Eight in 10 victims of accidental water-related deaths in Wales are male, with accidental drownings most frequent in young men aged 20 to 29.
In recent weeks, there have been two deaths at Llyn Geirionydd, Conwy.
The body of a 21 year old man was recovered from the water on 7 July, while the body of another man was recovered from the water last week.
Earlier this month, a teenager died after becoming submerged by the current in the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition.
Families with lived experience of water deaths have now joined forces with Welsh government, charities, landowners, activity providers and campaigners to launch the Wales Drowning Prevention Strategy.
Keith Reid, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said: “Every drowning is a tragedy that leaves a lasting impact on families, friends and communities, and one life lost is one life too many. By bringing together public services, schools, colleges, communities, charities and partners across Wales, we can strengthen our shared mission to prevent avoidable deaths in, on and around water.
“This strategy reflects our collective determination to save lives, raise awareness of water safety, and work towards a future where no family has to experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one in this way.”
The strategy aims to ensure every child and young person has a water safety education and is able to swim, and to ensure drowning prevention efforts remain responsive to changing weather patterns.
Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said: “Drowning remains a serious and growing public health challenge in Wales.
“We have an accidental drowning rate more than double that of the UK as a whole and despite the best efforts of Water Safety Wales members and others, fatality numbers have increased slightly since the first Wales Drowning Prevention Strategy was published.
“The launch of this strategy is an opportunity for us all in Wales to acknowledge that each of these deaths is a tragedy.
“Water Safety Wales believes one death is too many, we will reduce drowning if everyone plays their part and together, we can build a future with zero drownings where everyone in Wales can be safe in, on and around the water.”
