory saw a lower than average number.
The report shows that 249 people fatally drowned across Australia last financial year, down from 291 the previous year.
An estimated 551 people were also hospitalised after non-fatal drowning incidents across the country, down from 685 in 2016-17.
Royal Life Saving Society chief executive Justin Scarr said the 2017-18 nationwide drowning death toll was a record low.
"The figures show that drowning prevention initiatives continue to reduce the impacts of drowning across most waterways and age groups," Mr Scarr said.
"However, we cannot be complacent about water safety.”
Males accounted for 72 per cent of drowning deaths in 2017-18, with alcohol and risk-taking a common factor, according to the report.
Royal Life Saving ACT is playing its part in reducing the drowning death toll by offering the Swim 4 Life course, which teaches children how to swim and stay safe in pools and outdoor waterways.
Last financial year, 370 children took part in the free program, which included practical sessions at Canberra pools and an outdoor session at Lake Ginninderra or Pine Island.
The open water session is designed to teach children safety and survival skills including safe entries, checking depth and using a lifejacket.
"Children in this program come from a variety of backgrounds," Swim 4 Life trainer and program co-ordinator Jackie Rousseau said.
"We have Aboriginal Australians, people from non-English speaking backgrounds and also new arrivals to the country.
"Many of the children also come from low-income families and may not have the funds to pay for structured lessons, so bringing this program to them is vital."
