131 people drowned in New Zealand during 2011. *Preventable fatalities include recreational and non-recreational drowning deaths. The 2011 total includes fatalities classified as ‘other’ (arising as a result of road or air vehicle accidents, homicide, suicide or of unknown origin).
Annual drowning totals may change over time. As coronial inquiries are completed, these can influence the official drowning total. As of May 2025, the 2011 national drowning total was 91 preventable drownings.
• New Zealand’s per capita toll for 2011 was 3.1.
• Ten Regions (Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Tasman, Marlborough,Canterbury, West Coast and Southland) had increased drowning tolls from 2010.
• Auckland recorded its highest drowning toll since 2002.
Water Safety New Zealand works to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote preventative measures.
