Drowning toll down

Six people drowned in New Zealand waters last month - well below the five year average.

The average number of drownings in November is 10.

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) general manager Matt Claridge said the November toll was positive after an "excessively high" October toll of 15.

"A single digit monthly drowning toll is always good especially against the increase in recreational activity associated with the seasonal change and warmer weather," he said.

In the year to November 30, 90 people drowned compared to 89 at the same time last year.

Mr Claridge said this year has had a higher number of boating and underwater related drownings than in recent years.

"Ordinarily, one third of all drownings occur in rivers. For the year to date only 19 percent of drowning deaths have happened in rivers," he said.

New Zealand Europeans accounted for 54 percent of deaths.

Mr Claridge warned people to take care on the water over the summer months.

"History indicates that summer (December 1 - February 28) is the period when 40 percent of all drowning deaths occur. All activities should be undertaken with care and safety in mind."

- NZPA