Suicides still account for over half of all reported drownings, according to new figures released today by Irish Water Safety (IWS).
The IWS reported a total of 156 drownings last year, up from 131 in 2006 when the lowest number in 40 years was recorded.
According to the IWS 2007 annual report, which was launched by the Minister for State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Michael Kitt at Custom House in Dublin, the numbers of drownings by suicide was 75 last year,compared to 63 in the preceding year.
"It is clear that any effort to reduce the numbers of drownings can never be relaxed. Any life lost through drowning is still one too many and I encourage Irish Water Safety and local authorities to continue your valuable work in drowning prevention and rescue throughout the country in the coming year," said Mr Kitt.
Some 54 of the reported drownings in 2007 were accidental while 27 were undetermined.
Over three-quarters of all reported drownings involved men, who were statistically twice as likely to have drowned by suicide than women.
Local authorities were recognised for their role in promoting water safety at the launch of the IWS report with Limavady Borough Council awarded the Charles Thomson Award Award for promoting water safety in Ireland.
Roscommon and Clare County Councils were awarded certificates of merit for efforts they made during the year to increase water safety.
