The ACT was the only state or territory to record a higher than average number of fatal drownings last financial year, as the number of drowning deaths in Australia hit a record low.

The Royal Life Saving Society's national drowning report, released on Wednesday, shows that three people fatally drowned in the ACT in 2017-18.

All three victims were men. One of them, Peter Trueman, drowned in Lake Ginninderra on Christmas Day. It is understood the other two drowned at Casuarina Sands, a popular swimming spot in the Murrumbidgee River, and in Bulgar Creek.

While the total of three represents a decrease on the 2016-17 figure of four drowning deaths in the ACT, the number is higher than the territory's 10-year average of two drowning deaths per year.

Victoria and South Australia recorded 2017-18 drowning death tolls equal to their 10-year averages, while every other state or territory saw a lower than average number.