January drownings fewest in at least 30 years

North Piha beach. Photo / Supplied

Nine people drowned in January, a record low for what is typically the worst month of the year.

The toll is significantly lower than January last year when 23 people died, and the lowest January figure since records began in 1980.

Five deaths occurred at rivers, three at surf beaches and one in a harbour, with four of the victims men aged 35-44.

Seven drownings resulted from recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, boogie boarding, rafting and river crossing.

The low toll was encouraging but did not indicate a trend, Water Safety New Zealand general manager Matt Claridge said.

"Ongoing attention to water safety fundamentals such as learning swim and survival skills, supervision and boating safety are important to ensure that drowning incidents decline."

Parents needed to be particularly aware of the need to supervise their children in the water and to be close at hand should assistance be necessary.

"There is no room for complacency when it comes to safety around water. Drowning is silent and can happen in an instant."

- NZPA