Lowest January drowning toll

There were nine drowning deaths in NZ for January 2010. A significant improvement on the 23 deaths that occurred in January last year and the lowest number of drowning recorded for the month of January since records began in 1980.

Five of the January drowning deaths occurred in rivers, three at surf beaches and one in a harbour.

There were seven recreational drownings. These resulted from activities such as; fishing, powered boating, swimming, boogie boarding, rafting and river crossing.

There were four deaths in the age group 35-44 years, all of which were males.

WSNZ general manager Matt Claridge comments, “Statistics tell us that nine drownings in any month is very good and even better because it was recorded for the month of January, which is typically the worst month for drowning incidents to occur.

“Summer weather and holidays increase the number of people recreating in, on and around the water and it’s pleasing to see the toll reflect a great summer to date.

“It is encouraging to note a low toll for January, but one month certainly doesn’t indicate a trend. On-going attention to water safety fundamentals such as learning swim and survival skills, supervision and boating safety are important to ensure that drowning incidents decline on-going.