Data-driven
drowning
insights
and
information.
Up-to-date information on fatal drownings
As a gender split, 83% of 2024 drowning fatalities were male. 17% were female.
Holiday period and summer period drowning deaths.
2024 official holiday period
24 December 4pm –
3 January 6am
1 December 2024 – 28 February 2025
*Current Period
(Note: this includes six drowning deaths
due to Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023).
In 2023, our methodology focused on identifying fatal incidents within a two-kilometre radius of every locality in New Zealand since 1999. While DrownBase™ has recorded drowning data since 1980, location data had only begun to be included since 1999. In 2024 we revisited historical data and incorporated GPS precision. Locations are expanded from the original 2023 locations, based on a clearer and more reliable understanding of high-risk areas.
Locations such as Auckland’s Princes Wharf and Lake Pupuke, which appeared in the 2023 list, have been replaced by new high-risk areas in 2024. This shift underscores the importance of refining our data and focusing resources on emerging priorities.
Data-driven insights are used to support advocacy and reduce preventable drowning, water-related injury and hospitalisations.Detailed data enables identification of trends, high-risk areas, and vulnerable groups to target interventions. Quarterly snapshots and other activity-focused data will be published regularly.
Latest news, media, and quick reads related to data, research, and insights from Water Safety New Zealand.
DrownBase™ contains records of all drowning deaths that have occurred in New Zealand’s waterways since 1 January 1980. DrownBase™ also records all water-related hospitalisations requiring a stay in hospital since 2003 and categorises them in a variety of ways.
Water Safety New Zealand works to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote preventative measures.
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