Summer drowning numbers tracking higher than last year

Water Safety New Zealand reports a rise in drownings this summer, with 30 deaths so far. Photo / 123rf

By RNZ

The number of people who have drowned this summer is tracking higher than last year, Water Safety New Zealand says.

There had been 30 deaths over the past two months in waterways, lakes and at beaches, compared to 34 in total last summer.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon said 18 people have died in the water so far this year – seven more than the same time last year.

“Many of those have happened when the weather was last at its best, so earlier in January.”

Scanlon said often days of bad weather kept people away from the water, so weekends like the one ahead were of particular concern to the organisation.

“It is often that people sort of underestimate the conditions when the weather comes clear again, and they unexpectedly find themselves in trouble.”

He said ways to mitigate the risk of drowning included not doing water activities alone, wearing lifejackets and swimming between the flags.

Water Safety New Zealand encouraged people to have a great time in the water this weekend, but to enjoy beaches and waterways safely, he said.