A 300 per cent increase in drownings in the south-west in 2015-2016 has prompted water safety authorities to issue a holiday alert.
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Eight people drowned in Warrnambool and the south-west in 2015-2016, a dramatic rise on the two in the previous year.
The increase in drownings, particularly in boating accidents, has prompted water safety agencies to urge those enjoying water recreation during the Christmas hot spell to do so safely.
Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club president Michael Owen said there had been no drownings at Lady Bay or Stingray Bay but three fishermen had died in boating tragedies near the Warrnambool breakwater.
He urged those going out in boats to wear life jackets and not go out alone.
Swimmers should do so between the flags, Mr Owen said.
The latest Victorian Drowning Report showed the high number of drownings in the south-west comprised nearly 20 per cent of the 43 people who drowned in Victoria in 2015-16.
It said there were four boating incidents involving drownings in the south-west. Six drownings occurred in the ocean and two in rivers, including one in the Merri River that claimed the life of a toddler.
Six incidents involved persons over the age of 45 years.
The report revealed that between 2005-2015, there were 23 fatal drownings in the south-west, a further 18 hospital admissions and 12 emergency department presentations for non-fatal drowning incidents.