34 people drown each year, study reveals

A study has revealed that over the past five years, there has been an average of 34 accidental drownings in Ireland each year.

The figures were compiled by the Irish Water Safety Association and based on drowning reports submitted by the gardai.

The statistics show that alcohol is a contributory factor in a number of cases, with a total of 39 drownings in the past five years related to drinking.

Although a large number of accidental drownings victims were involved in marine leisure boating activities, the study also shows that 104 accident drownings over the past five years were people engaged in land-based leisure pursuits.

The Irish Water Safety Association has again appealed for people to wear life jackets in an effort to reduce the figures.