In total 86 residents of the Netherlands died by drowning last year, the same number as in 2016 but well down on the more than 500 drowning deaths registered in 1950, the national statistics office CBS reported on Thursday.

A total of 14,600 people have drowned since 1950. Deaths by drowning fell back sharply in the late 1980s, with the number at about 80 a year over the past decade.

Youngsters with a non-western background accounted for 20% of drownings in the period between 2013 to 2017, the CBS said.

Earlier this month, lifeguards warned that swimmers are not properly aware of the risks and responsibilities they have when seeking to escape the heat in the sea or lakes and rivers.

Between July 2 and August 5, lifeguards were called out 3,259 times, around the normal amount for an entire summer season.