HOLIDAY DROWNING TOLL UP

Seven people drowned in New Zealand waters this official Christmas holiday period (4pm Christmas Eve until 6am this morning) - two deaths more than the same period last year.

Water Safety New Zealand CEO Matt Claridge says it’s a huge disappointment that the drowning toll is so high.

“Anything other than zero would have been a disappointing result but for the number of drownings to be more than last year’s festive period – and to include a pre-schooler - is gut wrenching.”

Six of the drownings were men – the seventh was a one-year-old baby girl who drowned in a temporary home pool on Christmas Day.

Two of the men drowned when their fishing boat was swamped while crossing a harbour bar in Auckland, a third got into trouble while setting crab pots in Northland. Two others drowned while swimming – one at Northland’s 90 mile beach and another in the Patea River near Taranaki. The other drowning occurred when an intoxicated male entered the water at New Brighton beach in Christchurch.

Mr Claridge says the widespread hot weather is likely a factor in the increase, with more people out and about enjoying the water, but that just reinforces the need for everyone to think about water safety.

“Summer still has a long way to go so when you’re preparing for your day out at the beach, lake or river, take a moment to consider how you’ll keep yourself – and friends and family – safe. Especially young children who are unable to look after themselves.”

With two of the seven deaths so far occurring in 2015, Matt Claridge says the year is off to a tragic start.

“Two families are already without a loved one and we’re less than a week into the New Year. There’s a whole community of people – from Coastguard to Surf Lifeguards, Maritime Officers and many more – working hard to keep New Zealanders safe as they enjoy our incredible waterways. But we can’t do it alone. We need all New Zealanders to make water safety a priority today if we’re to bring our horrific drowning toll down to zero.”

WSNZ will release the provisional drowning toll for 2014 (national and regional) on Monday 19 January 2015.

For safety tips and other information visit www.watersafety.org.nz or see attached.

ENDS

Water Safety Tips

Remember the Water Safety Code

1. Be prepared
Learn to swim and survive.
Set rules for safe play in the water.
Always use safe and correct equipment and know the weather and water conditions before you get in.
2. Watch out for yourself and others
Always pay close attention to children you are supervising when in or near water.
Swim with others and in areas where lifeguards are present.
3. Be aware of the dangers
Enter shallow and unknown water feet first and obey all safety signs and warning flags.
DO NOT enter the water after drinking alcohol.
4. Know your limits
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.
Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger.

Beach Safety Tips – provided by Surf Lifesaving New Zealand

1. Find a beach that is patrolled - be prepared (www.findabeach.co.nz)
2. Listen to the advice of lifeguards.
3. Always keep an eye on children in the water.
4. Get a friend to swim with you - never swim or surf alone.
5. Stay between the flags.
6. Watch out for that rip - rips are calm patches of water that can sometimes have waves breaking to the side. Rippled, discoloured or foamy water with debris can also mean there is a rip present.
7. Be smart around rocks: Whether fishing or exploring at the beach, rocky outcrops can be very dangerous in large surf. When fishing, always wear a lifejacket. Never stand on a rock outcrop that is already wet (a sure sign waves will be washing over it) and always face the ocean; never turn your back on the sea.

Boating Safety Tips – provided by Coastguard

1. Life Jackets: Take them – Wear them
Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.
2. Skipper Responsibility
The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience. Take a Coastguard Boating Education Course, like Day Skipper, Boatmaster and marine VHF radio training - www.boatingeducation.org.nz
3. Communications
Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get into difficulties.
4. Marine Weather
New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.
5. Avoid Alcohol
Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and be aware.

Water Safety Tips for Parents/Caregivers of Pre-Schoolers – provided by WSNZ

Keep under fives within arm’s reach at all times - It only takes sixty seconds and around five centimetres of water for a child to drown.
• Always empty and store paddling pools and water containers after use and ensure you have a safely fenced play area.
• Identify water hazards in and around your home and ensure your children can’t reach them.
• If you're in a group of people, ensure you have an active supervision roster so you know who is watching the children at all times.
• Make sure older children don’t have to take responsibility for younger children.
• Teach your children water safety behaviour from as soon as they are old enough to understand, things like: ‘Never go near the water unless you’re with a grown up’.

ENDS

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