Drownings down from last year

The number of people who have drowned so far this year has dipped from last year.

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) said today there had been 26 drownings so far this year compared with 31 during the same period in 2007.

There were 11 drownings in February compared to the previous five year average of 14.

WSNZ general manager Matt Claridge said of the 11 deaths in February, eight were classified as recreational and the other three were accidental.

Mr Claridge said learning survival and swimming skills was vital in ensuring a decline in drowning deaths.

- NZPA