Males 55+ Dominate November Drownings

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has today released drowning statistics for the month of November. There were a total of eight drownings for the month; the national drowning toll as at 6 December 2011 is now 110, this follows the reported death of a free diver at Kapiti Island on Saturday.

Two swimmers, two fisherman, two accidental immersions, one sailing and one free diving victim account for the eight drownings recorded in November.

Matt Claridge, CEO, WSNZ comments, “109 drownings recorded in the eleven months of 2011 is well up on the five year average (2006-2010) which is 94. Summer is now here and with it participation in such recreational activities as swimming, boating, fishing and diving will increase, yet we are already seeing too many fatal incidents associated with these activities.”

Claridge points out that this month’s fatalities are dominated by adult males, 55+ years of age: “That five of the eight drownings involved males over 55 years is disturbing. Our information explains that there were two incidents where the participant was alone and a third where they were heavily intoxicated. Fundamental to water safe behaviour is to never undertake activity alone and to avoid alcohol. People of this age bracket should, and likely did, know this.”

As the end of 2011 approaches, Claridge has this message for all NZ communities: “Our nation’s drowning toll is too high. A major reason for this is that our people do not take appropriate responsibility for their safety and that of family and friends, they take risks and short cuts despite knowing that this behaviour can cost lives. It’s a bit like playing Russian roulette, you can spin the chamber and chance your luck many times, but no one is immune and at some point the bullet will be fired and lives lost.”
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