As summer officially comes to an end, officials are counting another devastating summer drowning toll across New Zealand.

Water Safety NZ data shows there have been 24 preventable drownings in 2023.

This number does not include the potential drowning deaths due to Cyclone Gabrielle as those numbers are still to be confirmed.

The 24 drownings in the past two months takes the number up to 39 preventable drownings over the 2022/ 23 summer.

There were 93 preventable drowning fatalities in 2022 – the highest number since 2008.

'It just doesn't seem to be getting any better,” says Water Safety NZ CEO Daniel Gerrard.

Men (85 per cent) were over-represented again in the preventable drownings for 2022.

'We're not doing a particularly good job as fathers, sons, brothers and uncles to set very good role-modelling positions. We all need to make better decisions around the water.”

The leading regions for preventable drowning fatalities in 2023 are Auckland (8), Waikato (5), Otago (3) and Bay of Plenty (2).

One woman is doing her bit to try to make a difference. Matamata's Karen Skellett lost her only son Jack in a kayaking accident in December 2021.

He went for a kayaking adventure from Petone Beach to Matiu-Somes Island in Wellington and never came home.

Jack bought his kayak off TradeMe and he set off from Petone Beach in fine conditions.

His body was found the next day by Coastguard, near Camp Bay, after an extensive search by his friends, family and colleagues.

'You don't know what you don't know,” Karen says.

'None of Jack's friends knew that you use different kayaks for different situations. Jack bought his kayak and got in and started paddling, but it isn't enough is it? We need to do more.”

Jack attended and played football for Otago University. The Jack Skellett Memorial Cup is played for in his honour.

A Givealittle page was set up following Jack's death and Karen chose to invest the $5,000 that was raised into a Kayak Safety Workshop at Days Bay in Wellington. The free event run by Wildfinder was held in January.

'I hope this makes a difference,” Karen says.

'Jack's dad Adam got the ball rolling with this and I have carried it on. It upsets me a bit because I want to save others, but I wish I could have done something more to save Jack.

'But I know I can't change that. So, this is all about helping others.”

Jack's parents always wanted to invest the money into water safety.

'It was his friends who set up the Givealittle page when Jack died,” says Karen. 'We thought water safety and kayaking lessons would be the best way to use the money.”

ACC Injury Prevention Programme Leader James Whitaker thanked Karen for her contribution and initiative.

Jack Skellett.

'Jack's story shows that a drowning is a devastating event for any whānau and community,” he says.

'We want to thank Karen for being brave in telling her story and for investing this money into making a difference.

'Far too many New Zealanders are drowning and getting injured in our waters, and these drownings and injuries are preventable. If we take time to assess the risks and make smart choices before we jump in, we can keep on doing the things we love.”

The kayak safety workshop was open to all people. The course was aimed at all ages from beginner to intermediate level.

It was a comprehensive, one-day event covering every aspect of water kayaking safety, with a strong focus on theory and building awareness, plus practical and skills development.

Keen paddler Elizabeth Shaw passed on her thanks for the opportunity to be part of the free kayak workshop.

'It was excellent and exactly what I needed as a refresher,” she says. 'I thanked Jack's friend who was at the workshop, but I'd also like to pass on my appreciation to Jack's family. It was a thoughtful and generous gift in his memory.”

With the money raised for Jack, another kayaking safety workshop is scheduled for 11 April in Wellington.

Preventable Drownings by the numbers

There were 93 preventable drowning fatalities in 2022 – the highest number since 2008.

There have been 24 preventable drownings in 2023, taking the number to 39 preventable drownings over the 2022/ 23 summer.

The leading regions for preventable drowning fatalities in 2023 are Auckland (8), Waikato (5), Otago (3) and Bay of Plenty (2).

Water Safety Code

Be prepared – Check the weather, your gear and the water conditions.

Look after yourself and others – Adults, not children or teenagers, should always supervise little people and children around water.

Be aware of the dangers – Check for rips and currents, snags and rocks and don't consume alcohol before a swim, dive or going fishing.

Know your limits - Do you know how to swim? If not, stay out. Remember, you will never be able to swim in the ocean as well as in a pool and cold water will make you tired.

ENDS