Challenge issued to Kiwi water lovers
Drowning, injury rates have ACC on the offensive
Northland has the second worst drowning and fifth worst water-related injury records nationally, and ACC is issuing a challenge to swimmers this summer to prevent more deaths and harm.
Figures released by ACC show in 2022 there have been 14 drownings in Northland, second only to Auckland, which has 15. And when it comes to waterrelated injuries, in the year to June 30, the region was fifth highest, with 2148 of the 27,583 claims nationally.
That means some 7.8 per cent of claims nationally were from Northland — despite the region having less than 4 per cent of the population — at a cost of $6.2 million.
In the past five years in Northland, which has about 2700 km of coastline, there have been 9945 water-related injuries and last year 10 people in Northland drowned and 18 were hospitalised due to a water-related activity.
The number of drownings in Northland was the third highest per capita in New Zealand (5.05 per 100,000 people).
ACC is now laying down a wero (challenge) to all New Zealanders this summer to reduce the number of drownings and water-related injuries.
There were 90 preventable drownings in 2021 in New Zealand, the highest number in 10 years.
“A drowning is a devastating event for any whānau and community,” Daniel Gerrard, Water Safety NZ chief executive said.
“These incidents are preventable – if you stop and take time to assess the risks. Collectively, we all have to make better decisions around water.”
Males were over-represented in the deaths, with 76 men and 14 women in 2021.
“They’re a father, a son, an uncle, a brother or a grandfather,” Gerrard said.
“To Pakeha males in power boats, Māori men gathering kai underwater, Asian men fishing from rocks, Pasifika men fishing from boats . . . you guys are consistently over-represented in our drowning tragedies.”
And it is not just drownings, he said.
There are about 76 claims for water-related injuries daily from people out enjoying activities like surfing, fishing and swimming.
It cost $81 million to help people recover from these injuries.
Water sports had the highest number with 19,351 injury claims in this period, ahead of boating injuries (8649). Males made up 64 per cent of water-related injury claims.
There were 11,890 water-related injury claims accepted last summer, with January (5489) the highest month every year.
“We’re huge supporters of people getting out and following their passion,” James Whitaker, ACC Injury Prevention Programme lead, said.
“Whether it’s getting out with their mates for a surf, time with the whānau by the beach or fishing at their favourite spot on the river, ACC is here to support people who need it and we’ll do everything we can to help people recover. It’s better for everyone when fewer people are injured in the first place though.
“We are laying down a wero to all New Zealanders to ‘Have a Hmmm’. Think about the risks relating to the activity you’re about to do. Think about the best ways to avoid those risks, do things safely and you can keep doing what you love.”
Top five ways we are hurting ourselves in water:
1. Surfing:
Surfing New Zealand estimates at least 150,000 people surf regularly in New Zealand. This means around one in every 30 New Zealander gets out in the waves. From July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 surfing was the leading cause in water-related injuries. There were 6,136 injuries - the highest number in the past five years at a cost of $10.7 million to help people recover.
Staying safe in the waves: ● Surf within your skill level
● Use the correct surfboard for your ability and the conditions
● Make sure you keep your equipment in good condition
● Never ditch your board
● If you are a novice, get a lesson from Surfing New Zealand
2. Swimming
Research from Water Safety NZ in 2021 found that 3.2 million (85 per cent) adult New Zealanders visited the coast in the past 12 months.
Almost half of them (48 per cent) visit the coast on a monthly basis. Over two million people are active while visiting the coast, including swimming or playing in the water.
In 2021/22 there were 5,187 swimming injury claims which came at a cost of $21 million. Know the Water Safety Code
● Be prepared
● Watch out for yourself and others
● Be aware of the dangers
● Know your limits
3. Fishing
Research shows about a quarter of all Kiwis get out for a fish.
The catch is, it’s also a leading cause for injury. In 2021/ 22 there were 3856 fishing related injuries, which cost $5.5m to help people recover.
Rock fishing is an increasingly popular recreational past-time, but it is also extremely hazardous. Being swept off rocks by large waves is a major hazard.
Tips for a safe fishing trip
● Always wear a lifejacket
● Take at least two forms of communication, such as a mobile phone and VHF radio
● Check the marine weather forecast including the swell, tide and wind strength and direction
● Learn water survival skills — so if you fall in, you have a higher chance of surviving
● Get to know the area you will be fishing, learn from locals, listen to advice and obey all warning signs
● Leave detailed information — tell people where you are going and when you are due to return.
● Never fish alone, make sure you always take a buddy with you
4. Swimming pools
Pools are often the central hub for whānau and friends to have fun. But unfortunately, they are also dangerous places, particularly for younger children.
In 2021/ 22 there were 1127 swimming-related i njuries in swimming pools nationally.
These injuries cost about $3m to help people recover.
WSNZ says adults need to ensure their children are safe.
The vast majority of children who drown are alone and unsupervised, or in the care of other children at the time.
5. Water skiing
Boats, speed, water and people who back themselves to pull off a big trick in front of their mates. It’s a recipe for disaster.
There were 1205 water skiingrelated injuries in 2021/22 and these injuries cost of $3.2m.
Nearly half of all adult Kiwis go boating each year with their friends and families.
On average, about 20 people die in recreational boating accidents in New Zealand.
Research shows that not wearing a lifejacket is the leading risk factor, and other risks include not carrying communications, not checking the weather, and drinking alcohol.
Boating Safety Code:
● Wear your lifejacket
● Take two waterproof ways to call for help
● Check the marine weather forecast
● Avoid alcohol
● Be a responsible skipper