Record Low Drownings for Half Year
Four drownings in June have contributed to a record low half yearly drowning toll according to statistics released from
Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ).
Alan Muir Executive Director of WSNZ expressed his overall satisfaction at the low toll stating that the number is down
despite several preventable incidents this year. These preventable drownings were almost entirely within the
recreational sector, very few of which would have occurred if the victim had the proper skills or had proper planning in
place.
“The drowning toll could have been even lower were it not for the unfortunate multiple fatality incidents in May. In
addition many of the drownings so far this year could have been avoided if precautions had been made” said Mr Muir.
The half yearly statistics show that 12 people have drowned while involved in swimming, 10 in recreational boating
activities and eight in immersion accidents. Seven of the fatalities were in relation to underwater activities and 5
were fishing related.
On average in any one year the non-recreational drownings equal 55%. To date there has been 17 (30%), which is a low
number of non-recreational drownings and a trend that needs to be maintained.
If drownings are to be reduced further there needs to be a combination of self responsibility and a continued focus on
water safety education and swimming survival skills for all New Zealanders and immigrants.