Spring Fishing Drowning Deaths

13 October 2009

Media Release
For immediate release

Spring Fishing Drowning Deaths

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has released drowning data today indicating there were eight drowning deaths in New Zealand for the month of September.  The five year average (2004 – 2008) for September is eight.

There were four Recreational related drowning incidents, three of which were whilst Land Based Fishing and one from a Powered Craft Under 4m in length.  The remaining four drownings include three Suicides and one Commercial drowning death.

Matt Claridge, General Manager WSNZ, states “generally Spring sees a lot of boaties and fishers dust off the gear and head back to the water.  It is an important time to ensure that all fishing and boating gear is well maintained and in the right condition for use.  It is also the time of year to make sure that keen boaties and fishers freshen up on a few of the basic water safety messages that relate to the activity they are about to partake in.”

 Claridge continues: “whether it’s boating, fishing or diving, preparation is incredibly important.  As soon as anyone relies on a piece of equipment for gathering food or enjoying the water then they need to ensure they are ready for variable conditions and distractions which can lead to avoidable incidents.”

Every year in New Zealand an average of 32 people drown (2004 – 2008) whilst participating in boating, fishing or underwater activities.

Claridge remarks: “there is no disputing the fact that enjoying New Zealand’s waterways is a popular pastime for many.  This is tempered however, by those that drown as a result of lack of preparation.  Simply, if going boating then complete a Coastguard Boating course; if diving then do so with serviced, maintained equipment and a buddy.  If fishing then understand the environment and never put your life on the line.”
 

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