Staying Safe

Experiences in, on or around the water are part of what makes us Kiwi. Sadly, drownings and non-fatal drowning incidents are all too common.

Communities, organisations, and individuals working together across Aotearoa will make our waters safer for everyone. Water Safety New Zealand is passionate about preventing drowning and water-related injuries by sharing knowledge, championing water safety initiatives, and empowering Kiwis with the skills and awareness they need to enjoy our beautiful waterways.

Whether you're at the beach, river, lake or pool — water can be unpredictable. But staying safe doesn't need to be complicated. It's about doing the simple things well, every single time.

A group of people swimming in and around water at the beach

Our focus

Our work contributes to the reduction in drownings and to a thriving society for individuals, families and communities.

We use data to understand the real nature of the drowning risk of water-based activities and environments. We aim to provide advocacy, education and policy advice that can help lower the risk of drowning and save lives.

Through our work, we aim to ensure more people in New Zealand respect the water and have the skills, knowledge and awareness to enjoy our waterways safely.

We want you and your whānau to enjoy the water, but to do it safely. By understanding the risks and taking a few simple safety steps, we can enjoy the water while staying safe.

How to stay safe

It’s simple. You are more likely to survive an incident if you are wearing a correctly fitting lifejacket. You never know when the unexpected will happen.

Check marine and weather forecasts. Conditions can change quickly. If in doubt, stay out.

Alcohol and other drugs can impair reaction times.

Take two forms of communication, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, and know how to call for help.

Know your limits. Overconfidence and lack of ability can be a dangerous mix.

Risks

A significant number of drownings involve individuals not wearing lifejackets, especially in boating incidents.

Alcohol and other drugs play a substantial role in adult drownings, impairing judgment and physical ability.

Overestimating swimming capabilities, particularly among adults and teens, increases drowning risk.

Fast-flowing rivers, surf beaches, and unpredictable weather conditions can turn safe outings into emergencies.

Children can drown quickly and quietly, even in shallow water. Constant, active adult supervision is essential.

Five Ways to Survive

Every year we lose too many New Zealanders in preventable drownings.
Simple yet essential skills like floating can mean the difference between life and death. Following New Zealand's Water Safety Code - Five Ways to Survive can save lives.

Know how to float

Find the safest place

If in doubt, stay out

Take care of yourself and others

Know how to get help

Water Safety Code

Before you head into, onto or near the water take a moment to stop, pause and think.
Whether you're swimming, boating, fishing or just spending time by the water's edge, a quick moment to make a smart decision can save a life - maybe even your own.

See the Water Safety Code

Lifejackets

Lifejackets save lives. If you're on a boat, kayak or paddleboard or even gathering kai from the shore — wear a lifejacket. It’s not enough to just have it nearby. It only works if you wear it.

In 2024, 90% of craft-related drowning victims were not wearing lifejackets.

Whether you’re out in a boat, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or fishing from the rocks, a lifejacket will keep you, and your whānau safe if anything goes wrong. Choose the right one, ensure it fits snugly, take good care of it, and make sure to wear it.

Find out more

Boating safely

How to stay safe while fishing

Jumping

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding

Swimming

Water activities

Swimming, fishing and diving also continue to be significant contributors to drowning incidents, especially in rivers and lakes. In 2024, 20 people lost their lives in craft-related drownings, 18 in swimming-related activities, and seven people while fishing.

Kiwis love spending time in, on, and around the water. By understanding the risks and taking a few simple safety steps, we can enjoy the water while staying safe.

Find out more

Risk factors

A lot of things can affect a person’s risk around water — like the environment, health, and personal choices. When these are combined with poor decision-making or risky behaviour around water, the chances of drowning increase significantly.

By understanding these risks and taking simple preventive steps, we can help keep everyone safer in and around the water.

Find out more

Alcohol and water don't mix

Cold water survival

Slips and falls

Staying safe around floodwaters

Weather and water conditions

Environments

Keeping little ones safe

Drowning is a leading cause of death in New Zealanders aged under five. It takes only centimetres of water and less than two minutes for your child to drown. Never turn away or leave your child unattended while they are near water.

Preschoolers and young children are one of the most vulnerable groups. In 2024, there were two drowning deaths among pre-schoolers (0 –4 years) and three drowning deaths among school-age children.

Always stay where you can reach your little ones – make sure you can intervene immediately. Don’t shift responsibility for keeping children safe around water to anyone younger than 16 years old.

Find out more

Image of a small child wearing floating aids coming out of a swimming pool

Water skills for little ones

Keeping tamariki safe around all forms of water

Tips for keeping tamariki safe

Campaigns & initiatives

Water Safety New Zealand runs various campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting safe behaviour and asking Kiwis to make smart decisions in, on, and around water.

These campaigns and initiative have been tailored to reach different communities and age groups with relevant, engaging messaging that advocate for and inspire safer choices.

Click through to key campaigns Water Safety NZ has run.

Find out more

Bathmat campaign

Respect the water Manu with Mana

The Swim Reaper campaign

World Drowning Prevention Day 2025