Sharp rise in summer drownings

A sharp increase in the number of recreational-based drowning deaths during summer is of great concern, Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) says.

Eight people drowned last month bringing the death toll for the 2008/2009 summer to 39, according to statistics released today. While the number compares favourably to the average of 42 summer drowning deaths for the last five years, there had been a dramatic rise in recreational-based drownings, WSNZ said.

Annual statistics over the last five years showed 48 per cent of all drowning deaths were recreational, but usually increased to an average of about 56 per cent during summer.

However, this year's statistics reported 77 per cent of the summer's drownings were recreational.

WSNZ general manager Matt Claridge said the increase was disturbing.

"It is of major concern that the percentage of recreational drowning incidents has risen so sharply of late," he said.

Ten of this summer's fatalities occurred whilst swimming, five of which were at surf beaches including three instances of people being caught in a rip.

Another 10 deaths were the result of either fishing or seafood gathering including rock fishing, snorkelling and shellfishing.

"The rising trend in recreational deaths is a point for focusing future efforts. New Zealanders need to understand that if they are going to partake in aquatic activities, then they must be suitably trained to do so," Mr Claridge said.

"They must have the skills and knowledge to enjoy the water safely. This includes the ability to swim and survive and, for example, having completed a Coastguard Boating Education course before boating."

Mr Claridge said water safety education had a major role to play in reducing the incidence of drowning in New Zealand and popular activities were creating greater challenges for those involved in drowning prevention, in part because of a decline in water safety skills.

"It seems illogical that most New Zealand children don't learn to swim at school," he said.

"The development of swim and survival techniques are foundation water safety skills that regrettably all New Zealanders do not learn."

- NZPA