Drunken swimmers have been told to have a "designated driver" who watches over them, after a recent spike in Victorian drownings.
Life Saving Victoria says 39 drownings since July 2016 is well above the five year average of 28, and alcohol is playing a part.
"There have been eight people who have drowned who were drinking alcohol before entering the water," Life Saving Victoria's Dr Bernadette Matthews told reporters on Monday.
Dr Matthews said people planning to drink and swim needed to think ahead.
"So similar to how you would have a designated driver, have a designated supervisor if you are going to be drinking around water," she said.
Alcohol doesn't just affect swimming ability and people's judgement - it can also affect inner ear balance.
"You might think that you are swimming back up to the surface, but you are actually swimming down," Dr Matthews said.
Two men drowned in a Melbourne lake a week ago after going for a swim while drunk.
Emergency Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the incident shows it isn't just coastal waters that are unsafe.
"Make sure you swim with someone," he told reporters.
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