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Prevention Strategies for Drowning Accidents in New Zealand

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What is your enquiry question about? (WSNZ, 2012) In New Zealand, Drowning which is the submersion of liquid causing respiratory impairment is the third highest cause of unintentional death beaten only by road vehicle crashed and falls (Water Safety New Zealand [WSNZ], 2012). WSNZ (2012) have stated the problem that lies within our society today with drownings on the rise, especially in early childhood (WSNZ, 2012). In 2012, the fatalities due to drowning in the 5-14 age bracket rose by 4 from the 5 year national average of 2 (WSNZ, 2012). Not only is it a problem in this age group but in the past 10 years infancy drowning has been a real issue with 75% of all under 5 drownings were of children 2 and under with 47% occurring at age 1 (WSNZ, 2012). However, this problem extends past early childhood with 66 adults (15-54) drowning in 2012 and 23 older people (55+) drowning in our waters (WSNZ, 2012). Too many drownings occur when confident adolescents increase their exposure to dangerous waters and hazards such as unguarded lakes and are more likely to take risk and consequently drown (WSNZ, 2012). Horrifically, 55% of the boating fatalities in 2012 had lifejackets on board but nobody wore them which is a prime example of populations feeling confident in there swimming ability and therefore don't feel the need to wear lifejackets (WSNZ, 2012). Why is it important to study this specific issue/debate/problem? A successful prevention strategy needs to be put in place in early

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