'Stay vigilant': Lifesavers' warning as Australia enters deadliest time of year for drowning

People swimming in the water and relaxing in the sand at a beach.

Beachgoers are seen at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Heatwave baking Australia's south-east to be quelled by a cool change sweeping the region on Tuesday, with storms set to race through Victoria and NSW. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING, Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Eighteen lives have already been lost to drowning this summer, with lifesavers warning that number could sharply rise during the festive season.



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