7 February 2011
Media Release
For Immediate Release

Preschool Drownings Require Action

Six children under the age of five have drowned in New Zealand during 2011. This represents nearly a quarter of the total year to date drowning toll of 26. In 2010 only six preschool children drowned and the average (last five years) is eight.

In what is an alarming number of incidents involving small children in such a short period of time, Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is conducting a review to consider the circumstances surrounding all preschool drowning deaths in the last five years. It is expected that the review will consider current strategies and actions before making recommendations.

WSNZ General Manager, Matt Claridge states, “Preschool drowning incidents in New Zealand occur at an unacceptable rate. The recent spate of these makes it all the more difficult for parents, caregivers, lifeguards and others who all have a role to play in supervision, be it in the home, at pools or open spaces.”

Claridge continues, “There is no question that the most important message for parents is to supervise children when in or around water. There has been a consolidation of effort with regard to reminding parents of this message, but it appears we need to take a closer look at that strategy to see if something needs to change.”

WSNZ and Plunket are partnering to deliver over 50,000 bathmats to parents of new born children every year. The bathmats carry the supervision message and are distributed at the first Well-Child visit.

Sue Campbell, Plunket National Safety Advisor says, “The bathmats and subsequent discussion with parents about drowning prevention measures go some way to increase awareness but we need to find other ways to get the message across to parents and caregivers that young children need to be kept within grabbing distance and constantly supervised around all forms of water at all times.”

WSNZ will seek to implement any findings as soon as practical, along with continuing its efforts to ensure all New Zealanders understand their role when it comes to looking after small children around water.

Claridge remarks, “These recent drownings are a reminder for parents and caregivers of their supervision obligations. Unfortunately the blowout in incidents in the last 6 weeks suggests we need to look at this more closely.”

ENDS

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