By Paora Manuel.
A report has highlighted the importance of making the right decision around Bay of Plenty waters, amid fatal drownings in Omaio, Pilot Bay and Sulphur Point, over the past month.
It's off the back of seven drowning deaths across the Bay in 2024, according to Water Safety New Zealand's (WSNZ) 2024 Drowning Prevention Report, close to the region's 10-year average of 7.3.
Fatalities were evenly distributed, with two drownings each in rivers, beaches and offshore environments as well as one drowning inland, the report said.
Among activities, swimming accounted for four deaths, followed by two deaths from powered boating.
The report noted all seven of Bay of Plenty's drownings were men aged between 20-50.
WSNZ chief executive Daniel Gerrard males are high users of going for fishing on the rocks or on the boat and “exposing themselves to potentially more risk.”
Gerrard said it's about getting the message out about making better choices by getting people to pick a safe place to swim depending on their swimming ability.
“We don't want you to go to a massive, wild, rough surf beach if you're actually going for a dip, because you're not a good swimmer.”