Surf lifesaving event at Ocean Beach earlier this year. Photo / Paul Taylor
Surf lifesaving event at Ocean Beach earlier this year. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hawke's Bay has bucked the nationwide trend of an increase in preventative drowning statistics, with numbers in the region being the second lowest since 2014.
There have been two preventable drowning deaths in Hawke's Bay this year to date, compared to six last year.
Nationwide the year to date preventable drowning toll is 71, compared to 51 last year.
In Hawke's Bay the two fatalities were men, one of Asian descent and one NZ European. One drowned at a beach and the other in a river.
Preventable fatalities include recreational and non-recreational drowning deaths.
They do not include those fatalities classified as "other" (arising as a result of road or air vehicle accidents, homicide, suicide or of unknown origin) as these are not considered applicable to the prevention and rescue efforts of the water safety sector.
There have been a total of 397 preventable drowning deaths within New Zealand for the five year period January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. This is a five year average of 79 preventable fatalities per year.
Water Safety NZ CEO Jonty Mills. Photo / File
Water Safety NZ chief executive officer Jonty Mills said Hawke's Bay was a beautiful part of the country with long, hot summers and really high water-based activity, but even one death was one too many.
"While the drowning statistics in Hawke's Bay are low when compared nationally, every preventable drowning fatality is a tragedy for a family and a community.
"Water safety education needs to be a priority for every New Zealander so everyone knows the risks and knows what to do should they find themselves in trouble. That is why the focus of our annual funding round is Water Skills for Life education in primary schools."
Last year saw the second lowest drowning numbers across the country since records began, Mills said.
"However, this year has unfortunately seen the numbers jump back up and we can't be complacent.
"People need to take personal responsibility when it comes to water safety and respect the water.
"Whatever the activity, be prepared, know the risks, watch out for yourself and others and know your limits. Learn about water safety and be careful out there. Our waterways are beautiful but also dangerous and if you're not careful and prepared you can quickly find yourself in trouble."
