Drowning Statistics

Why Aquatics Education is Important

Drowning Is Quick and Silent

Adapted from WSNZ

Are Water Sports Dangerous?

Since 1995 – 2002 average number of deathsACC figures

• Swimming 20.9 each year• Fishing 8.4• Boating 6.9• Diving 6.4• Mountaineering 2.7• Tramping 2.7RFU figures • Rugby 2

Annual Drowning Statistics 1985-2005

0

50

100

150

200

250

Years

Nu

mb

er o

f D

eath

s

Recreational

Non-Recreational

Total

Drowning Statistics Over time

Data from WSNZ http://www.watersafety.org.nz/drowning/index.asp

2005 Drowning Statistics by Non Recreational Activity

05

10152025

Imm

ersi

onA

ccid

ent

Non

-Wat

erR

elat

ed

Res

cuin

gO

ther

s

Sui

cide

Com

mer

cial

Fis

hing

Oth

erC

omm

erci

al

Roa

dV

ehic

le

Drowning – No Intention of Being in Water

Drowning Doing Activity of Choice

Who Drowns?

2005 Drowning Statistics by Ethnicity

59%17%

10%

4%2%

8%

Caucasians

Maori

Pacific islanders

Asians

Other

Unknown

At What Age do They Drown?

Where Do They Drown?

2005 Drowning by site

32%

8%

29%

16%

15%

Inland Waterways

Lakes

Beaches

harbours estuary bars

Open Sea

2005 Drowning at the Beach

41%

33%

26%

Surf Beaches

Rocky Foreshore

Calm Water beaches

What Type of Beach ?

Non Fatal Drowning

Approximately 650 people are hospitalised each year for water related injuries. (NZHIS& ACC)

Where Do Our Students Fit in?

NZ Youth Water Safety Survey 2002

• 61% of year 11 students had swam outside patrolled area

• 49% had swam in a prohibited area

• 61% had swam alone

Iceberg Phenomenon

• Water related entitlement claims cost the nation more than $17 million in the year 2003-4 (ACC Injury Stats 2004)

• Surf lifesaving statistics indicate that more than 2000 people were rescued from the surf in the 2004-5 season (SLSNZ 2005)

The NZ Drowning Prevention Strategy

“It is not about stopping people having fun, or preventing them being in, on, under and around water. On the contrary, I want to encourage all of us to experience our unique water environments, but to keep safe while doing so”

(DPS Foreword, Ruth Dyson.)