More than a third of deaths on Australia's coastlines are not drowning related.
Cardiac conditions, traumatic injuries and falls are the top causes of non-drowning deaths on the coast according to new research from Surf Life Saving Australia.
And while sharks may play on the minds of beachgoers, lead researcher Sean Kelly said marine creatures made up less than two per cent of overall coastal deaths.
The first of its kind study examined 620 deaths that were unrelated to drowning between 2012 and 2022.
Males were 5.2 times more likely to die than females and younger people were disproportionately killed in falls and traumatic injuries, the research found.
"Those living in or visiting rural and remote areas were also found to be at higher risk, largely due to poorer access to services and longer incident response times," Mr Kelly said.
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir said the study showed the importance of CPR training and defibrillator access to improve the chance of survival from cardiac incidents.
"Even strong and experienced beach goers can find themselves in circumstances where they need urgent help," he said.
"All our patrolling members have been trained in these skills and responding to non-drowning incidents is a big part of what we do.
"I would encourage everyone to undergo CPR or first aid training which is provided by Surf Life Saving in each state."
He also reminded beachgoers to swim at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags.
"Or if you are at an unpatrolled location, swim with a buddy and make sure you know what to do if you find yourself in a dangerous situation," he said.
Australia recorded a 10 per cent spike in drowning deaths during the 2023/24 summer compared to the previous year.
Ninety-nine people drowned nationwide with males making up 82 per cent of deaths, according to the Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Report 2023/24.
