Northland has highest drowning rate in the country, with middle aged men most at risk
15 Mar, 2021 04:15 AM
5 minutes to read
Northland s lifeguard-patrolled surf beaches, like Ocean Beach, at Whangārei Heads, above, are the safest places to swim in the region.
Northland s lifeguard-patrolled surf beaches, like Ocean Beach, at Whangārei Heads, above, are the safest places to swim in the region.
Mike Dinsdale is Northern Advocate deputy editormike.dinsdale@nzme.co.nznorthernadvocat
Middle-aged Northland men are being urged to know their limits and not underestimate the water, with the region having the highest drowning rate in the country. And middle-aged men, those aged 45 and over, are
Monday, 15 March 2021, 7:21 am
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) are saying “we
need to do better,” following a report published today
outlining New Zealand’s poor beach and coastal drowning
rates.
On average, 36 people fatally drown every year
on New Zealand’s coastlines, according to the Beach &
Coastal Safety Report published by SLSNZ – and that figure
is on the increase.
SLSNZ Chief Executive, Paul
Dalton, says the new findings are deeply upsetting, both for
loved ones of the deceased and for volunteer Surf Lifeguards
who are at the coalface of the issue.
“The number of
fatal beach and coastal drownings in New Zealand has
3 weeks ago
Police are appealing for public assistance to find a missing woman now believed to just north of Helensburgh.
Donna Napper, aged 54, was last seen leaving her home in Elderslie, about 8.00am on Thursday 11 March 2021.
Her vehicle was located at Wattamolla.
A search commenced over the weeked with the assistance of Police Rescue, Marine Area Command, Pol-Air, Public Order & Riot Squad, RNP rangers, SES, and Surf Life Saving NSW.
Donna is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of slim build, with shoulder-length, blond hair and brown eyes.
Police are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact Camden Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.