Target <100

Water Safety New Zealand Media Release - Target <100

5 December 2003
Media Release
For immediate release

Target <100

With one month to go Water Safety New Zealand is targeting a record low 2003 drowning toll of less than 100, something not achieved previously (records have been collected since 1980).

Five people drowned in November bringing the year to date total to 88. The November figure is less than half the monthly average for November over the past 5 years.

There is potential for December drownings to make the target unachievable admitted WSNZ Executive Director, Alan Muir.

"On average there have been 16 drownings in December over the past 5 years. However, every month apart from February this year has been under the average, and in some cases there have been significantly less drownings."

"60% of the drownings so far this year have been as a result of recreational activities, a reverse of the previous trend where traditionally 58% have been non-recreational.

December is traditionally a time of being in and around the water due to the commencement of the holiday period. With this in mind it is important that all aquatic recreational activities are planned well and we all keep an eye out for one another" said Mr Muir.

.Ends.

This media release has already been placed on our website http://www.watersafety.org.nz/whatsnew_frame.html and click on "Media"

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ENDS

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