![Heat, alcohol and missed swimming lessons may have contributed to the many drownings, experts say. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS) Heat, alcohol and missed swimming lessons may have contributed to the many drownings, experts say. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/01066ff7-1cc5-4c98-9e2b-edbeae71989a.jpg/r0_0_800_600_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Heat, alcohol and missed swimming lessons due to COVID-19 have likely contributed to this week's drowning death toll, authorities say.
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At least 16 people have died this summer, compared to 36 at the same time last year, according to Royal Life Saving Australia figures.
Last summer, 145 people drowned, making it the worst summer in more than 20 years.
Since Christmas Day 10 people have died in drownings nationwide.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued heatwave warnings in several states as the mercury soared over days and nights of the Christmas long weekend.
"The overnight minimum temperatures being hot doesn't give the body a chance to recover," senior meteorologist Christie Johnson said.
Cumulative heat stress left people open to fatigue, heatstroke and other medical complications.
"Heatwaves do cause a lot of health problems, even in otherwise healthy people," Ms Johnson said.
On Boxing Day a man in his 30s was pulled unresponsive from Lake Hume near Albury Wodonga after a probable medical episode while chasing his dog into the water.
Royal Life Saving Australia chief executive Justin Scarr said alcohol was another major contributor to holiday drownings.
"Alcohol was a factor in more than a quarter of drowning deaths last summer so we're asking everyone to stay off the beers until fishing, boating or swimming has finished," Mr Scarr said.
"The days between Christmas and New Year's Day are often the deadliest period for drowning."
Roughly 50 per cent of this summer's drownings occurred on inland waterways, boosted by recent floodwaters.
"Many rivers, lakes and dams have more water than in previous years and with lots of water moving downstream.
"It's important not to let children play or swim in floodwater," Mr Scarr said.
Lifesaving Victoria's Kane Treloar said COVID restrictions had likely had an effect on drownings due to missed swimming and pool safety classes.
"It's all been very clear the drowning numbers for the last two years have been significantly above the 10 year average."
Mr Treloar said the restricted access to pools also had likely affected seasoned swimmers.
"People weren't able to go down to their local pool ... have come out of summer less fit ... less comfortable around the water."
Lifesaving Victoria urged people to take more responsibility in all situations.
"We've all got to work together to make sure that we all come home safely at the end of the day."
NSW Ambulance has responded to 40 water-related incidents in four days.
Four people died in as many days in the state.
Inspector Kay Armstrong said a young girl who nearly drowned in a Sydney pool on Tuesday was in a stable but serious condition thanks to people who performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
"I can't stress enough how important CPR is," Ms Armstrong told AAP.
"It's what's going to make the difference between the time a triple-zero call comes in and us getting to the scene and us taking over from great CPR that will save lives."
Australian Associated Press