Middle aged men high in drowning figures

Two thirds of drowning deaths during March and April were men aged 50 and over, figures released by Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) said today.

This group also featured highly in drowning statistics over the past summer.

Eleven people drowned over the two months, with seven being middle-aged men, WSNZ general manager Matt Claridge said.

It was a "worrying trend" that showed it was not necessarily youths who were making poor decisions, Mr Claridge said.

"All New Zealanders are at risk regardless of age and experience. It is disappointing to see mature people not taking the care they should."

Swimmers needed to be reminded to know their environment, have the necessary skills and be prepared before entering the water.

The total number of drowning deaths for the year to date is 43.

The average annual number from 2004 to 2008 was 45.

- NZPA