Recreational Drownings Up 131%

Water Safety New Zealand today released the provisional drowning figure for the month of May stating that 10 people drowned, bringing the drowning total for the year to 57.Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) executive director, Alan Muir stated that the high number of recreational drownings were responsible for a significant increase on last years total for the same period.

“Of the 57 people who have drowned so far this year, 37 were participating in aquatic recreation activities. This is 131% higher than for the same period last year and these drownings have occurred across a wide range of activities with the two most significant areas of concern being swimming and fishing” said Mr Muir.

The level of risk associated with being in and around New Zealand’s water ways and aquatic environments is highlighted by this years high recreational drowning toll together with a number of other near misses over the past five months.

“People need to take responsibility for their own actions and assist to safeguard others they are looking after by being prepared and avoiding unnecessary risk taking. The relevance of these messages are not diluted as winter conditions set in and the risk to boaties, fishers and others associated with aquatic activities remains constant” said Mr Muir.

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For more information contact

Alan Muir, Executive Director

Phone: (04) 801 9600

Cell: (025) 725 028

Home: (04) 232 7778

Email: alanm@watersafety.org.nz

For regional figures and questions

Brendon Ward, Project Manager

Phone: (04) 801 9600

Cell: (025) 781 836

Fax: (04) 801 9599