Twelve people from Asian communities drowned in New Zealand in 2025, 15.4 percent of all drowning deaths that year, according to Water Safety New Zealand figures cited by Coastguard New Zealand.
Over 2016 to 2025 there were 111 drowning-related deaths among Asian New Zealanders, Coastguard says, and most were linked to fishing and food gathering.
Drowning Prevention Auckland says fishers can fall or be swept off rocks by currents or large waves. It sets out five steps for fishing from rocks.
Float first
Only fish from rocks if you know how to float well, Drowning Prevention Auckland says. Wear a lifejacket every time and take something that floats, such as a life ring or a bucket, that can be thrown to someone in the water.
Check before you go
Look at the tide, swell and weather and any local hazards before heading out. Once on the rocks, face the sea and watch for big waves that can knock you off.
If in doubt, stay out
If the weather or sea looks dangerous, don't fish. Drowning Prevention Auckland's advice is simply to wait for another day.
Don't go alone
Always fish with someone else so they can help if something goes wrong. Wear light, warm clothing, a lifejacket and shoes with grip. The organisation specifically says not to wear gumboots.
Know how to call for help
Carry a mobile phone. In an emergency, call 111 and ask for Police.
Borrowing a lifejacket
Drowning Prevention Auckland says people who don't have a lifejacket can borrow one from it. Its office is on 09 376 5114 or info@dpanz.org.nz.
Why lifejackets matter
Drowning Prevention Auckland points to Auckland boatie Graham Barr, who survived hours in the water with his son after their boat capsized in the Firth of Thames. Both were wearing lifejackets. "What happened to us, happened so quickly there would have been no way I could have got the lifejacket on," he told the organisation.
Coastguard says it is working with Chinese boaties on safety projects, and Water Safety New Zealand also publishes fishing safety advice on its website.
Sources
- Drowning Prevention Auckland, "Rock and Land Based Fishing": https://www.dpanz.org.nz/community/land-based-fishing/
- Coastguard New Zealand, "Engaging Chinese boaties in a culturally relevant setting" (cites Water Safety New Zealand's 2025 Drowning Prevention Report): https://www.coastguard.nz/our-story/news-and-media/what-happens-when-you-take-boat-safety-conversations-directly-to-chinese-boaties-in-a-culturally-relevant-setting
- Water Safety New Zealand, "How to stay safe while fishing": https://www.watersafetynz.org/stay-safe/how-to-stay-safe-while-fishing
