Ten people drown in Ireland every month on average, a national drowning report published by Water Safety Ireland has found.
Provisional figures also show that 78 people died by drowning in 2023, 15 fewer than in 2022.
Between 2017 and 2021, data from the CSO revealed that 57% of drownings were accidental.
Over 80% of all drownings were in coastal areas, while 70% of recorded drownings involved males.
CEO of Water Safety Ireland Joanne Walsh said people are being "more safety aware".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, she noted that 60% of accidental drowning deaths come from "land-based activities", such as people walking on cliffs, hiking or out foraging.
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She said the proportion of drownings related to swimming, bathing and diving is "coming down" and now makes up around 25% of all drownings.
'Stay away from edges'
Drownings based on land-based activities will be a primary area of focus going forward, Ms Walsh said.
She reminded the public to "remember the acronym SAFE".
"SAFE - Stay away from edges. If you're out walking during the summer, there's a lot of growth.
"You may not see the edge of that river. You may not see the edge of the lake.
"During wintertime as well though, the edges aren't as strong as they are during the summer, the soil could break away.
"So please be mindful if you're going out walking. Be mindful of the edges."
Co Mayo had the highest instance of drownings in 2023, with eight drownings recorded per 100,000 residents, while Co Cork had the highest total number of drownings last year with 15.
