Water Safety

Drowning

Drowning is a very real issue which affects all communities in New Zealand.  It is the third highest cause of unintentional death in New Zealand, surpassed only by road vehicle crashes and accidental falls.  

However, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of drowning in the developed world. Twice as many New Zealanders, per capita, lose their lives annually through drowning as Australians. Over the past 5 years an average of 109 people have died each year as a result of drowning.

Drowning affects all age groups but certain groups are particularly vulnerable. Pre-school children are one group constantly at risk; tragically incidents among this group nearly always involve a lack of appropriate supervision. Among adults, men aged between 18-35 dominate statistics in this country; this can be partly attributed to an increased likelihood to participate in activities with an increased level of risk.

More information and statistics on drowning in New Zealand can be found on the Water Safety New Zealand website.

Water Safety

Much of the improvement shown in drowning rates can be attributed to the success of initiatives to raise awareness of water safety as an important social issue. The improved delivery of targeted educational initiatives has also contributed but far too many continue to lose their lives, frequently in preventable circumstances.

Water Safety New Zealand is the national organisation responsible for ensuring all New Zealanders remain safe around water. They provide information on water safety education as well as a wide range of water safety resources  relating to rivers, boating, fishing and beaches. 

Water Quality

On a broader level, water safety can also be said to encompass the quality of our water. New Zealand's coastal waters are widely used for a range of recreational activities, such as bathing, sailing, boating, surfing, water skiing, diving and shellfish gathering. Although ill-health effects from exposure to contaminated water are usually minor and short lived, there is the potential for more serious disease. Therefore, maintaining and protecting the quality of this recreational water is an important safety issue.

The Taranaki District Health Board Public Health Unit have developed a new website called "Is the Water Safe?"  to provide the public with up to date information on the level of risk associated with recreational use of our coastal waters and fresh water rives/lakes. The website provides at a glance information about health warnings affecting coastal and fresh water areas. 

Concerns or queries relating to the quality of water in your local area can be directed to your local Health Protection Officer  or Environmental Health Officer.