THE increasing number of deaths caused by drowning is of a serious concern to the Fiji Police Force.
Police statistics show the current drowning death toll stands at 51 compared to 29 for the same period last year.
Spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed that most drownings this year occurred in the Western Division during the recent floods.
Ms Naisoro said the reasons for the increase in drowning numbers were negligence and lack of knowledge.
"People being swept away by strong currents and just not knowing how to swim are the major reasons causing deaths by drowning in the country," she said. Ms Naisoro said people's attitude of not adhering to the warnings by the police was also a matter of concern.
"Members of the public need to change their mind-sets and seriously take heed of the warnings given by police," she said.
Ms Naisoro advised parents to keep a close eye on children and not leave them unsupervised while they're swimming. "Supervision meaning those who know how to swim and can apply emergency aid if the need arises," she said.
Ms Naisoro also urged the general public take heed of advisories and with the hurricane season coming up, people must not test the power of mother nature.