THE long weekend and the hot weather combine, leading droves of holiday-makers to the beach, pool or local creek or lake.

New data released by Royal Life Saving Society Australia sheds light on the role alcohol plays in numerous drowning cases, with the majority of drunk drownings taking place in rivers, creeks and streams.

In the past 15 years, 2760 men over the age of 18 fatally drowned, 492 (18 per cent) of which involved alcohol.

In the lead-up to Australia Day, RLSSA with the support of the Federal Government will be launching the Don't Let Your Mates Drink and Drown Campaign, to remind swimmers of the danger involved in taking to the water under the influence of alcohol.

CEO of RLSSA Justin Scarr said alcohol increased the risk of drowning by impairing judgment, reducing co-ordination and delaying reaction time.

"Leave the booze until safely away from the water, look out for your mates and pull them into line if they're under the influence and thinking about doing something reckless near water such as swimming or boating. You will literally save their life,” he said.

RLSSA recommended four safety tips for staying safe and keeping friends safe around waterways: avoid entering the water after drinking alcohol; know your limits; never swim alone, and learn how to resuscitate.