A review of drowning deaths in Ontario last summer found a "disturbing" spike in the number of deaths involving young children.

More than twice as many children under age five drowned in 2010 than in the previous two years — a total of 13 last year compared to five in 2008 and 2009.

However, the report from the chief coroner's office says last year's total number of drowning deaths — including all ages — was similar to previous years.

The review team examined 89 drownings that occurred between May and September of last year.

Thirteen of the deaths involved children under five — and 85 per cent of the 89 victims were male.

The review team made 12 recommendations to try to prevent such needless tragedies.

Topping the list — learning to swim, avoiding alcohol while swimming and boating, wearing a life-jacket and closely supervising children around water.