‘The Thinker’ helping Kiwis stay safe in the water
We’re using 'The Thinker' to remind beachgoers of the dangers of underestimating the risks in and around water as the summer surf heats up.
Our latest figures show more than 17,000 New Zealanders lodge a water-related injury claim on average each year, with swimming and surfing the most common causes of injury.
In the Waikato region, there were 9,845 surfing-related injuries across the 11 years between 1 January 2012 and 14 November 2023, while there were more than 8,900 swimming-related injuries.
Provisional Water Safety New Zealand data also shows there were 90 preventable drownings across New Zealand in 2023.
While this was down on the 94 drownings in 2022, the picture was not as bright in Auckland and Waikato.
Auckland recorded 27 deaths last year compared to 17 in 2022, while Waikato recorded 15 deaths last year compared to 11 the previous year.
‘The Thinker’ drops into hot spot
As part of our injury prevention efforts, we’re placing ‘The Thinker’ statue at the Soundsplash music festival in Raglan this weekend, from 19 to 21 January.
The Thinker is part of our ‘Have a hmmm’ campaign, which urges New Zealanders to think before acting so they can stay injury free.
It’s placed at high-risk injury locations, encouraging people to think about how an injury can have a profound impact on a person’s friends, whānau and workmates, as well as themselves.
How to ‘Have a hmmm’
ACC Injury Prevention Leader James Whitaker says many water-related injuries occur when people underestimate the risks or overestimate their ability.
“Our research shows most injuries are predictable and therefore preventable if we take the time to slow down and assess the risk before getting stuck in,” he says.
“When hitting the beach, choose the safest place to swim. And if you’re in any doubt, stay out.
“Always watch your children and keep younger children within arm’s reach.
“If out for a surf, respect other surfers and give them lots of space. Check the conditions before you charge in. And if in doubt, don’t paddle out.
“Always stay with your board and cover your head if you fall.”
Hundreds of injuries also occur each year while fishing off rocks or boats.
James says it always pays to check and respect the conditions, use the right equipment (including shoes or boots designed to get wet), wear a life jacket, and go fishing with a friend.
Water Safety Code
- Be prepared
- Watch out for yourself and others
- Be aware of the dangers
- Know your limits
Boating Safety Code
- Wear your lifejacket
- Take two waterproof ways to call for help
- Check the marine weather forecast
- Avoid alcohol
- Be a responsible skipper
