Four people from the Bay of Plenty have drowned in the first six months of 2025. That is already more than the three preventable drownings in the Bay of Plenty last year. There are calls to be mindful of the risk around water this winter as people share their story to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.

Share your story. That is the message from Water Safety New Zealand and ACC today as they recognise World Drowning Prevention Day.

The global theme for this year is “Your Story Can Save A Life” to encourage people to speak openly about their experiences in, on, or around the water.

In Aotearoa, 74 people lost their lives by drowning in 2024 and in the first six months of this year 38 people drowned in incidents that could have been prevented.

In the Bay of Plenty region, four people have drowned in the first six months of 2025 and there were three preventable drownings last year.

The 74 drowning fatalities in 2024 was the lowest annual toll since 2018 and a 14% drop from the 10-year average.

While the reduction was encouraging, Water Safety New Zealand interventions lead Esther Hone said the risks remain real.

Since 2014, an average of 86 New Zealanders drown every year in incidents that could have been prevented.

Fatalities involve preventable behaviour such as not wearing a lifejacket, entering the water alone, consuming alcohol and other drugs, or underestimating conditions.

The theme for the day is “Your Story Can Save A Life”. Photo / Water Safety NZ

“We are making progress, particularly with our tamariki, but every life lost is one too many,” said Hone (Ngāpuhi).

“World Drowning Prevention Day is a chance to speak up, share our stories, and help shape a culture where water safety is second nature. We believe every child deserves the knowledge, experience, and confidence to survive in the water - not just swim in it.”

Every year ACC accepts around 4500 water-related injuries and these come at a cost of $13.5 million to help people recover.

In the Bay of Plenty region, ACC accepts around 500 water-related injuries every year, which come at a cost of around $1.2 million to help people recover.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said World Drowning Prevention Day was 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 said.

“Most of these tragic drownings are preventable if we take the time to consider the risks.”

Today is World Drowning Prevention Day. Photo / Water Safety NZ

Whitaker stressed the importance of following the Water Safety Code.

“Far too many New Zealanders are drowning, and these events are preventable,” he said.

“New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers provide us all with amazing opportunities to enjoy ourselves and connect with friends and families.

“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.”

Water Safety New Zealand – Drowning numbers in Aotearoa

- In 2024, New Zealand recorded 74 drowning fatalities - the lowest annual toll since 2018.

- 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.

Water Safety NZ – Water Safety Code

Five simple ways to survive:

For more information: www.watersafetynz.org/water-safety-code

- Know how to float

- Find the safest place

- If in doubt, stay out

- Take care of yourself and others

- Know how to get help