New Zealand men are eight times more likely to drown than women, Water Safety New Zealand statistics reveal, and researchers in Dunedin are trying to find out why.
Latest figures from Water Safety New Zealand reveal 61 people had drowned so far this year, with 49 of those casualties men. In the corresponding period last year, 46 people in total had drowned.
However, new research from the University of Otago School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences is asking why New Zealand men are so over-represented in the drowning statistics.
The study, titled Interacting Factors Associated with Adult Male Drowning in New Zealand, looked at data on male drownings from 1980-2012 to analyse the factors associated with these deaths.
Co-author of the article Dr Chris Button said there were numerous factors responsible for the high number of male drownings.
Increased exposure to risky situations, overestimation of ability, alcohol usage and associated decision-making when under the influence of alcohol could all be contributing factors, he said.
''There will always be a risk with water and this research is not about getting men away from the water but about helping men to become educated, about knowing their capability and the risks involved.''
Drowning was the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide, and the fact 61 people had drowned in New Zealand waters already this year was an indication drowning was a problem not getting enough attention, Dr Button said.
''Doing this research is great, but it is more important that the facts are put out there and people get to hear about this stuff so things can begin to change.''
Age and ethnicity were also factors which contributed to New Zealanders drowning in different locations and doing different activities and it was important intervention strategies and education approaches were targeted to address these differences rather than using a ''one-size fits-all'' campaign, Dr Button said.
It was a myth that being able to swim meant you would be less likely to drown, he said.
''Actually, if you can swim you are more likely to be in the water and exposed to the risk.''
It would be beneficial if water survival skills became the focus of childhood swimming lessons, he said.
''It is all well and good if someone can do a perfect butterfly, but if they don't know how to survive in water, they won't.''
Working at the University of Otago School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences meant he was able to encourage future generations of sports academics to be aware of the importance of water safety education, he said.
''It would be great to attract people to the school who are interested in this field because the statistics are quite shocking, especially for men.''
Dr Chris Button will be available for questions at the University of Otago School of Physical Education Sport and Exercise Sciences' open days tomorrow and Saturday.
- by Margot Taylor
