The number of drowning deaths has increased significantly in the last year across Australia.

New data shows 276 people drowned between July 2018 and June 2019, up 10 per cent from the previous year.

More than a third of those deaths occurred in NSW with 98 drownings, followed by Queensland with 64.

CEO of Surf Life Saving Australia Adam Weir tells Steve Price they’re warning people to avoid risky behaviour and assess the water before they get in.

“It is a pretty simply message Steve… we’re just looking for people to take a bit of responsibility.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview