2024
New Zealand
National Drowning
Prevention Report
2024 Drowning Prevention Report

Drowning in New Zealand is a solvable problem

National Drowning Prevention Report 2024 highlights the need for sustained investment in prevention programmes alongside critical support for frontline rescue services.

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By adopting fresh thinking and innovative approaches, we can lessen the human and economic impact of drowning while easing the pressure on rescue services, and build on the progress already made. While challenges remain, the 2024 National Drowning Report findings show that with commitment and collaboration, significant further reductions are within reach.

2024 national drowning prevention report

Key Statistics

72 Drowning Fatalities

The lowest since 2018 and 13% below the 10-year average of 82.7

88% of fatalities were adults

Emphasising the need for targeted interventions for over-25s, and ongoing sustained focus on education for young New Zealanders.

18% of fatalities occurred in blackspots

High-risk locations demand focused prevention efforts.

Auckland Blackspots Highlighted

39% of drowning fatalities in Auckland occurred at identified blackspot locations

Males Overrepresented (83%):

Consistent with previous years, males account for the majority of drowning fatalities, reflecting their higher participation in and exposure to activities on and under the water.

Ethnic Disparities in Drowning Rates:

"Other" ethnicities have the highest drowning rate at 6.46 per 100,000, followed by Māori at 1.76, Asians at 1.54, and Pasifika at 1.44. NZ Europeans have the lowest rate at 0.83 per 100,000.

Young Adults Show Greatest Reduction:

Drowning fatalities among 15-24-year-olds dropped to 4 in 2024, significantly below the 10-year average of 12.8 deaths.

Adults (25-54) Account for Most Fatalities:

This age group had the highest number of drownings in 2024 with 42 fatalities, a 20% increase compared to the 10-year average of 35. Adults make up 40% of New Zealand's population but accounted for 58% of all drowning fatalities.

Activities & Environments

Coast (36%), Tidal (24%) and Rivers (19%) were the most challenging environments.

Slips & falls (28%), Craft (25%) and Swimming/'playing in the water' (25%) made up 78% of all fatalities.

Key Themes and Findings

Drowning rates are declining but progress is slowing

New Zealand has made significant strides in reducing drowning rates, now at 1.35 per 100,000 people. However, recent trend analysis suggest a plateau, signalling the need for innovative strategies and increased resources to maintain momentum.

Young New Zealanders are safer than ever

Sustained efforts in water safety education, such as the Water Skills for Life™ programme, have contributed to a significant reduction in drowning rates among under-25s, who account for just 12% of fatalities (31% of the population).

Blackspots: High-risk locations identified

Ten blackspots, high fatality areas, were responsible for 18% of drownings in 2024. Focused, community-driven interventions are critical to address these high-fatality areas.

Lifejacket use would save lives

With 94% of craft-related fatalities involving individuals not wearing lifejackets, a nationwide mandate for lifejacket use on watercraft is urgently needed.

Alcohol’s role in drownings

Alcohol remains a factor in 30–40% of drownings, highlighting the need for campaigns addressing risky behaviours around water.

Economic impact

The economic burden of drowning fatalities, hospitalisation and injuries in 2024 exceeded $1 billion, reinforcing the urgent need for prevention-focused investment.

Prevention Initiatives

Action Plan for a Safer Future

The 2024 report identifies three key areas for focused action to reduce drownings:

Expand Education
Universal access to survival-focused water safety programs for all school-aged children.
Target Blackspots
Tailored interventions at high-risk locations
Mandate Lifejackets
Nationwide legislation requiring lifejacket use on watercraft.

Explore the full report

The 2024 National Drowning Prevention Report offers an in-depth analysis of trends by age, activity, environment, and region, along with data-driven solutions to address New Zealand's drowning problem.
2024 National Drowning
Prevention Report

2024 Key Statistics

2024
Filter National Statistics by Key Categories
New Zealand Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 18 Jan 2025

72

Drowning deaths in 2024

72 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

- 13

%

Less than the 10yr average

11 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

82.7

10 Year Average

On average 82.7 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

72 people lost their lives in drowning deaths in 2024. This is 13% less than the 10-year average of 82.7 drowning fatalities.

Pre School Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

2

Drowning deaths in 2024

2 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

- 61

%

Less than the 10yr average

3 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

5.1

10 Year Average

On average 5.1 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

Moments of distraction or lapses in supervision remain key contributors to incidents in this age group. Effective safety measures, including the use of barriers and alarms around water, have proven effective but must continue to be enforced and expanded.
In 2024, both pre-schoolers drowned slipping or falling into water. One at home and one at a river.

School Age (5-14 years) Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

3

Drowning deaths in 2024

3 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

0

%

Equal to the 10yr average

Same number of lives lost compared to the 10 year average.

3.0

10 Year Average

On average 3.0 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

Many incidents occur during unsupervised swimming or accidental falls into water. While learning basic aquatic skills (like Water Skills for Life™) and school-based education programmes (like Water Skills for Life™-Beach and River) have helped reduce risks, there remains a need for greater awareness of the hazards posed by natural waterways.

Young Adult (15-24 years) Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

4

Drowning deaths in 2024

4 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

-69

%

Less than the 10yr average

9 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

12.8

10 Year Average

On average 12.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

Young Adults often engage inrecreational activities such as swimming, diving (jumping/Manu), and social gatherings near beaches and rivers, where they may underestimate risks or overestimate their swimming abilities. Alcohol use during these activities remains a contributing factor.

Adult (25–54 years) Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

42

Drowning deaths in 2024

42 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

+20

%

More than the 10yr average

7 more people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

35.0

10 Year Average

On average 35.0 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

Adults make up 40% of New Zealand’s population but account for 58% of drowning fatalities in 2024. Complacency or familiarity with water environments often leads to neglect of basic safety precautions, such as wearing life jackets. Alcohol use is also a contributing factor in many incidents.

Older Adult (55+ years) Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

21

Drowning deaths in 2024

21 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

-22

%

Less than the 10yr average

6 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

26.8

10 Year Average

On average 26.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

In 2024 drownings among Older Adults predominantly occurred in tidal waters (10) or on the coast (7) and were strongly linked to kai gathering activities. Physical limitations or underlying medical conditions, including reduced agility and slower reaction times, increase the likelihood of incidents. Isolation can also play a role, as many incidents involve individuals alone at the time of the event.

River Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

14

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 19% of all drownings for the year.

- 29

%

Less than the 10yr average

Decrease from the 10-year average of 19.6 fatalities annually.

779%

Male

Males accounted for 79% of 2024 fatalities in river environments.

Slips and falls related incidents were the leading cause of drowning death in rivers, 6 deaths (43%).

Coastal Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

26

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 36% of all drownings for the year.

- 13

%

Less than the 10yr average

Decrease from the 10-year average of 30 fatalities annually.

77%

Male

Males accounted for 77% of all 2024 fatalities in coastal environments.

Swimming-related incidents were the leading cause of drowning death, 13 deaths. Geographically, 20 of the 26 fatalities occurred in temperate regions from Bay of Plenty to Northland, where warmer climates connect to higher levels of recreational water activity.
Over the past decade coastal drowning fatalities have stubbornly plateaued at an average of 30 deaths per year. This persistence indicates that existing interventions are not effectively reducing the overall trend.

Offshore Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

9

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 12% of all drownings for the year.

78

%

Craft

Craft incidents accounted for 78% of all offshore environment fatalities.

100%

Male

Males accounted for 100% of all 2024 fatalities in offshore environments.

Most offshore fatalities in 2024 were linked to craft-related activities, accounting for 78% (7 fatalities). Slips and falls and underwater activities each contributing 1 fatality.
All offshore fatalities involved males aged 25-64,highlighting the heightened risks faced by adult males engaging in offshore activities.

Tidal Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

17

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 24% of all drownings for the year.

42

%

More than 10yr average

5 more people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

88%

Male

Males accounted for 88% of all 2024 fatalities in tidal environments.

The sharp rise of 42% compared to the 10-year average underscores the risks in tidal areas and highlights the need for localised safety interventions. Annual figures for tidal fatalities have shown significant volatility, with fatalities jumping from 4 in 2023 to 17 in 2024, reflecting the unpredictable nature of this environment and the challenges of effective safety planning.

Slips & Falls Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

20

Drowning deaths in 2024

20 people lost their life in slips & falls drowning deaths in 2024.

- 36

%

Less than the 10yr average

11 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

31.1

10 Year Average

On average 31.1 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

Slips and falls is a broad category capturing preventable drownings that don't fit into other recreation-focused categories.
The 20 drownings in 2024 were:
* 15 unexpected falls into water - mostly in urban areas
* three fatalities where the deceased was in the water already (usually in a baths and 'slipped under' the water). This includes unsupervised young children or a medical event for older adults
* two fatalities resulted from entering the water to rescue others.

Swimming Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

18

Drowning deaths in 2024

18 people lost their life in swimming drowning deaths in 2024.

+7

%

More than the 10yr average

1 more person lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

16.8

10 Year Average

On average 16.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

Swimming-related drownings often occur very close to land, in shallow water. Most swimming-related drownings over the past decade were people not intending to be 'out of their depth' in water. Swimming at surf beaches away from lifeguards - lifeguards not present at the beach, outside of lifeguard patrol hours or choosing to swim outside of the flagged area at a beach that is being patrolled - is a persistent characteristic of New Zealand's swimming drownings.

Craft Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

18

Drowning deaths in 2024

18 people lost their life in craft drowning deaths in 2024.

+23

%

More than the 10yr average

3 more people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

14.6

10 Year Average

On average 14.6 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

Eleven of the 2024 craft-related drownings occurred 'near shore' with five fatalities (27%) resulting from capsize as people crossed a bar at the entrance to a harbour or river. Seventeen (94%) of those who drowned in craft-related incidents in 2024 were not wearing a lifejacket. Most victims of craft-related drowning over the past decade may have survived if they had been wearing a lifejacket.

Fishing from Land Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

7

Drowning deaths in 2024

7 people lost their life in fishing from land drowning deaths in 2024.

+21

%

More than the 10yr average

1 more person lost their life compared to the 10 year average.

5.8

10 Year Average

On average 5.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

2024 is the sixth year in a row where drownings associated with this activity have exceeded the 10-year average. This highlights increasing drowning risk associated with this activity.

Underwater Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

4

Drowning deaths in 2024

4 people lost their life in fishing from underwater activity deaths in 2024.

-49

%

Less than the 10yr average

4 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

7.9

10 Year Average

On average 7.9 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

In 2024, all underwater drownings related to free diving activity and all were men.

Pre School Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

2

Drowning deaths in 2024

2 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

- 61

%

Less than the 10yr average

3 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

5.1

10 Year Average

On average 5.1 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

2 people in the 'Pre School Life Stage' lost their lives in drowning deaths in 2024. 3 less (-61%) than the 10 year average of 5.1

School Age Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

3

Drowning deaths in 2024

3 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

0

%

Equal to the 10yr average

Same number of lives lost compared to the 10 year average.

3.0

10 Year Average

On average 3.0 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

3 people in the 'School Life Stage' lost their lives in drowning deaths in 2024. The same as (0%) the 10 year average of 3.0

Young Adult Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

4

Drowning deaths in 2024

4 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

-69

%

Less than the 10yr average

9 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

12.8

10 Year Average

On average 12.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

4 people in the 'Young Adult Life Stage' lost their lives in drowning deaths in 2024. 9 less  (-69%) than the 10 year average of 12.8

Adult Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

42

Drowning deaths in 2024

42 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

+20

%

More than the 10yr average

7 more people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

35.0

10 Year Average

On average 35.0 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

42 people in the 'Adult Life Stage' lost their lives in drowning deaths in 2024. 7 more  (+20%) than the 10 year average of 35.0

Older Adult Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

21

Drowning deaths in 2024

21 people lost their life in drowning deaths in 2024.

-22

%

Less than the 10yr average

6 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

26.8

10 Year Average

On average 26.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

21 people in the 'Older Adult Life Stage' lost their lives in drowning deaths in 2024. 6 less  (-22%) than the 10 year average of 26.8

Slips & Falls Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

20

Drowning deaths in 2024

20 people lost their life in slips & falls drowning deaths in 2024.

- 36

%

Less than the 10yr average

11 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

31.1

10 Year Average

On average 31.1 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

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Swimming Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

18

Drowning deaths in 2024

18 people lost their life in swimming drowning deaths in 2024.

+7

%

More than the 10yr average

1 more person lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

16.8

10 Year Average

On average 16.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

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Craft Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

18

Drowning deaths in 2024

18 people lost their life in craft drowning deaths in 2024.

+23

%

More than the 10yr average

3 more people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

14.6

10 Year Average

On average 14.6 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

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Fishing from Land Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

7

Drowning deaths in 2024

7 people lost their life in fishing from land drowning deaths in 2024.

+21

%

More than the 10yr average

1 more person lost their life compared to the 10 year average.

5.8

10 Year Average

On average 5.8 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

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Underwater Drowning Deaths
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

4

Drowning deaths in 2024

4 people lost their life in fishing from underwater activity deaths in 2024.

-49

%

Less than the 10yr average

4 less people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

7.9

10 Year Average

On average 7.9 people lose their lives to drowning every year.

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River Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

14

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 19% of all drownings for the year.

- 29

%

Less than the 10yr average

Decrease from the 10-year average of 19.6 fatalities annually.

79%

Male

Males accounted for 79% of 2024 fatalities in river environments.

Slips and falls related incidents were the leading cause of drowning death, 6 deaths (43%).

Coastal Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

26

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 36% of all drownings for the year.

- 13

%

Less than the 10yr average

Decrease from the 10-year average of 30 fatalities annually.

77%

Male

Males accounted for 77% of all 2024 fatalities in coastal environments.

Swimming-related incidents were the leading cause of drowning death, 13 deaths. Geographically, 20 of the 26 fatalities occurred in temperate regions from Bay of Plenty to Northland, where warmer climates connect to and higher levels of recreational water activity.

Offshore Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

9

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 12% of all drownings for the year.

78

%

Craft

Craft incidents accounted for 78% of all offshore environment fatalities.

100%

Male

Males accounted for 100% of all 2024 fatalities in offshore environments.

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Tidal Environments
2024
Updated: 19 Jan 2025

17

Drowning deaths in 2024

Representing 24% of all drownings for the year.

42

%

More than 10yr average

5 more people lost their lives compared to the 10 year average.

88%

Male

Males accounted for 88% of all 2024 fatalities in tidal environments.

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Categories Used in National Drowning Records

Categories of drowning records are used for data analysis and insights. Understanding where, who, and what people were doing for drowning fatalities is critical to improving water safety initiatives and drowning prevention strategies.

Coastal Environments
Offshore Environments
Tidal Environments
River Environments
Inland Still Environments
Pool Environments
Craft Activities
Fishing Activities
Swimming Activities
Other Recreation Activities
Slips and Spills Activities
Underwater Activities
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Is enough happening to prepare our next generation for a safe life around water?

New Zealand has approximately 450,000 school age children in Year 1 to Year 8.  From data collected through learn-to-swim schools in 2020/21, we estimate around half of all primary aged children are participating in swim lessons funded by their parents/whānau. Water Safety New Zealand is focused on the remaining half of young people who do not receive any water survival or learn to swim education.

Is enough happening to prepare our next generation for a safe life around water?

New Zealand has approximately 450,000 school age children in Year 1 to Year 8.  From data collected through learn-to-swim schools in 2020/21, we estimate around half of all primary aged children are participating in swim lessons funded by their parents/whānau. Water Safety New Zealand is focused on the remaining half of young people who do not receive any water survival or learn to swim education.