With the official start of summer on Monday 1 December 2025, Water Safety New Zealand is warning that we are heading into our highest-risk period with numbers already going the wrong way.
43% of all fatal drownings occur in summer, when more of us head to beaches, rivers, lakes and harbours.
Water Safety New Zealand is urging all New Zealanders to take extra care around water in the weeks ahead, especially with possible La Niña conditions with unstable weather and rapidly changing environments that may increase drowning risks.
Water Safety New Zealand Chief Executive Glen Scanlon says 2025 is on track for a similar drowning burden to 2024 when 74 people drowned in a preventable incident.
“Year on year, we know warm unsettled conditions increase drowning risk. People heading out to an unfamiliar location and not understanding the conditions is a real risk. Particularly if La Nina does kick in at late summer.
“Heavy rainfall and strong winds may be followed by a nice calm day. But the weather will have a big impact on our rivers – big changes on the sea floor at surf beaches, and big currents mean strong and rips at the beach.”
New Zealand men are consistently over-represented in drowning statistics every year. Water Safety NZ is focused on promoting consistent lifejacket wearing, particularly for older men.
“We’re begging Kiwi men to shift away from the ‘it won’t happen to me’ mindset. It could be any of us, unless we make good decisions and take responsibility for our safety and the safety of others who rely on us.”
December also brings what Water Safety New Zealand and Coastguard Tautiaki Moana are describing as the largest drowning-prevention opportunity in a generation.
The Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill is now open for submissions, and both organisations are calling on New Zealanders to support – but strengthen – the Bill by asking for one clear, consistent national rule : lifejackets must be worn by everyone, of all ages, in every region, when on a recreational boat or craft. Submissions are open until December 11.
Enjoy your favourite places and favourite activities free from drowning and injury this summer. Water Safety New Zealand reminds people of the everyday decisions that prevent drownings:
- Always wear a lifejacket – including when fishing from rocks.
- Choose to swim at a beach with a lifeguard patrol – and swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Never dive alone, and leave the water if conditions change.
- Actively supervise children – if they’re close enough to cuddle, you’re at the right distance from them.
- Check the weather conditions, check the risks, know your limits, and leave things for another day if unsure.
"As we head into summer, one preventable drowning is too many. We need every New Zealander to play their part – for themselves, their whānau and their mates," says Glen Scanlon.
