Tragic Story Told By Drowning Statistics

Press, Volume C, Issue 29706, 27 December 1961, Page 14

Tragic Story Told By Drowning Statistics

Drowning statistics tell a tale to those who read them and think about their implications. More than just figures in a report, they represent personal tragedies the loss of somebody’s father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, relative, or friend, says a statement by the National Water Safety Council. During the last water safety year, which ended on April 30, 112 persons drowned. This is equivalent to 46.4 drownings a million of ' population. In 1958-59 the total was 122 and • the ratio 52.4; in 1959-60 127 and 54.1.

There has been a generally downward trend since 1928, the worst year on record, when the ratio was 112 a million. Logically enough, the •wimraing season is the worst time for drownings. Two-thirds of the annual total is recorded between November and April. This reflects the seasonal increase in popularity of boating and swimming In a fine summer the number of drownings is noticeably hitter than in a wet or cool summer, the statement says. It is distressing that the warm days of summer, so eagerly anticipated by thousands, bring tragedy to some. Because January is holiday time for most New Zealanders it is by far the -worst month for drowning fatalities. Last January 21 persons drowned. This is three times as much as in the average winter month and 50 per cent, more than the worst of the other summer months. Little Children Disturbing features of last years drownings were the high number of fatalities among little children (those aged five or under}, the frequency of boating fatalities, and the many drownings in rivers and streams. Twenty-one drownings, or 19 per cent, of the total, involved small children. Another 12, or 11 per cent., were aged between five and 10 Fortunately, drownings of small children do not reach e pronounced peak in the summer as do drownings in other age groups. If the experience of other years is any guide, the number of little children drowned this summer will be 12 to 15. roughly equivalent to the number of drownings during the winter months. This reflects the fact that many small children drown at or near their homes in such water hazards as creeks, ponds and ditches.

rather than at the beach or in a river. Children aged from five to 10 run more risk of drowning during the summer than do those under five. The drowning rate usually doubles, largely because of the deaths of children not properly supervised when swimming, or playing near water. Boating Accidents Boating is becoming a major New Zealand pastime. Unfortunately, this trend has been accompanied over the years by an increase in the number of drownings in boating accidents. Last year 29 drownings resulted from Mich mishaps. Twenty-two were during the summer, which indicates that there is more danger for people who use boats for pleasure. It also appears from the records that most boating accidents are the result of ignorance, inexperience, or fool-hardiness. The statistics also showthat rivers and streams claim more than their share of vic-

tuns. Last year they caused the deaths of 29 persons. In contrast, 17 persons were drowned in the open sea or at beaches. Rivers and streams are deceptive. They may appear to be safe, but they are likely to contain many hidden dangers and to change quickly and without warning. Beaches are usually safer They are frequently provided with life-saving facilities and patrols, and their dangers are more apparent to the eye. Other causes and locations of drownings range from fishing from rocks to drains and ditches. None contributed much individually, but added together they are responsible for more than 25 per cent, of the total. The most tragic aspect of this assortment is that many of the drownings in such locations were those of small children.