Drownings in the Auckland region appear to be on the way back down again according to the 2009 Drowning Report just released by Water Safety New Zealand.

There were 16 drownings in the region in 2009, down 4 from 2008 (20) which in turn was 5 down from 2007 (25).

Despite this pleasing trend in the Auckland region and an overall trend of decline nationally, drowning is still the third highest cause of unintentional death in New Zealand and as a nation we are drowning at a rate twice that of Australia (2.4 drowning deaths per capita).  

There were 98 drowning deaths in New Zealand in 2009, the same as 2008, both down from 110 in 2007.  

Of particular note from the Report:

• 6 domestic drownings, of concern because there were none recorded in 2008
• 12 power boat related drownings, over twice the 2008 figure (5) and the 5-yr average of 5
• More men drowned in 2009, 85% compared to 76% in 2008
• Maori and Pacific peoples are still over-represented in the statistics, per capita
• Preschool drownings have increased with 9, above the 5-yr average of 7

These figures highlight the need for us to remain vigilant in our close, active adult supervision of young children in and around water, including in the domestic environment, and for those engaging in recreational boating activities to be equipped with both knowledge and the correct safety equipment.

Water Safety New Zealand maintains an extensive database, DrownBase™, capturing all the drowning incidents in New Zealand.

For the full report visit their website www.watersafety.org.nz