In the month of December alone, 21 people have drowned at beaches, waterways and in swimming pools, Australia-wide.

It’s an increase of six deaths, compared to this time last year.

On Wednesday, a man in his 40s died after being pulled from the water a Bondi Beach.

It’s believed he wasn’t wearing a life jacket while rock fishing, before being swept into the water.

Earlier this week, two men drowned north of Coffs Harbour and a third is still unaccounted for after they became caught in a rip.

Royal Life Saving Society of Australia CEO Justin Scarr tells John Stanley it’s important to find a patrolled location if you’re heading away from home.

He says unpatrolled beaches are “really only for very experienced swimmers”.

“At this time of year, people are going to unfamiliar locations… they need to look out for each other, they need to find that patrolled location.

“They need to avoid putting their children at risk.”

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