2009 drowning toll down

There were a total of 98 drowning deaths in NZ in 2009. Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has announced the annual drowning toll and released official statistics from DrownBase, the world’s leading integrated drowning database.

The 2009 toll is the second lowest toll since records began in 1980 and the same as in 2008. There were 2.4 drowning deaths per capita (100,000) in 2009.

Drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death in NZ, behind road vehicle crashes and falls.

The drowning toll for NZ is still twice that of Australia, on a per capita basis.

The average drowning toll for the decade 2000-2009 is 116 deaths per annum.

 

Average drowning deaths per annum per decade 1980-2009.

Decade   Average Drowning
                  Deaths Per Annum

1980’s            181
1990’s            143
2000’s            116

 

The effect of education, awareness and prevention initiatives delivered over 30 years is reflected in a steady decline in annual drowning deaths.

WSNZ general manager, Matt Claridge says, “Thirty years of drowning data paints a very clear picture, the water safety sector has been successful in delivering initiatives to the community that have benefitted through a reduction in drowning.”

“The major concern for WSNZ is what these statistics will look like in another 30 years time, as the potential outcome of the epidemic of failing learn to swim provision becomes greater.

“Critically, children must learn swim and survival skills or one day be faced with a life threatening drowning incident.”

There is concern for the increase in Powered Boating related drowning with 12 in 2009 compared with recent year figures of five (2008), six (2007), eight (2006) and five (2005).

The five year average (2004-2008) is six. Furthermore, Underwater related drowning (Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and Freediving have nearly doubled from five (four per cent) in 2008 to nine (nine per cent) in 2009.

Mr Claridge continues: “Water safety education, awareness and prevention initiatives continue to work towards providing NZers with the skills and knowledge to enjoy the water safely.

“The recreation based drowning toll is often driven by ignorance and a blasé attitude to safety. This is the case once again, with a high number of boating incidents and more males drowning than expected.

“The message to boaties is take a Coastguard Boating Education course, for males; make sure you know what you’re doing before attempting a new activity, it’s often beneficial to ask for advice about fishing and diving.

“For parents, quite simply, take a role in helping your children enjoy the water for life. Help them learn to swim and develop survival skills, ensure they have a positive attitude to water safety from a young age.”

Mr Claridge concludes: “Water safety should be an inherent part of our culture; it shouldn’t be limited to a fad or trend for two – three months of the year when good weather and holidays coincide.”