Holiday plea from Water Safety NZ as year’s drowning toll hits 70

"Days Like These" is the catchphrase from Water Safety NZ as the country heads into the peak drowning season.

Water Safety New Zealand is urging New Zealanders to make smart, responsible choices around water as the country heads into the peak summer holiday period – the deadliest season for drowning.

Every year, an average of 86 New Zealanders die in preventable drownings.

Statistics show 43% of all drownings occur in summer months as more people head to beaches, rivers, lakes, harbours, campgrounds and holiday hotspots.

“This summer begins with a concerning trend,” Water Safety NZ chief executive Glen Scanlon said. “As of Friday [last week], 70 people have already drowned in New Zealand [in 2025], exceeding the 68 lives lost at the same time last year.”

The organisation has adopted the catchphase “Days Like These” this summer to remind people that drownings do not happen during only extreme conditions.

“They happen on warm, sunny days when the water looks inviting.”

Scanlon said New Zealand men continued to be significantly over-represented in drowning statistics – 81% of last year’s drownings were men.

“Water Safety NZ says wearing a lifejacket is the most important thing Kiwi men can do on boats and rock fishing,” Scanlon said. “We’re begging Kiwi men to shift away from the ‘it won’t happen to me’ mindset. It can happen to you.

“The holiday season brings celebrations, but you should never mix the consumption of alcohol or other drugs with the water.

“Never fish, dive or operate a boat under the influence. Avoid taking risks in the name of celebration or putting extra kai on the table.”

Scanlon said divers and fishers were encouraged to know their limits, not to push beyond their physical ability and not to underestimate conditions or overestimate experience.

The official holiday period starts at 4pm on Wednesday, December 24, and ends at 6am on Monday, January 5.