123 people drowned in New Zealand during 2011, up 41% on the previous year and the worst annual drowning toll on record since 2003. A significant 80% of those that died were men.

Eleven drowning fatalities recorded in October have driven the national drowning toll for the ten months of 2011 to 102, reports Water Safety New Zealand.

Another fatal drowning incident involving a pre-school aged child has driven the year to date toll for this age group to 12. Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is concerned at the high toll and makes an impassioned plea to parents and caregivers to supervise small children vigilantly.