Move to cut ethnic fisher drownings

Auckland beaches will be patrolled by staff who speak foreign languages to warn tourists and immigrants about beach and fishing safety.

In the past 35 years nearly 40 people have drowned at west coast beaches and surf lifesavers are finding it frustrating that the message is not getting through to visitors about the dangers beaches pose.

On Thursday an Asian fisherman drowned off Whatipu beach after being swept off rocks while fishing.

His death followed that of an elderly Asian man last month who was swept off Keyhole Rock at Anawhata beach while fishing. Wen Hai Wu was also swept from rocks into the sea while fishing at Muriwai in October.

Auckland Regional Council said it was now advertising for foreign-speaking people to visit beaches and warn visitors and fishers in their own languages of the dangers.

ARC parks and heritage committee chairwoman Sandra Coney said the first of the foreign-speaking staff would be on the beaches and fishing areas by the end of January.

"They will actually be out on the rocks where people fish and they will be able to show them the life jackets they could have and talk to them about safe practices."

ARC was also erecting a series of signs with internationally recognised symbols highlighting the dangers on west coast beaches.

"These are safe if people know and follow the rules and show respect for the natural elements. If they don't it can be fatal," Ms Coney said.


- NZPA