Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is asking people to play their part to prevent more tragedies, following 54 drownings this year.<\/p>\n
WSNZ acting chief executive Gavin Walker said while that was six fewer than this time last year, 54 was still too many.<\/p>\n
Heading into the summer months, when people spent more time in and around the water, he said it was important to make good decisions.<\/p>\n
“We remind Kiwis to do some pretty simple things.<\/p>\n
“If you’re out in your boat, wear a life jacket, and the same if you’re fishing from land, don’t assume that you’re not going to end up in the water, put on a life jacket and buy yourself some time for rescue and recovery if something goes wrong.”<\/p>\n
On average, 43% of drownings occurred during the summer season, according to WSNZ.<\/p>\n
November is Water Safety Month. This year, the theme was ‘we all play a part’.<\/p>\n
“If we all play our part, we are confident we can have an amazing summer on the water and avoid the tragedy of drowning,” Walker said.<\/p>\n
In 2024, 74 people drowned.<\/p>\n
Of the victims, 88% were adults, and nearly 20% of drownings occurred at known high-risk locations.<\/p>\n
In 90% of craft-related drownings last year, the person was not wearing a lifejacket.<\/p>\n
Walker reminded people to follow the ‘five ways to survive’ if they were heading out on the water.<\/p>\n
“Know how to float. When something goes wrong, floating is one of the key things that buys you time.<\/p>\n
“Be careful about the places that you go into the water. If the conditions aren’t right, if in doubt, stay out [of the water].<\/p>\n
“Don’t go into the water alone and take care of those around you.<\/p>\n
“If something goes wrong, call for help. Call 111 and let people around you know what’s going on so they have a chance to help you.”<\/p>\n