Spike in women drownings sounds alarm as summer looms

Data shows beaches continue to be the most dangerous location for drownings. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

The number of women drowning has surged, as Life Saving Victoria sounds the alarm on weather-related drownings in the lead up to a predicted hottest summer on record.

There have been 59 deaths in the past financial year, an increase of 33 per cent compared to the decade average, according to Life Saving Victoria's Drowning report.