January 13, 2017
River perils lead drowning toll
A dramatic rise in river drowning deaths and an increase in fatal incidents involving other nationalities are features of the 2016 toll.
Water Safety New Zealand says here were 81 preventable drowning deaths last year, down from 86 in 2015 but the same as the five-year average.
After a low of 10 river drowning deaths in 2012 there were 24 in 2016, 60 per higher than the five-year average.
"This highlights the need for greater vigilance around rivers,” says chief executive Jonty Mills.
"Rivers are very changeable, currents can be deceptive and objects can move and shift under the surface. We will work closely with local authorities to tackle this growing problem."
There were 13 drowning deaths involving nationalities other than NZ European, Maori, Asian and Pacific peoples.
Men made up 85 percent of all drowning deaths.
"Men continue to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the risk when it comes to water. The macho kiwi attitude that still seems to exist when men partake in water based activities continues to be a deadly one," Mr Mills says.
Some 42 percent of the drownings were in Northland and Waikato, with Waikato experiencing a 55 percent increase on their five year average and over half of their drowning deaths occurring in rivers in 2016.
Water Safety is working with Hamilton City Council to educate young teens in the Waikato around river safety.
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