Holiday period drowning toll stands at four
Figures from Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) indicate the preventable fatal drowning toll for the official holiday
period (running from 4.00pm 24th December 2018 to 6.00am 3rd January 2019) is four.
"This is half of last years’ toll for the same period and whilst encouraging, one preventable drowning is one too many
and a tragedy for all families and communities involved," says WSNZ Chief Executive, Jonty Mills.
“This has been another holiday period of record rescues and call outs for our frontline services which indicates the
toll could have easily been much worse” says Mills.
“We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers keeping Kiwis and visitors safe in, on and around the water.”
“While our waterways are our playground they can be unforgiving and need to be treated with appropriate respect” says
Jonty Mills.
"The summer holidays go on for a couple more months yet and we know Kiwis will continue to enjoy our beautiful waterways
as the warm weather continues. We need all Kiwis to take responsibility and think about water safety" says Mills.
“Remember the water safety code. Be prepared, watch out for yourself and each other, be aware of the dangers and know
your limits.”
The average toll during this period for the last five years is eight preventable drowning fatalities.
ENDS