Fifteen drownings in October

Last month's drowning toll was above the October average, Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) says.

Fifteen people drowned last month, with 14 of them male.

The five-year average for October was 10 deaths, and in the past 10 years, only 2006 had as high a toll in October.

October accounted for 42 per cent of all powered boating drowning deaths this year.

WSNZ general manager Matt Claridge said a lack of lifejackets was a common factor throughout the deaths.

He said history suggested boating activity would increase dramatically between now and March, and the emerging trend of boating drowning deaths could be offset by skipper responsibility, wearing lifejackets and taking a Coastguard Boating Education Course.

- NZPA