By Lauren Crimp
A new report from Water Safety New Zealand has shown 2021 was the worst year for drowning deaths in a decade.
Deaths from drowning fell among 15- to 35-year-olds but were doubling for older males last year. Photo: Cody Keepa for Surf Life Saving NZ
Last year, 90 people drowned, which the organisation says is a national disgrace and a wake-up call.
It equates to 1.76 deaths per 100,000 people, while Australia's rate is 1.1.
The report shows drowning rates are getting worse for Māori and Asian New Zealanders, as well as males and those over 45.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Daniel Gerrard said all New Zealanders had a responsibility to address the problem. Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death in New Zealand and the third highest cause of accidental death.
"Every preventable death is devastating to a family/whānau and the community," Gerrard said.
"The facts speak for themselves, children under five need to be within arm's reach and within sight when in or around water. You are more likely to get into trouble or drown when they swim alone, and you should always wear a life jacket when boating or fishing from the shore.
"Our drowning toll is something every New Zealander should see as a national disgrace."
Gerrard said people died when they overestimated their own ability in the water and underestimated the risk or conditions.
"The data does show that the younger generation are behaving a lot better, and actually 15- to 35-year-olds, which has been the riskiest age group in the past, has dropped by about a third," he said.
"Whereas unfortunately older males, particularly in boats, are doubling."
Water Safety New Zealand is investing in programmes delivered for Māori, by Māori, because the necessary education hasn't been reaching them in the past.
This includes under-fives programmes on safety and supervision, and diving courses delivered on marae.
More people risk it to feed whānau
An increase in people gathering kaimoana in dangerous conditions has contributed to the tragic numbers.
Gerrard said cost of living pressures meant fishing and diving for food had become a necessity for many.
"We're seeing more risky behaviour being taken, so perhaps going diving on a day that you shouldn't have, but you have to put some food on the table.
"All of the diving fatalities occurred when weather conditions were not conducive to diving."
Gerrard said there had been an increase in diving equipment being purchased online, but no increase in diving qualifications.
"It suggests people are getting some cheap dive gear on TradeMe, having a bit of a YouTube look around what they're supposed to do, and giving it a go, and some of these activities are far too risky."