Pacific water safety strategy launched

Water Safety NZ (WSNZ) has officially launched the Pacific Peoples Water Safety Strategy.

The Launch was held at the Otara Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church and attended by over 100 people including members of parliament, community leaders, church ministers and water safety experts.

An average of 114 NZers drown every year (2003-2007). Pacific people account for nine per cent of all drowning deaths in NZ.

The predominant issue with Pacific drownings are the high number of recreational based incidents. That is, typically Pacific people drown whilst fishing or swimming and generally it is at the beach, the river or just offshore.

WSNZ general manager, Matt Claridge remarks: “History tells us that Pacific people have a strong connection with the water. Often though, NZ’s waterways are very different to those in the Pacific Islands and considerably more dangerous. A lack of familiarity is often a causal factor in drownings. Now we have an initiative that will educate Pacific people on the very important things like wearing life jackets and checking the marine and weather conditions.”

The Pacific Peoples Water Safety Strategy is supported by ACC. The strategy focuses on community engagement and has been developed over the last two years.

The on-going task of building awareness amongst Pacific communities has already commenced. This will be complimented by two road shows that will travel NZ, linking with Church and community groups.

Mr Claridge concludes: “Education is the critical component in building a water safety culture within Pacific communities. Ensuring that Pacific communities understand the issues and can respond accordingly is critical, allowing future generations of Pacific people to enjoy NZ’s waterways safely”.