Water Safety New Zealand and ACC are calling on New Zealanders to take part in World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday 25 July - an annual advocacy event organised by the World Health Organisation - by sharing personal stories and raising awareness about the everyday actions that can prevent drowning, prevent injury, and save lives.

This year’s global theme, “Your Story Can Save A Life” encourages people across Aotearoa and around the world to speak openly about their experiences in, on, or around the water - from close calls to life-saving moments, and the lessons that shape our decisions. In sharing our stories, we learn from the experience of others. This can save lives.

Some stories are well known, including that of Water Safety New Zealand’s own Rob Hewitt (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Rangikoianake), an ex-navy diver with his own harrowing tale of surviving 75 hours lost at sea. Rob now dedicates much of his time advocating for water safety, with a particular focus on Māori and Pasifika communities, generously sharing his story to draw attention to the necessity of Water Safety and having an unwavering respect for the water.

Interventions Lead at Water Safety New Zealand, Esther Hone (Ngāpuhi), has her own story of survival and of loss. She was drawn to a career in water safety after losing a friend when boating on a lake when she was younger. “That experience had a dramatic impact and made me understand how quickly things can go wrong - particularly in open water environments where conditions can change so quickly.”

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In 2024, New Zealand recorded 74 drowning fatalities - the lowest annual toll since 2018 and a 14% drop from the 10-year average. While the reduction is encouraging, Water Safety New Zealand say the risks of preventable drowning remain very real.

An average of 86 New Zealanders drown every year. Many fatalities involve preventable behaviour such as not wearing a lifejacket, entering the water alone, consuming alcohol or other drugs, and underestimating conditions.

New Zealand drowning facts:

• Men continue to be overrepresented - 73% of drownings in 2024 (54 out of 74 total drownings) were male adults (aged 25 and above)
• 90% of craft-related drownings in 2024 were not wearing a life jacket
• 88% of 2024 drownings were adults
• Nearly 20% of drownings in 2024 were at one of NZ’s highest risk drowning locations.

“We are making good progress, particularly with our tamariki, but every life lost is one too many,” says Esther. “World Drowning Prevention Day provides an opportunity to speak up, share our stories, and help shape a culture where water safety is second nature.”

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says World Drowning Prevention Day is an opportunity to be more mindful of the risks in and around the water.

“A drowning is a devastating event for any whānau and community, and our hearts go out to every family who has lost a loved one,” he says. “Most of these tragic drownings are preventable if we take the time to consider the risks.”

Whitaker stressed the importance of following the Five Ways to Survive – New Zealand’s Water Safety Code.

“Far too many New Zealanders are drowning, and these events are preventable,” he says. “If we take time to assess the risks and make smart choices before we jump in, we can keep on doing the things we love.”

New Zealanders are invited to take part in World Drowning Prevention Day by sharing their own water safety experiences to help reinforce that the power is in prevention.

How to take part:

• Use World Drowning Prevention Day as a reason to post your water story or safety message on social media to contribute to a culture of water safety in New Zealand.
• Share an experience, life lesson or thought around water safety, reminding New Zealanders that the power is in prevention
• Use hashtags #WorldDrowningPreventionDay, #WaterSafetyNZ, and #ShareYourStory
• Access free downloadable toolkits and digital assets from watersafetynz.org/staying-safe/world-drowning-prevention-day

“Whether it’s a national story or a moment from your local beach - what you share can save lives,” says Esther. “Let’s connect, share, and work together to solve drowning in New Zealand and create a culture of water safety. The power is in prevention”.

Read more: watersafetynz.org/world-drowning-prevention-day

Notes:

• People who overestimate their ability, ignore weather forecasts, don’t wear lifejackets, or think swimming skills are all they need to stay safe – are people who put their lives at risk around water.

The five points of New Zealand's Water Safety Code – Five Ways to Survive were developed based on drowning and injury data, and global evidence of what works to save lives: watersafetynz.org/water-safety-code

• Water Safety New Zealand also notes that the first reading of the Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill will likely take place in July.

Again, another important moment - and an opportunity to both express our support for the bill and express the need for one consistent national rule around lifejacket use for all ages, particularly given the number of adult drownings where no life jacket was worn.

watersafetynz.org/staying-safe/lifejackets

About Water Safety New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand is the lead agent for water safety and drowning prevention in New Zealand. For more than 75 years, we’ve made it our mission to support people and places to be safer around water.

We do this through focused data science, leadership, education, and advocacy. As a charity, we are dedicated to making New Zealand’s waterways safer for everyone.

Find out more: www.watersafetynz.org

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