Connecting the Water Safety Community

Floating is the foundation of surviving in the water.  Floating keeps your head above water, allows you to breathe, and prevents panic – the silent but deadly precursor to drowning.

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Many people may take floating for granted or do not realise how important it is. Do you know how to float? The basic approach . . .

1. Tilt your head back with ears submerged

2. Relax and try to breathe normally

3. Move your hands to help you stay afloat

4. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

5. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.

Confident swimmers, boaties, and all water users are encouraged to practice floating. People with lower swimming ability need to learn how to survive in water.
 

Make sure your kids are enrolled in an aquatics programme that prioritises survival skills, like Water Skills for Life
 

If you don’t know how to float – don’t go in, on, or around the water. Learn how and practice floating using information from these resources from around the world:

• Respect the Water

• Float to Survive

• Safety Float

• Float First

New Zealand's beaches can be dangerous, and every year, many people lose their lives while swimming, surfing, snorkelling, or playing in the water. Understanding local conditions can help prevent tragedies and ensure everyone enjoys their time at the beach safely.
 

• Know how to float

• Find the safest place to swim

• If in doubt, stay out

• Take care of others

• Know how to get help
   

Beach Safety Messages

Boat fishing, underwater fishing – scuba, snorkelling, free diving/spearfishing – rock fishing, setting nets, and collecting shellfish are all growing in popularity.

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Kai gathering (harvesting food) presents significant water safety risks from the unpredictable nature of aquatic environments and changing weather conditions. Lack of proper preparation or knowledge increases risks.

Steps for safety:

1. Understand Local Conditions: Educate locals and newcomers about coastal, river, and lake environments, including tides, currents, weather patterns, and dangerous ‘blackspot’ areas.

2. Use Safety Gear: Dive flags, life jackets, wetsuits, and flotation devices.

3. Always use a buddy: Encourage kai gatherers to always go in pairs or groups for safety.

4. Communicate your plans: Always tell someone about your plans and carry waterproof communication devices.

Blending modern safety measures with matauranga Māori is key to water safety and traditional kai gathering. Read more: 

• Kia Maanu Kia Ora

Rivers can be unpredictable and contain hidden dangers. Always look before you leap. Check for hidden objects. Rivers change quickly – swimming holes can change depth summer to summer, and currents move objects underwater.

Near dams, water levels and flows can change significantly throughout the day. Massive flows may be released at any time.

River banks can become unstable during flood and after heavy rain. Stay well clear of a river in flood.
 

More information:

• River Safety Resources

• Mountain Safety Council - River Safety

Rock fishing involves fishing from rocky outcrops along the coastline and is a popular activity around New Zealand. However, it is also one of the most dangerous forms of fishing due to the risks posed by slippery rocks, strong waves, and changing tides.

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Rock fishing can be a safe and enjoyable activity by taking the following safety advice:

• Wearing a suitable lifejacket and non-slip shoes. International research suggests that your chances of survival increase by 50% if you are wearing a lifejacket.

• Go fishing with a friend. This means there will be someone to call for help in the case of an emergency.

• Check the weather and water conditions before going fishing. Remember conditions can change quickly, so don't take any risks and know your limits.
   

For detailed safety tips and advice, visit:

• Water Safety New Zealand Resources

• Rock Fishing Safety

Nearly half of all adult New Zealanders enjoy boating annually. It's crucial for boat owners to prepare their vessels, check gear, and know the rules. Beginners should learn boating terminology and seek expert advice to choose the right vessel and equipment.
 

THE FIVE WAYS TO BE SAFE ON THE WATER

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1. Everyone wears a lifejacket, even the skipper

2. Always take two forms of waterproof ways to call for help

3. Check the Marine Forecast

4. Leave the Beers at home

5. Be a responsible skipper

Check out more information here:

• Boating Safety Code

• Safer Boating

Providing parents, caregivers, and educators with practical tips and activities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children around water saves lives.

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Learn how to become a water safety hero and protect little ones in everyday situations.

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Eight simple ways that will help you become a water safety hero for little people.

• Within Arm's Reach

• Who’s in Charge

• Where’s the danger

• Bathtime Fun

• Keep Focused

• Rules & Regulations

• Teach them Well

• Have Fun

Combining alcohol and other drugs with water activities poses significant risks. International and local research highlights that even small quantities can impair co-ordination, judgment, and reaction times, making it difficult to navigate, dive, surf, rock fish or swim safely.

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Water Safety New Zealand emphasises the importance of staying sober when engaging in water-based recreation to prevent accidents and drownings. Avoid alcohol and other drugs to stay alert and be aware of rapidly changing water conditions.

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• Water Safety Code

• Risk Factors - Drugs & Drowning
   

“Many people who would never drive drunk think it’s safe to operate their boat after drinking. It isn’t.” – Maritime NZ 

For the first time in 2024, Water Safety New Zealand shifted focus to identify and address geographical 'Blackspots' – locations with high drowning and incident rates.
 

The data-driven approach aims to reduce risks through community-driven efforts and practical interventions. This shift is a significant step to prevent drownings and strengthen water safety across New Zealand by empowering communities and efficiently allocating resources.
 

The top ten national blackspots and regional breakdowns are available in the 2023 Drowning Prevention Report

Whānau Against Drowning is a local initiative that leverages the powerful voices of families and communities who have experienced drowning tragedies to advocate for water safety.
 

Inspired by successful programmes globally, this initiative aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote preventive measures to reduce drowning incidents. By sharing personal stories and experiences, these families play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of water safety and the impact of drowning on whānau, ultimately driving community engagement and policy change to save lives.
 

Water Safety New Zealand invites you to join Whānau Against Drowning. If you’ve been impacted by such a loss, your story can raise awareness and promote water safety. By sharing experiences, volunteering, or contributing to campaigns, you can help save lives and honour those we've lost.
 

Join us in creating a safer environment for everyone