Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon says ways to mitigate the risk of drowning include not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags. Photo: Surf Lifesaving NZ
The number of people who have drowned across the country this summer is tracking higher than last year, Water Safety New Zealand says.
There had been 30 deaths over the past two months in waterways, lakes and beaches which compared to 34 in total last summer.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon said in 2026 18 people had died in the water - seven more than the same time last year.
"Many of those have happened when the weather was last at its best, so earlier in January."
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon. Photo: Water Safety NZ
Scanlon said often days of bad weather kept people away from the water, so it was weekends like the one ahead which were of particular concern to the organisation.
"It is often that people sort of underestimate the conditions when the weather comes clear again, and they unexpectedly find themselves in trouble."
He said there were ways to mitigate the risk of drowning such as not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags.
Water Safety New Zealand encouraged people to have a great time in the water this weekend, but to enjoy beaches and waterways safely, he said.
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