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Water Safety New Zealand says last year was the worst in a decade for drowning.
Water Safety New Zealand says last year was the worst in a decade for drowning.
Its final report for the year confirmed there were 90 deaths by drowning, including 76 men and 14 women.
Deaths of swimmers in rivers were likely to be Māori men, fishers were likely to be Asian men aged over 35 fishing from rocks, underwater deaths were likely to be Māori men aged 35-65, and power boating deaths were more likely to be Asian or NZ European men aged 45 plus in tidal waters.
Deaths of under 5s occurred outside of the home environment in rivers, lakes and a water bore.
Drowning remains the leading cause of recreational death in New Zealand and the third highest cause of accidental death.
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