The number of people to die by drowning last year was the lowest since 1952 and down 23 per cent on 2009, according to new figures released today.
Irish Water Safety said there were 112 drownings recorded last year, compared to 145 in 2009 and an average of 150 for each year in the decade to 2010.
The lowest number of drownings in Ireland since figures began to be recorded was in 1952 when 104 people drowned. The highest number reported drowned was in 1994 when 229 people died.
Irish Water Safety said that 85 per cent of those who drowned were men while half were in the 45-65 age group .
I appeal to all adults to make themselves more aware of the dangers in, on and around water." said Irish Water Safety chairman Frank Nolan,
"It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike and this can so easily be avoided if people take responsibility for their own safety by learning about the hazards in advance of any trip to our wonderful waterways," he added.
