25 Dec 2011

High drowning toll warning for holidaymakers

6:37 pm on 25 December 2011

Water safety officials say New Zealanders need to take greater care around the water this holiday period - as already 30 more people have drowned than last year.

This year, 117 people had died from drowning.

Last summer, 10 people drowned between Christmas Eve and 5 January.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Matt Claridge says it doesn't want a repeat this holiday season.

He says parents need to ensure they supervise their children at all times.

Mr Claridge says people heading out on boats also need to follow all the correct safety protocols - including wearing life jackets.