Latest news with #EstherHone
NZ Herald
24-07-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Tragic loss drives Esther Hone's water safety advocacy in Northland
If anyone knows the importance of learning water survival skills at a young age, it's Northlander Esther Hone. The former competitive swimmer and current water safety advocate was a teenager when she lost her friend during a boating accident 33 years ago in the South Island. Hone, who was
Otago Daily Times
24-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Public encouraged to share stories, raise drowning awareness
Share your story — that is the message from Water Safety New Zealand and the Accident Compensation Corporation today as they recognise World Drowning Prevention Day. In New Zealand, 74 people lost their lives by drowning in 2024; and in the first six months of this year, 38 people have drowned in incidents that could have been prevented. One of those was from Otago earlier this year. There were no preventable drownings in the region last year. The global theme for this year is "Your Story Can Save A Life", and WSNZ and ACC are encouraging people to speak openly about their experiences, in a bid to make people more mindful of the risks around water this winter. The 74 drowning fatalities in 2024 was the lowest annual toll since 2018, and was a 14% drop from the 10-year average. Water Safety New Zealand interventions lead Esther Hone said the reduction was encouraging, but the risks remained real. She said since 2014, an average of 86 New Zealanders drowned every year in incidents that could have been prevented. Fatalities involved behaviour such as not wearing a lifejacket, entering the water alone, consuming alcohol and other drugs or underestimating conditions. "We are making progress, particularly with our tamariki, but every life lost is one too many. "World Drowning Prevention Day is a chance to speak up, share our stories and help shape a culture where water safety is second nature. "We believe every child deserves the knowledge, experience and confidence to survive in the water — not just swim in it." ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said ACC accepted about 4500 water-related injuries every year, costing the taxpayer $13.5million to help people recover. In Otago, ACC accepted about 450 water-related injuries every year, costing $1million to help people recover. Mr Whitaker said a drowning was devastating for any family and the local community and he urged people to follow the Water Safety Code. "New Zealand's beaches, lakes and rivers provide us all with amazing opportunities to enjoy ourselves and connect with friends and families. "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 Water Safety Code encourages people to know how to float; find the safest place to swim; if in doubt, stay out; take care of yourself and others; and know how to get help.
