The coroner has endorsed safety recommendations made by Water Safety New Zealand following the tragic death of an 18-year-old Taranaki man in November 2021.

According to the coroner’s findings, released on 18 November 2024, Jordan Adams drowned at Waiwhakaiho River on the evening of Saturday 13 November 2021.

Water Safety Chief Executive Daniel Gerrard says an average of 31 people drown every year in rivers and inland waterways. The death of Jordy Adams sends a powerful message on the dangers of New Zealand’s rivers.

“Jordy’s whānau, friends, and workmates and everyone who knew him, lost this young man from their lives too soon through a deadly mix of decision-making and alcohol use.

“We share our sincere condolences to everyone who knew Jordy and welcome the coroner’s recommendations. Alcohol and rivers just do not mix – New Zealanders need to understand that making the wrong decision around water can cost you your life.”

Coroner Wrigley’s report details dangerous river conditions contributed to Jordan’s death.

Intoxication by alcohol also contributed to his death, as it adversely affected his ability to cope underwater as well as affected his decision-making.

Water Safety New Zealand says use of alcohol around any aquatic environment is dangerous. Combining alcohol around rivers is a deadly mix.

“Rivers are where we lose the most New Zealanders to drowning every year,” says Daniel Gerrard. “Knowing how to read river conditions and identify hazards such as strong currents, sudden drops, and submerged obstacles is critical to keeping safe.”

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Related:

• A third (32%) of all NZ drownings occur in rivers or inland waterways

• 1,399 lives have been lost in rivers since 1980

• 44% of all river and inland waterway drownings are under 25

• On average we lose 31 kiwis each year in lakes and rivers

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Media Contact: Chief Executive Daniel Gerrard

Water Safety New Zealand

027 478 1836

daniel@watersafety.org.nz

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