Lifeguards issue warning amid 'alarming number' of deaths at beaches and waterways

Wednesday, 5 January 2022

Senior Sergeant Phil Ward confirms another drowning in the Manawatu River today in the same area where two people went missing the previous week. (First published January 2, 2022)

Lifeguards are urging swimmers to take greater care this summer after an “alarming number” of fatalities at beaches and inland waterways.

Three separate drownings on Tuesday put the death toll at 27, passing the 25 fatalities for each of the previous two summers, according to Water Safe New Zealand.

The deaths on Tuesday included a child who drowned at Kai Iwi lakes in Northland.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region urges Kiwis to take greater care in waters after an “alarming” number of incidents. (File photo)

Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) lifesaving operations manager James Lea said the high level of rescues and assists over the New Year’s weekend were down to recurring factors, including people not understanding the beach conditions.

* Person dies after getting into difficulty in water at Wenderholm, Auckland

* Paraglider killed in incident at Raglan beach found by member of public

Kai Iwi Lakes, where a child drowned on Tuesday, have been very popular these summer holidays, with up to 2000 people visiting each day.

“They overestimate their own ability and underestimate the conditions, which can change very quickly,” said Lea, who advised people to check the SafeSwim website for the conditions, any hazards and water quality.

Statistics show the most at-risks groups are 15-24 year olds and people over 65, with the younger groups being higher risk-takers, while older people may overestimate their ability in the water, said Lea.

He advised people to visit patrolled beaches, highlighting that many rescues are happening at unpatrolled beaches where delays in getting there can be “critical”, while also urging people to swim between the safety flags.

Anyone going into the water should consider whether they can float for 10-15 minutes when out of their depth, he said.

“If you can, and get into difficulty, you are likely to be rescued. If you can’t, then you should think twice before jumping in,” said Lea.

There were a total of 31 water rescues, 41 people assisted and 25 searches conducted over the New Year’s Weekend according to SLSNR statistics.

Most recent water-related fatalities include a drowning at Wenderholm Regional Park on Tuesday where a person died after getting into difficulty at the beach near Waiwera – just over a week after another person drowned nearby Waiwera Beach on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man died while swimming in the Waingaro River, west of Ngāruawāhia.

Earlier on Boxing Day, three people drowned within the space of four hours – including a woman in Kāpiti and a man at Kariotahi, south of Auckland.