Royal Life Saving NSW is the leader in drowning prevention and water safety education in the state and they are introducing a regular training service in Murwillumbah from August, that will be of benefit to all members of the broader community.

Australia has recorded the highest number of drowning deaths since records began, prompting urgent warnings from Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia as summer approaches.

The impact of the bushfires on local water supplies has led to Rous County Council developing a targeted raw water sampling program in consultation with NSW Health and industry experts to identify potential contaminants.

Updated: Scientists from Southern Cross University have made a startling discovery about the lethal threat of soils scorched by bushfires that could increase cancer risks.

More than a third (34 per cent) of the drownings happened when people were trying to swim but 18% were due to rock-fishing accidents.

Four people have lost their lives in the last week on the NSW coast and Surf Life Saving NSW are reminding people using all waterways to be on high alert over the coming days while heatwave conditions are coinciding with Christmas holidays.

Marine Rescue NSW has urged boaters taking an extended break over the coming Easter and Anzac Day long weekends to make safety on the water their priority.