Don't leave your commonsense behind this summer, be water-safe
When 76 percent of all drowning deaths in New Zealand till December 23 this year have been identified as "preventable" then it makes sense to remind everyone to not leave their common sense back home when heading out for summer holidays.
Drowning is consistently the third highest cause of unintentional death in New Zealand, surpassed only by road vehicle crashes and accidental falls.
Although drowning affects all New Zealanders irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender or social, economic status yet, it will not be an exaggeration to suggest that some section of the population are more likely to be prone to drowning-related tragic accidents.
Of all the 96 drowning-related deaths so far this year a whopping 82 were males.
Similarly according to Water Safety New Zealand Drowning Prevention Report 2015 released by Water Safety New Zealand, in 2015 there was a surge in the number of Asian deaths due to drowning which amounted to 16 per cent of deaths at a per 100,000 rate of 3.0. This is against national death per 100,000 rate of 2.0.
Thus apparently suggesting that some people need to do more homework and preparation than others before going into the water.
Again, it may appear outrageous to some to suggest that we Kiwi-Indians are not a very 'water-friendly' community, but the fact is that for most of us back in India and the South Asia region, recreation around beaches and water bodies is a luxury than a regular activity.
Thus limiting our abilities in water-related activities such as swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and many others.
It is to be noted that this is neither a remark on individual abilities nor a sweeping generalisation of the entire community. In fact, this statement is neither good nor bad by itself rather just a reflection of social conditioning of our community towards water-related activities, which could be an outcome of a number of factors beyond the scope of this piece.
The fact of the matter is that Kiwi-Indians are not the very water-friendly community.
Another fact of the matter is and probably very important fact, that beaches and water related activities form an integral part of the much-famed Kiwi-lifestyle.
And we Kiwi-Indians cannot be expected to remain aloof of this integral aspect of new lifestyle that comes along with our new adopted home.
Like everyone else in this God's own country, our communities also seek to plunge into beaches and water bodies at the first pretext, and there is nothing better than forthcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
So it may be apt to assert in New Zealand Police's words to "not leave your commonsense back home" and remind everyone about the water-safety tips to follow this holiday season.
Always remember that unlike as back in India or other South Asian region from where we originally come from, New Zealand is largely a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) society where most of the things are to be done on our own, including taking responsibility and improving water awareness.
In this regard, the first thing to do this summer should be to clearly define responsibilities when going in groups with young children and families.
New Zealand police Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams say it’s about taking responsibility for your own safety and those you have a duty to care for.
“Whether it’s young children, your dive buddy, or just a friend you’ve gone into the waves with, they should always be within reach and in view at all times," Mr Adams said.
Also, keep aside your big-fat-ego while entering the water bodies and know your limitations and swim according to your abilities.
"We see a lot of people who overestimate their own abilities and underestimate the natural power of water bodies," Mr Adams further stated.
Similarly, the Water Safety New Zealand Drowning Prevention Report 2015 reveals that in 2015 maximum numbers of drowning casualties were within the 15-24 age group. For obvious reasons people in this age group needs to apply more common sense when enjoying summer holidays in beaches and rivers.
International students within the community who in most cases are enjoying their first opportunity in life to be on their own, away from their overly-caring families back home are naturally more susceptible to a momentary lapse of judgement and not being water safe.
Earlier this year one international student had already drowned in Rotorua.
Devinder Singh Karde, a 22-year-old student, living in Auckland was drowned in Rotorua's Kaituna River on February 8 when swimming with two friends in what is commonly known as Trout Pool, on the Kaituna River near Okere Falls.
Police had identified that as a 'preventable' death.
While any accidental death is traumatic for everyone involved, an international student's 'preventable' death in water bodies can potentially push their family's back home in lifelong miseries and indebtedness.
So don't leave your common sense at home this summer when you go to rivers and beaches.
This summer police reminds everyone to consider these steps when entering rivers and beaches.
- Always enter the water (beaches and river) with a buddy and stay together at all times.
- Abandon your swim when issues arise don’t wait for them to develop into a difficult situation to get out of.
- Abandon weights in an emergency.
- Get yourself a check-up with your GP discussing your sport, any medical issues and medications, and assume they are a contradiction to diving until proved otherwise.
When 76 percent of all drowning deaths in New Zealand till December 23 this year have been identified as "preventable" then it makes sense to remind everyone to not leave their common sense back home when heading out for summer holidays.
Drowning is consistently the third highest cause of...
When 76 percent of all drowning deaths in New Zealand till December 23 this year have been identified as "preventable" then it makes sense to remind everyone to not leave their common sense back home when heading out for summer holidays.
Drowning is consistently the third highest cause of unintentional death in New Zealand, surpassed only by road vehicle crashes and accidental falls.
Although drowning affects all New Zealanders irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender or social, economic status yet, it will not be an exaggeration to suggest that some section of the population are more likely to be prone to drowning-related tragic accidents.
Of all the 96 drowning-related deaths so far this year a whopping 82 were males.
Similarly according to Water Safety New Zealand Drowning Prevention Report 2015 released by Water Safety New Zealand, in 2015 there was a surge in the number of Asian deaths due to drowning which amounted to 16 per cent of deaths at a per 100,000 rate of 3.0. This is against national death per 100,000 rate of 2.0.
Thus apparently suggesting that some people need to do more homework and preparation than others before going into the water.
Again, it may appear outrageous to some to suggest that we Kiwi-Indians are not a very 'water-friendly' community, but the fact is that for most of us back in India and the South Asia region, recreation around beaches and water bodies is a luxury than a regular activity.
Thus limiting our abilities in water-related activities such as swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and many others.
It is to be noted that this is neither a remark on individual abilities nor a sweeping generalisation of the entire community. In fact, this statement is neither good nor bad by itself rather just a reflection of social conditioning of our community towards water-related activities, which could be an outcome of a number of factors beyond the scope of this piece.
The fact of the matter is that Kiwi-Indians are not the very water-friendly community.
Another fact of the matter is and probably very important fact, that beaches and water related activities form an integral part of the much-famed Kiwi-lifestyle.
And we Kiwi-Indians cannot be expected to remain aloof of this integral aspect of new lifestyle that comes along with our new adopted home.
Like everyone else in this God's own country, our communities also seek to plunge into beaches and water bodies at the first pretext, and there is nothing better than forthcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
So it may be apt to assert in New Zealand Police's words to "not leave your commonsense back home" and remind everyone about the water-safety tips to follow this holiday season.
Always remember that unlike as back in India or other South Asian region from where we originally come from, New Zealand is largely a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) society where most of the things are to be done on our own, including taking responsibility and improving water awareness.
In this regard, the first thing to do this summer should be to clearly define responsibilities when going in groups with young children and families.
New Zealand police Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams say it’s about taking responsibility for your own safety and those you have a duty to care for.
“Whether it’s young children, your dive buddy, or just a friend you’ve gone into the waves with, they should always be within reach and in view at all times," Mr Adams said.
Also, keep aside your big-fat-ego while entering the water bodies and know your limitations and swim according to your abilities.
"We see a lot of people who overestimate their own abilities and underestimate the natural power of water bodies," Mr Adams further stated.
Similarly, the Water Safety New Zealand Drowning Prevention Report 2015 reveals that in 2015 maximum numbers of drowning casualties were within the 15-24 age group. For obvious reasons people in this age group needs to apply more common sense when enjoying summer holidays in beaches and rivers.
International students within the community who in most cases are enjoying their first opportunity in life to be on their own, away from their overly-caring families back home are naturally more susceptible to a momentary lapse of judgement and not being water safe.
Earlier this year one international student had already drowned in Rotorua.
Devinder Singh Karde, a 22-year-old student, living in Auckland was drowned in Rotorua's Kaituna River on February 8 when swimming with two friends in what is commonly known as Trout Pool, on the Kaituna River near Okere Falls.
Police had identified that as a 'preventable' death.
While any accidental death is traumatic for everyone involved, an international student's 'preventable' death in water bodies can potentially push their family's back home in lifelong miseries and indebtedness.
So don't leave your common sense at home this summer when you go to rivers and beaches.
This summer police reminds everyone to consider these steps when entering rivers and beaches.
- Always enter the water (beaches and river) with a buddy and stay together at all times.
- Abandon your swim when issues arise don’t wait for them to develop into a difficult situation to get out of.
- Abandon weights in an emergency.
- Get yourself a check-up with your GP discussing your sport, any medical issues and medications, and assume they are a contradiction to diving until proved otherwise.
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