Emerging Issues

The Issue

From 2017-2021 there were a total of 85 preventable fatalities across the Auckland region. The five-year average shows that:

·       Men were three times more likely to have a fatal drowning accident than women.

·       Drowning fatalities were across all age-ranges, with over one-third (39%) of fatalities aged under 35 years.

·       Drowning fatalities came from various ethnicities: 35% were NZ Europeans, 21% were Pacific Peoples, 21% were Asians, 8% were Māori, 6% were other ethnicities and 8% were unknown.  According to the 2018 Census, the ethnicity breakdown across Auckland was 53.5% European, 28.2% Asian, 15.5% Pacific Peoples, 11.5% Māori, 2.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African, and 1.1% were others.  This shows that Asian and Pacific People were over-represented in the drowning fatalities from 2017-2021 across the Auckland region. Nationally, Māori are also over-represented in drowning fatalities (representing 23% of fatalities between 2017-2021, despite Māori comprising 16.5 per cent of the total population).

·       Drowning fatalities related to a wide range of activities: swimming = 33%, immersion incidents = 32%, land-based fishing = 11%, powered boating = 11%, non-powered boating = 4%, underwater (diving and snorkeling) = 4%, sailing = 2%, water sport recreation (board riding and boogie boarding) = 2%, unknown = 1%.

·       Drowning environments varied with 40% of fatal drownings occurring at beaches, 20% occurring in tidal waters, 12% occurring in rivers, 10% occurring in home pools and spas, 7% occurring in baths and other domestic locations, 4% occurring offshore, 4% occurring in public pools, and 2% occurring in inland still waters (drains and ponds).

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Taking Action

Knowing the Water Safety Code is one way to help keep people safe around coastal and freshwater sites.  This consists of the following 5 simple rules:

· Know how to float. If you get into trouble, float on your back with your ears in the water – this will increase your chances of survival. Relax and breathe normally. If you don’t know how to float, get some lessons and practice before you enter the water.

· Find the safest place. Take a moment to assess the conditions and look for dangers like strong currents. Find the safest place to get in and out of the water. Places with lifeguards on duty are safest. Listen to the lifeguards and pay attention to warning signs and flags.

· If in doubt, stay out.  Check the weather before leaving home. If you’re unsure about your skill level, the weather, or the water conditions, it’s better to wait for another day. The weather and water conditions can change quickly.

· Take care of yourself and others. Always go with a buddy and tell someone your plans. When wearing a lifejacket, make sure it fits properly. When children are in or near the water, a responsible adult should be within arm’s reach and watching them carefully.

. Know how to get help. If you get into trouble, raise your arm and call out for help. If you see someone who needs help, call 111 and ask for Police.

Translations of the Water Safety Code

Resources