Australia news live: Surfers Paradise drowning adds to tragic holiday toll after call to avoid alcohol near water

Drinking was a factor in more than a quarter of drowning deaths last summer, lifesavers say. Follow the day’s news live

Good morning, Mostafa Rachwani with you this morning, and taking you through the day’s news. We start in Queensland, where a man in his 40s has drowned at Surfers Paradise beach, adding to the tragic holiday toll.

Eleven people have now drowned across the country over the holiday period, with the latest drowning coming after emergency services were called to Surfers Paradise Boulevard about 7pm last night. They could not revive the man.