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
Email: bward@watersafety.org.nz
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Water Safety New Zealand
PO Box 10126 Wellington
Phone 04-801 9600. Fax 04-801 9599
Website www.watersafety.org.nz