Advice that could save a life
Drowning is New Zealand’s third highest cause of accidental death. Since 1980, when records began, the drowning statistics peaked in 1985 with 214 deaths. Today the average, over the past five years (2002 – 2006) is 119 per annum, a drastic improvement but far too many are still dying needlessly.
So how will you keep yourself, your family and friends safe this summer?
Water Safety New Zealand has a comprehensive website www.watersafety.org.nz which is well worth reading through before the holidays. Here is just a sample of their lifesaving advice:
Beaches
Lifeguards or lifesavers patrol many beaches. These beaches usually also have red and yellow flags that mark the safest place to swim on the beach and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.
Rip currents
Rip currents are powerful, channelled currents of water flowing away from shore. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves. Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. For your safety, it’s important to be aware of this major surf zone hazard. Look for any of the following clues, which may indicate the presence of rip currents:
- a channel of churning, choppy water
- an area having a notable difference in water colour
- a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
- a break in the incoming wave pattern
If you get caught in a rip, do not panic!
- Paddle and swim parallel to the shore toward the breaking waves, which should help you get back to the beach.
- Do not attempt to swim against the rip, as even the strongest swimmers will quickly become tired.
- If you do tire or become frightened, stay calm, raise your arm, call for help and wait for assistance.
Rivers
More people drown in rivers than in any other New Zealand water environment. Rivers present a completely different range of potential dangers compared to the ocean and swimming pools. When you combine this with the fact that, unlike surf beaches and off-shore waters there are no agencies responsible for rescues in rivers, you can easily understand why the need for river safety education is vital.
Swimming spots in rivers can be great places in summer. If you pick your spot carefully and check it out each time you swim there you can keep yourself and your friends safe.
Swimming in a river is different from swimming in a pool or in the sea. The pressure of moving water is constant and can be powerful even if the river looks slow moving and calm. Swimmers can be pulled under the water by the current. Swimmers often underestimate the power of the river or overestimate their own abilities.
Home Pools
Swimming pools and spa pools are part of the way of life for many New Zealanders. They provide wonderful opportunities for family and friends to gather together and have fun.
Unfortunately, pools are also dangerous places where many injuries and drownings occur each year. Drowning is the second major cause of accidental death for pre-school children. Home swimming pools and spa pools represent the greatest single danger. Currently four children (average past five years) under the age of five drown in these pools per annum.
Swimming pool fences save lives!
New Zealand has one of the highest drowning tolls amongst OECD countries. Since the introduction of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 the number of children who drown in home pools has declined by 60%.
Children have the right to be protected.
It is your responsibility as an adult to ensure the children you are caring for are safe. Unfortunately, the majority of children who drown are alone and unsupervised, or in the care of other children at the time.
Supervision
Supervision without any distractions is the single most important factor in protecting children in and around water. Always supervise children near water – always!
Proper supervision in and around water means a responsible adult keeping young children in their care both within sight and within reach.
For more information on water safety, including boating, fishing, public pools and Swim for Life, visit www.watersafety.org.nz.
