The number of people who drowned in Otago and Southland last year was double that of the previous year. The number of drownings in Otago increased from five in 2018, but the number of drowning-related hospitalisations dropped to two last year, compared with six in 2018. Nationally, land-based fishing drownings doubled from six in 2018 to 12 people last year. Overseas studies suggested possible respiratory health issues as a result of Covid-19 could further affect diving drownings, Mr Mills said. A large increase was also seen in powered boating drownings last year, from two in 2018 to 12 in 2019.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 03, 2020 16:30 UTC