Champion Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon is encouraging Aussies to stay safe over the summer to reduce deaths from drowning.

McKeon is joining Surf Life Saving pleading for people to be safe at the beach.

She has told Chris Smith it’s important to take care in water you’re not familiar with.

“We need to make sure we’re swimming between the flags and finding patrolled beaches.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty