Water Related Deaths Back on the Agenda

A week ago Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) proudly commented on the record low drowning figures for 2003. Twelve days and 15 deaths later complacency has taken over and six more people have died on the water than on the road.

WSNZ Executive Director, Alan Muir said that this confirms the dangers of being in and around the water.

“With the high numbers of people using our waters during the height of the holiday season and summer, more incidents leading to drownings and other water related deaths will occur unless water users stop being over confident in respect to their individual skills.”

“Obviously many have over estimated their own skill level in respect to the environment they are engaging in, not just those who have paid the ultimate penalty but also those who have had near misses.”

All but two of the deaths to date have been male. “This over estimation of skill levels is a classic attitude that males tend to portray in and around water - bullet proof to the end” said Mr Muir.

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