DANGER IN THE WATER
Here are the top five ways we are hurting ourselves in, on and around the water:
1
SURFING
‘‘As surfers we have to respect the ocean,’’ says Lee Ryan, development manager at Surfing New Zealand. ‘‘We need to acknowledge that our sport is an extreme sport and does have its dangers. It’s knowing how to minimise the risks and that comes with experience.’’
2
SWIMMING – SEA
Research from Water Safety New Zealand in 2021 found that 3.2 million adult New Zealanders visited the coast in the past 12 months. WSNZ chief executive Daniel Gerrard says most people underestimate the risks and overestimate their ability.
3
FISHING
Rock fishing is an increasingly popular recreational pastime, but it is also extreme hazardous. Being swept off rocks by large waves is a major hazard.
4
SWIMMING – POOL
Pools are often the central hub for wha¯nau and friends to have fun. But unfortunately, pools are also dangerous places, particularly for younger children. In 2021/22 there were 1127 swimming-related injuries in swimming pools around New Zealand. It cost about $3m to help people recover from these injuries.
5
WATER-SKIING
There were 1205 water-skiing-related injuries in Aotearoa in 21/22, which came at a cost of $3.2m.