July 02, 2015
Too many Maori drowning
Water Safety New Zealand says the high drowning rate shows the need for people to think about keeping safe in, on and around the water all of the time.
There have been 61 people drowned in New Zealand so far this year, up a third on the same time last year, with 14 of the deaths or 23 percent being Maori.
Chief executive Matt Claridge says 80 percent were male, highlighting the casual approach many New Zealand men have to their own safety.
He says a significant number of drownings occur when the victim had no intention of being in the water, so it’s important people understand water safety and learn swim and survival skills.
Seventeen of the deaths were in rivers, the highest number in five years.
Fifteen people died at beaches, up from just six at the same time last year and slightly above the five-year average.
A further 16 deaths occurred as a result of ‘other events’ such as motor vehicle accidents, suicides or homicides.
Mr Claridge says the water safety sector is working on a new, collaborative plan to tackle New Zealand’s drowning problem.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com