2023 Provisional Data Overview

90 preventable drownings, marking a concerning 10% increase over the 10-year average (82), and only a marginal reduction (4) from 2022's 94 preventable drownings. 83% were male and 58% were over the age of 45. There was also a spike in under 5 tragedies with 8 deaths being recorded, 3 more than the 10-year average of five preventable drownings.

29 drownings occurring from unintentional slips and falls, accounting for 33% of total incidents, a substantial rise from the 10-year average of 20. Swimming or ‘playing in the water’ resulted in 19 preventable drownings (21%).

Beaches (26), or 29%, rivers (24) or 27%, pools (11) and offshore (11) make up the most challenging environments.

Powered Craft: 4 drownings, 4% of total, showed a notable decrease from the 10-year average of 11 drownings and a massive reduction on 21 in 2022. It is hoped that joint messages like those with Coastguard NZ’s “Just Wear It” lifejacket campaign are beginning to be listened to.

Auckland experienced a worrying spike with 26 preventable drownings, surpassing both the 2022 figure of 17 drownings and the 10-year average of 16, highlighting an urgent need for intensified water safety measures in the region.

“Clearly Auckland’s growing population, larger participation rates and warmer climate impacts this number, but there is considerable and long-term rate payer investment that has gone into attempting to address this issue. Perhaps now is the time to revisit how to support Aucklanders and Tamaki Makaurau more effectively.” Says WSNZ Chief Executive Daniel Gerrard.

Waikato also saw a dramatic increase, recording 16 drownings, which is more its 10-year average of 9. Hawkes Bay's 12 drownings, although notably 3 times higher than the average, is partially attributed to flood-related incidents, reflecting the compounded risks during extreme weather conditions. However, a positive note is seen in Northland, where drownings decreased to 4 from 18 in 2022, significantly falling below the 10-year average of 11.

Gerrard says that “While it is too early to call, this decline indicates potential effectiveness in local approaches to water safety and a strong local push around behavioural change."

These regional disparities underscore the importance of tailored strategies to address the unique challenges and leverage successful approaches in reducing drowning incidents across New Zealand.

Holiday and Summer Period Comparison

Holiday Period (4pm, 22 Dec 2023 – 6am, 3 Jan 2024): 7 preventable drownings, all male, aligning with the 10-year average of 7.9 but lower than 2022's count of 9. Summer Period (1 Dec - end of Feb): Provisionally 14 preventable drownings (as of 3 January), which is similar to this time last year (15). Last year's 49 summer tragedies was the highest since the summer of 1997/98.

WSNZ CEO, Daniel Gerrard states, “While any decrease in drownings is positive, we cannot overlook the fact that our numbers are still distressingly high. This is a national disaster that requires immediate and robust action. We are still seeing an unacceptable number of preventable deaths, especially among older New Zealand males who continue to make risky choices around water.”

Three-Pronged Approach Needed

Behaviour Change Campaigns: Targeted towards older New Zealand males, focusing on making safer choices and understanding the risks associated with water activities.

Gerrard says that “Increased resources is necessary to expand meaningful messaging to this hard-to-reach bunch of blokes. We all need to have a think about our choices and how this might impact those loved ones around us….just have a Hmmm”

Aquatic Literacy for All Children: WSNZ continues is key role of advocating for the integration of more prescriptive water competencies (aquatic literacy) into the school curriculum, ensuring every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to this basic human right.

“Learning to swim is a choice, a great choice. But it should be everyone’s basic human right to learn the essential life skill of water competence. Being able to float and move in the water along and having a basic understanding of our amazing water ways must be a minimum”, says Gerrard.

Floating For Everyone. Let's ensure that everyone – from the youngest child to the eldest adult – understands the importance of floating, not just as a skill, but as a vital guardian against the unforeseen challenges of the water.

Government Intervention.

WSNZ urges new government ministers to prioritise preventable drowning with the same level of focus as road fatalities. This includes increased funding, policy support, and public awareness campaigns to address this ongoing issue effectively.

“This isn’t just about numbers; it's about lives and communities,” adds Gerrard. “Our commitment to water safety must be unwavering, and it requires the collective effort of the entire nation.”

Water Safety New Zealand would like to acknowledge the drowning fatalities in 2023. Our thoughts go to their whanau, family, and friends.

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou, We will Remember them.

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