The reality is, many drowning deaths happen when people weren’t intending to be in the water at all. In 2024, slips and falls were the largest contributing activity in drowning fatalities, accounting for 28%. This included children slipping into water and adults losing footing near rivers, lakes, and urban waterways.
Risk is everywhere. For example, New Zealand’s extensive network of rivers has historically been a significant source of drowning incidents, with over 1,000 deaths since 1980 — 23% of all drownings. Nearly half (46%) of victims “slipped or fell”, highlighting the importance of basic river safety skills to avoid accidental entry and fundamental water skills, like floating or staying calm if you do fall in.
When it comes to slips and falls - in 2024 most fatalities were as a result of an unexpected fall into water, others occurred when the person was already in water, usually baths or pools - often unsupervised young children or medical events in older adults and 2 cases resulting from attempts to rescue others
The wide variety of circumstances shows that these drownings happen across New Zealand, occur throughout the year, and impact all age groups and ethnicities. A critical pattern: except for rescues, most slip-and-fall drownings involved people who were alone.
Making a difference: Simple steps to prevent slips and falls
- Take care when entering or exiting water, even shallow areas. Slopes, sudden drop-offs, and slippery edges can catch anyone off guard.
- Pay special attention to rocks, whether walking, fishing, or rock diving - slippery, mossy, or uneven surfaces are high-risk.
- Always wear a life jacket when rock fishing or on any craft, so if you fall in, it doesn’t become a tragedy.
- Do not leave children unsupervised near any water - maintain close, arm’s-reach contact at all times.
- Maintain contact with a buddy, whether in the water or on the edge; most fatalities happen when someone is alone.
- Ensure you and the children know how to float and basic water survival skills. These simple abilities can be lifesaving in the event of a slip or fall.
- Think before attempting a rescue.If you need to go in, take flotation with you and consider whether a rescue from land is possible. Protect yourself first so you don’t become another victim.
On days like these, New Zealand invites us to explore and enjoy. But slips and falls are one of the most preventable causes of drowning. Small steps - vigilance, supervision, flotation, and planning - make the difference on days like these. Take care.
