By COLIN KENNEDY
The number of drownings so far this year is down between 20 and 30 incidents, compared to previous years.
Water Safety New Zealand Executive Director Alan Muir said 75 people had drowned by mid-October - compared to previous averages of 140 per year.
"Six people have drowned during
October, so far," he said.
"If we were to base our estimates on averages during the last ten years, we could expect a further 40 people to drown before the end of the year, with an average of 12 people drowning each October, 15 each November and 18 each December.
"Obviously that's the last thing we would want to happen, based on the record low levels we've had this year."
He said drowning-related deaths have continued to decline in the past ten years after the high levels reached in the 1980s.
Mr Muir said that males accounted for more than 90 per cent of the drownings this year.
"It appears to be a male macho issue, if you have a look at some of the stupid accidents and near misses that have occurred."
He said the decrease in drownings could be due to a targeted strategic approach based on public education programmes by Water Safety New Zealand and other organisations.
"There's a lot of safety messages out there at the moment, and those may just be raising people's safety awareness, and making for a more responsible approach."
In particular, major activities such as recreational boating and swimming related drownings have reduced by 50 per cent in the past year.
"The drowning figure is encouraging and demonstrates that being safety conscious when in and around water pays dividends."
However he warned that it was not a time for complacency, with participation in water-based activities due to increase again starting this Labour Day weekend.
