The identification of national high fatality locations, represents a crucial evolution in targeted, evidence-based interventions.
Much like high-risk areas on state highways and local roads, drowning blackspots are locations with alarmingly high rates of drowning incidents and fatalities. This initiative aims to focus the attention of the public, the media, and our partners across the water safety community to drive meaningful action. By shining a light on specific geographical areas, we aim to foster increased collaboration among local government, mana whenua, the private sector, aquatic educators, and other organisations to usher in a new era of community-driven water safety efforts across New Zealand.

We have clear and reliable understanding of high-risk using 25 year fatality totals for every locality in New Zealand. Choosing the locations with highest fatal incidents leads to ten WSNZ Black Spots.