In 2022 there were 94 drowning fatalities. The largest annual loss of life in New Zealand waterways for the past decade.
As I begin this report on drowning in New Zealand, I reflect with sadness that 94 preventable drownings occurred in 2022, the worst in a decade. Each year, far too many lives are lost to drowning, leaving families and communities devastated. As you read this report, please remember that behind each of these statistics is a person with hopes, dreams, and loved ones. We must never forget that.
Water Safety New Zealand works to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote preventative measures.
