The Swim Reaper returns ahead of the holiday drowning period

The Swim Reaper returns ahead of the peak holiday drowning period

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is urging holiday makers to take water safety seriously this holiday season and for young men to be on the look out for the Swim Reaper.

The official Holiday Drowning toll period this year is:

Mon 24 Dec 4.00pm – Thur 3 Jan 6.00am.

Last summer eight people lost their lives in preventable drowning incidents over the -peak period.

• Two females and six males.
• Four at the beach, three in rivers and one offshore.
• Two aged 15 - 24, one 25 - 34, one 35 - 44, one 45 - 54, one 55 - 64 and two 65+.

WSNZ CEO Jonty Mills says what the stats tell us is that drowning does not discriminate. “Everybody is at risk around water. All it takes is one mistake, one bad decision.”

“We want everyone to enjoy the water this summer but remember that while it is our playground, it can also be a dangerous place and must be respected.” says Mills.

Jonty Mills says it’s important for everyone to remember the Water Safety Code and avoid alcohol while taking part in aquatic activities. “Be prepared, watch out for yourself and each other, be aware of the dangers and know your limits” says Mills.

“Constant active adult supervision of our under-fives is the only foolproof solution.”

“On average we lose twenty recreational boaties each year needlessly. Wear your lifejacket and carry two forms of waterproof comms when you’re out boating and check the forecast.”

This summer WSNZ’s Swim Reaper campaign is also back to remind young men about the potentially deadly consequences of making bad decisions around water.

“This award-winning digital campaign made with the support of ACC has great cut through with a hard to reach audience. Through his dark sense of humour the Swim Reaper reminds our young men that a moments foolishness can be fatal” says Mills.

You can follow him on Instagram @iamtheswimreaper

For further water safety information head to www.watersafety.org.nz

Year Total # of drowning deaths # Preventabledrowning deaths # Non-preventable drowning deaths
2013 / 2014 5 5 -
2014 / 2015 11 8 3
2015 / 2016 11 10 1
2016 / 2017 10 10 -
2017 / 2018 9 8 1

Average preventable toll last 5 years (2013/14 – 2017/18) = 8.

ends

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