February Drownings Hit 11

February Drownings Hit 11

Eight of the 11 drownings in February were as a result of people participating in aquatic related recreation.

According to figures from Water Safety New Zealand, 11 people drowned in February taking the total number of drownings for the year to 28.

Once again there is a wide spread of activities amongst the eight recreational drownings with two people swimming, one person fishing, one person on a small powered boat (under 4m), one person on a yacht, a canoeist, a boogie boarder, and a scuba diver said Alan Muir Executive Director of Water Safety New Zealand.

“All of these drowning incidents were preventable and that’s disappointing. It comes down to a lack of preparation and awareness combined with an inability to assess conditions and events as they occur and indeed take appropriate action – like saying no, were not going to do it”.

“Also disappointing is that another person has died while attempting to rescue someone. In both cases the person being rescued survived. There is a real need for people to assess the risk to themselves and alternative options before getting into the water”, said Mr Muir.

Weather patterns and the end of daylight saving in March means that unpredictable conditions can occur so it is imperative that precautions are taken to minimise preventable drownings.

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