Holiday makers urged to take care in the water

Water Safety New Zealand and ACC are urging holiday-makers to take care in the water this summer and to make sure that children are properly supervised.

ACC water safety Programme Manager Diane Brooks says recreational boating, swimming and fishing related injuries stand out for their frequency and cost.

Three programmes, ACC BoatSafe, ACC RiverSafe and ACC PoolSafe, are being promoted by Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) in partnership with ACC to address the settings in which injuries frequently occur.

Ms Brooks said fifteen to fifty-five year olds account for the majority of swimming, boating and fishing claims and the summer months are a particularly risky time of year.

"Males are hurt more often than females," she said.

"The injuries they suffer cross a wide spectrum, ranging from strains, dislocations and fractures through to concussions and spinal injuries.”

WSNZ Project Manager Brendon Ward said ACC and WSNZ would again be reminding New Zealanders this summer of the injury risks associated with pools and rivers with hard-hitting television and radio commercials.

“We’ve been working hard throughout the year with educational programmes and this campaign will remind the community about the key messages and prompt the public into thinking safely” he said.

The TV and radio campaign starts on Boxing Day.

ThinkSafe Summer Water Safety Messages

PoolSafe * ALWAYS supervise children near water.

* Poolside surfaces are slippery – walk, don’t run.

* Don’t be a fool in the pool – check the depth before you jump or dive in.

* Ensure all pools and spas are securely fenced off (your local council can assist with the legal requirements).

RiverSafe

* Don’t swim in strong currents.

* Before you jump or dive in always check the depth and check for hidden objects.

* Rivers can change quickly. Check the riverbed each time you swim.

* Never attempt to cross if the water is discoloured or there is debris being carried by the current. Always be prepared in case you are not able to cross.

* Never swim alone.

BoatSafe

* Know the 'rules of the road' at sea so you can avoid collisions.

* Always check the marine weather forecasts before you go out. If in doubt, don't go out.

* Ensure someone ashore knows where you are going, who is onboard and when you are due back.

* Each passenger must wear a correctly fitting life jacket – remember they only work when you are wearing them.

* A responsible skipper ensures everyone on board knows what safety equipment is carried, where it is stowed and how to use it.

* Don't go out alone with children. You need to have another responsible adult aboard.

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