The human and economic impact of drowning in New Zealand, alongside pressures on rescue services, can be reduced through fresh thinking and innovation.
While challenges remain, findings in the 2024 National Drowning Report show that with commitment and collaboration, significant further reductions are within reach.
The lowest since 2018 and 13% below the 10-year average of 82.7
Emphasising the need for targeted interventions for over-25s, and ongoing sustained focus on education for young New Zealanders.
High-risk locations demand focused prevention efforts.
Drowning fatalities among 15-24-year-olds dropped to 4 in 2024, significantly below the 10-year average of 12.8 deaths.
Consistent with previous years, males account for the majority of drowning fatalities, reflecting their higher participation in and exposure to activities on and under the water.
39% of drowning fatalities in Auckland occurred at identified blackspot locations
"Other" ethnicities have the highest drowning rate at 6.46 per 100,000, followed by Māori at 1.76, Asians at 1.54, and Pasifika at 1.44. NZ Europeans have the lowest rate at 0.83 per 100,000.
Coast (36%), Tidal (24%) and Rivers (19%) were the most challenging environments.
Slips & falls (28%), Craft (25%) and Swimming/'playing in the water' (25%) made up 78% of all fatalities.
Universal access to survival-focused water safety programmes for all primary school-aged children.
Tailored interventions at high-risk locations
Nationwide legislation requiring lifejacket use on watercraft.
The 2024 National Drowning Prevention Report offers an in-depth analysis of trends by age, activity, environment, and region, along with data-driven solutions to address New Zealand's drowning problem.