Water Safety NZ report: Achievements in lowering drowning deaths are ‘substantial’

Surf lifesavers of Wainui Surf Lifesaving Club patrol the beach between the red and yellow flags. Water Safety New Zealand says the risk of drowning is now three times lower than in the 1980s.

New Zealand has made steady gains in reducing the risk of drowning over the past 45 years.

Water Safety New Zealand, in its Drowning Prevention Report of 2024, said the 2024 tally of 72 drownings was the lowest figure since 2018.

“It was a significant decline from 90 in 2023 and falling well below the 10-year average (2014 to 2024) of 82.”

The provisional toll nationwide for 2025 was 78 preventable fatalities.

The 10-year average for Gisborne was 1.8 drownings.

Gisborne recorded one drowning in 2025, according to provisional figures.

Gisborne has recorded one water-related death in 2026 so far, that of 42-year-old Sandie Lee Reihana at Makorori Point, on Monday.

Peter Reece Walker, 69, was named as the diver who died after a water-related incident off Wainuiorangi Rd in Mahia on Sunday.

It is understood that Mahia is included in Hawke’s Bay region’s drowning statistics as recorded by Water Safety NZ.

The Water Safety New Zealand report said the global drowning rate had fallen by 38% since 2000, from 6.1 to 3.8 per 100,000 population.

“Our achievements are even more substantial,” the report reads.

“Over the last 25 years, we have reduced our national drowning rate from 2.56 in 2000 to 1.35 in 2024, representing a 47% decline.

“Of greatest impact was the introduction of mandatory swimming pool fencing.

“The risk of drowning is now three times lower than in the 1980s.”

In 2024, coastal environments, defined as locations along the shoreline characterised by varying water conditions such as waves, tides and currents, accounted for 26 drowning fatalities, representing 36% of all drownings for the year.

Tidal drownings (estuaries, river bars and harbours) accounted for 24% of drownings, rivers 19% and offshore (beyond the immediate coastline) 12%.

The Surf Life Saving New Zealand National Beach and Coastal Safety Report of 2024 found the country’s 10-year average drowning rate was 51% higher than Australia’s.