New Zealand continues to produce "shocking" drowning statistics each year, with 98 fatalities in 2012 alone.
Surf Life Saving and Water Safety New Zealand are urging Kiwis who are planning to swim this summer to follow the rules and to be careful near water.
Last year 21 of all drowning fatalities were at beaches, with Auckland and Northland holding the highest beach drowning figures.
Bethells Beach, Piha and Kaioitahu are considered the country's most dangerous beaches, with four drownings at each between 2008 and 2012.
Last year 40 percent of drownings happened when the victim was alone, while 55 percent of boating fatalities showed life jackets were carried but not worn.
Beaches with highest drowning totals from 2008 – 2012:
- Bethells Beach – 4
- Piha Beach – 4
- Kaioitahi Beach – 4
- 90 Mile Beach – 3
- Muriwai Beach – 3
- Papamoa Beach – 2
- Whiritoa Beach – 2
Beach drownings per year:
- 2008 – 22 fatalities
- 2009 – 23
- 2010 – 18
- 2011 – 30
- 2012 – 21
Beach drownings by region from 2008 – 2012:
- Auckland – 34 fatalities
- Bay of Plenty – 9
- Canterbury – 7
- Gisborne – 2
- Hawke's Bay – 2
- Manuwatu-Wanganui – 3
- Marlborough – 1
- Northland – 18
- Otago – 5
- Southland – 1
- Taranaki – 7
- Tasman – 2
- Waikato – 14
- Wellington – 8
- West Coast - 1
3 News
source: newshub archive
