Fun and safety key to day out

Rotorua District Council will host a day out for new residents at Blue Lake tomorrow with the emphasis on water safety. Photo / File

Water safety will be on the agenda during a fun day at Lake Tikitapu, or Blue Lake.

"The Day Out at Lake Tikitapu" hosted by Rotorua District Council from 11am to 2pm tomorrow is for migrants and other new residents to the region to enjoy a picnic, as well as activities at the lake.

Council settlement support co-ordinator, Heather McAllister said everyone who is at the fun day will be able to have a go at boating and waka ama paddling, learn water safety tips and find out about local watersport clubs.

"There is also the chance to meet other migrants at the event," she said.

"Being on or near water has long been part of our Kiwi summers.

"Living in Rotorua, we have access to 16 lakes, and the opportunity to enjoy some of the best fishing, swimming, boating, picnics, walking, and cycling trails in the country.

"Rotorua's central location also means that it is not far to travel to a beach.

"However, statistics show that over 100 people, on average, die each year from drowning. New Zealand's annual drowning toll is one of the worst in the developed world."

The drowning statistics for the Bay of Plenty region in particular make for sobering reading - the Rotorua district accounted for 11 per cent of drownings.

According to Water Safety New Zealand figures, the majority of the 44 people who drowned in the region last year 86 per cent were male, 43 per cent were Maori, 30 per cent were involved in boating activities and 25 per cent were aged between 55-64 years old.

Thirty-six per cent were alone when they drowned. Surprisingly only seven per cent of drownings involved alcohol.

So far, 61 people have drowned this year, compared with 84 at the same time last year.

Details

What: Day Out at Blue Lake.
Where: Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), follow Tarawera Rd, 10km east of Rotorua.
When: Tomorrow 11am-2pm.
Cost: Free, bring lunch, rug and swim-wear.