5 people drowned in 48 hours in Auckland

Auckland Surf Lifeguards have urged the public to swim only in lifeguarded beaches during patrols.

Five people drowned in Auckland within 48 hours.

Surf Life Savings Northern Region Chief Executive Matt Williams said lifeguards across the region have rescued a total of 43 people this weekend alone.

It’s been a week of needless tragedy along the coast, he said.

“Make it bold and swim between the flags while on patrol.

“All the drownings, all the tragedies we saw this week had one thing in common: they weren’t on the beach with lifeguards or at lifeguard hours. I think it’s a key that needs to be overcome.”

Two persons died on piha beach Yesterday evening, heading west.

They got into trouble in the waves and were unable to revive after being carried unresponsive to shore by lifeguards.

A man drowned in Takapuna yesterday morning. Police did not say if it was at the pool, but said it was not at the beach.

Two people were killed in another incident on Friday afternoon at Narrow Neck and Big Manly beaches on the North Shore.

An Oakland swimming instructor said he was shocked by the number of water-related deaths.

Jackie Foster, Managing Director of Skillz4life, said urgent action is needed regarding water safety education in primary schools.

“I am really shocked by the statistics that are being released now. This is very concerning and concerning for the country as a whole,” she said.

“Going forward, we are surrounded by water. When it comes to water, we need to start strengthening as a country. I think governments need to start getting involved now,” she said. I got

Drowning deaths have been reported almost daily across the country this summer.