There has been 12 preventable* drowning deaths in Auckland in the year to November 27, 2020, reports Water Safety New Zealand.
There were 17 preventable* drowning deaths in Auckland in the 2019 year, reports WSNZ.
There were 13 preventable* drowning deaths in Auckland in the 2018 year; reports WSNZ. 79% of these preventable drownings were male. 21% were 15-24 year olds and 36% of them were from the 65+ age group. 64% of these drownings were at beaches.
In 2017 22 people died in preventable drowning incidents in Auckland, double that of the 2016 number. 68% of the drownings in Auckland are males and 23% each from the 15-24 age group and the 65+ age group.
Immersion incidents had the highest activity drowning percentage at 55%. Beaches had the highest environmental percentage at 23%. The rate of drowning in the Auckland region at (1.7 per capita) remains one of the lowest in the country.
The sun may be out but don’t be fooled into thinking conditions are safe, Auckland’s rock fishing safety task force warns fishers as they head out to take advantage of the long weekend and break in the weather to go fishing at their favourite west coast spot.
“We appeal also to the families of the [mainly] men who fish off the rocks to urge their fathers, husbands and sons to act responsibly, especially around wearing a lifejacket, so they get home safely at the end of the day,” says Davin Bray, Chief Executive, Drowning Prevention Auckland.
There remains a significant risk attached to west coast rock fishing, a risk that is heightened when a big surf is running, all it takes is one rogue wave to dislodge a person, says Surf Life Saving Northern Region Operations Manager Adam Wooler.
“Wearing a lifejacket may mean the difference between life and death, and every incident on the rocks doesn’t just put the person in the water at risk – it also poses a risk to others trying to assist them, including our lifeguards,” he says.
The arrival of summer and holidays has seen a surge in numbers fishing off the rocks and the task force has been carrying out campaign activities to raise awareness about the risks involved, including Rock Fishing Safety Advisor ‘Rockman’ Sam Turbott who, along with jet ski driver Willy Goer, cruises the coastline gathering data on fisher activity, surveying fishers and passing on valuable safety advice.
“Thanks to the support of Dunedin company TracPlus who loaned us a GPS tracking device, we are able to geo-reference the rock fishing hotspots and help keep Sam safe by knowing where he is at all times,” says Adam.
Drowning Prevention Auckland, Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Auckland Council are partners in a joint task force aimed at reducing fatalities among the fisher population on Auckland’s unpredictable and wild west coast.
“Our joint campaign has made a significant impact on reducing the number of drownings and influencing behaviour change. However, there is more work to do as some fishers continue to place themselves at risk by choosing not to wear a lifejacket, which could ultimately save their life. The west coast is a dynamic environment that requires respect in order to stay safe,” says Auckland Council’s Parks, Sports & Recreation Manager Mace Ward.
Ends
For further information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Drowning Prevention Auckland: Davin Bray, 021 681 503, davin.bray@dpanz.org.nz
SLSNR: Ron Murray, Wright Communications, 027 807 7354 ron@wrightcommunications.co.nz
Auckland Council: Emily Thorn, Publicity Specialist, 021 732 353 emily.thorn@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Background
The West Coast Rock Fishing Safety project has been in place 12 years, during which time drowning fatalities have reduced to less than one per annum. The annual project survey report, authored by Auckland University researcher and Drowning Prevention Auckland Board Member Dr Kevin Moran, offers an insight on to the impact of this collaborative intervention. During the 2016-2017 season, 211 rock-fishers were interviewed on their thoughts and habits around rock-fishing risks and precautions. It showed that 24% of those interviewed didn’t “often” or “always” use a lifejacket on the rocks, with no change from 2016 (24%), but dramatically down on the 40% in 2015. This is of concern. Positively, there was almost a four-fold increase in fishers sometimes wearing a lifejacket, (41%, 2017; 11%, 2016), and fishers reporting they never wore a lifejacket dropped by almost 50% (37%, 2017; 65%, 2016). Read Dr Moran’s 2017 report.
Safety advice for rock fishers
- Wear a lifejacket – this offers the best chance of survival should you fall in the water.
- Wear light, warm clothing and sport shoes – not gumboots.
- Check the swell, weather and tide forecast before choosing your fishing location.
- Avoid getting cut off by an incoming tide, plan an escape route.
- Keep your eyes on the sea, be prepared to climb to safety.
- Fish with someone who has fishing experience and knows the site well.
- Follow the advice of safety signs and warnings.
- Know who and how to get help in an emergency, carry a mobile, call 111.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- If someone falls in the water:
- Pick up an angel ring or flotation device
- Throw it to the person in the water
- Call 111 for police, report your location and emergency. Send someone to find help, a lifeguard.
Joint media release: Drowning Prevention Auckland and Auckland Swimming Association
It’s not rocket science; preventing your child from drowning is as simple as putting your device away and focusing your attention on them, say Drowning Prevention Auckland and Auckland Swimming Association in a call out to families making plans for the long weekend.
“In the seconds it takes for you to post on Facebook or Instagram, tragedy could strike.”
Seven children aged under five years drowned in New Zealand last year, more than double the previous year, and sadly all too preventable.
“Children are attracted to water and whether it’s pool, beach or bath, the number one solution is active supervision by an adult at all times,” says Davin Bray, Chief Executive, Drowning Prevention Auckland.
“For under-5s that means being within sight and reach, without distraction, and for older ones knowing where they are and what they are doing,” adds Brett Green, Chief Executive Officer, Auckland Swimming Association.
“At social gatherings around water we suggest having a responsible adult actively on duty as the ‘water watcher’ while others are busy with organising food or other activities and no, that’s not the lifeguard’s job.”
Being able to see where older children are, what the water is doing and how to prevent them getting in to difficulty in the first place, will also help avoid a repeat of recent drownings as result of attempted rescues by parents.
Swimming lessons can give parents a false sense of security, even competent swimmers can get in to difficulty, says Brett.
“If faced with this situation, we urge anyone to take the time to assess the risks and their own level of water competency, and only enter the water if they have some form of flotation with them.”
To date, Auckland has had a drowning free 2018, and that’s the way Drowning Prevention Auckland and Auckland Swimming Association would like it to stay.
For further information and interviews:
Davin Bray
Chief Executive
Drowning Prevention Auckland
M: 021 681 503
E: davin.bray@dpanz.org.nz
Brett Green
Chief Executive Officer
Auckland Swimming Association
M: 021 553 233
We have great pleasure in announcing the finalists in the inaugural Drowning Prevention Auckland ‘Water Safety Champion Awards 2017’. Our heartiest congratulations to all the finalists, winners will be announced at the our AGM, 4pm-6pm, Thursday 30 November 2017.
Individual Water Safety Champion
- Tenga Schwalger-Teura (The Fono); and
- Ron Bird (Waterfront Services).
Community Water Safety Champion
- YMCA;
- Belgravia Leisure; and
- Swimsation Swim Schools.
Long Service Water Safety Champion
- Karla McCaughan; and
- Judy Tipping.
The Awards recognise individuals, community groups, organisations or businesses that have demonstrated commitment, initiative and leadership in the ‘championing’ of water safety in the Auckland region. This includes delivering water safety education, creating or implementing solutions that address behaviour or an identified issue, or raising awareness.
Who do you know?
We are pleased to announce the inaugural Drowning Prevention Auckland* ‘Water Safety Champion Awards 2017’ in recognition of individuals, community groups, organisations or businesses that have demonstrated commitment, initiative and leadership in the ‘championing’ of water safety in the Auckland region. This could include delivering water safety education, creating or implementing solutions that address behaviour or an identified issue, or raise awareness. Nominations are now open. (*Drowning Prevention Auckland is the working name of WaterSafe Auckland Inc.).
Categories:
- Community Water Safety Champion
- Individual Water Safety Champion
- Long Service Water Safety Champion
Timeframe:
- Tuesday 31 October 2017 – Nominations close
- Friday 3 November 2017 – Finalists announced
- Thursday 30 November 2017 – Awards presented at DPA AGM
Full details are in the DPA Water Safety Champion Awards 2017_Guidelines_Terms Conditions
Click here to submit a nomination Water Safety Champion Awards Nomination Form
