Summer has officially arrived in New Zealand - but along with the longer days, blue skies and warmer weather - also comes the days of highest drowning numbers.

43% of drownings occur over the summer period.

Days Like These is a Water Safety New Zealand campaign. It draws attention to the fact that nearly half of drownings in New Zealand occur during summer.

Through Days Like These, Water Safety New Zealand asks us to take extra care during summer in and around water. Days Like These reminds New Zealanders that drowning is preventable and there are steps that can be taken to reduce our drowning rate.

Every life lost is one too many.
Everyday decisions prevent drowning.

Decisions Matter on Days Like These

Make the right decision for your abilities.
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Choose locations that match your skills, and always prioritise safety. If you're not a confident swimmer, stay out of the water.

Always wear a lifejacket – including when fishing from rocks, choose to swim at beaches 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) and of course check the weather conditions, check the risks, know your limits, and leave things for another day if unsure.

Enjoy quality time with friends and family over summer - but remember - people drown on days like these.

On what felt like a normal summer day, Tupou Vaa’i and his older brother jumped into a creek, never imagining how quickly things could go wrong. They were just kids, having fun, unaware of the danger. Unfortunately Tevita drowned that summer's day and Tupou and his family carry the enormous loss with them.

Today, Tupou shares the story of his brother’s death to help prevent other families experiencing the same loss. After years of fear and pride, he has since begun learning vital water survival skills as an adult and is ensuring his own son learns to swim early.

Tupou’s message is simple and powerful: learn to swim, learn to float, and take water safety seriously - it could save a life. Because, even on the most carefree summer day in Aotearoa - people drown on days like these.

Be Prepared on Days Like These

Supervise Children on Days Like These – Stay Close Enough to Cuddle
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Slips, Falls & the Unexpected - Stay Safe Near Water on Days Like These
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On Days Like These Local Knowledge Saves Lives
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On Days Like These - ALWAYS Wear a Lifejacket
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Heading to a River This Summer? Know the Risks
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Fishing From Rocks - Respect the Power of the Sea on Days Like These
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On Days Like These, Dive for Kai - But Always Get Home Safe
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On Days Like These, Aucklanders Head West - But the Risk Is Real
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Fishing From Rocks - Risky, Even for the Most Experienced Fishers
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Check the conditions. Stay safe this summer.

Help Spread the Word

It’s a message we wish we didn’t need to repeat - but one that matters every summer. As we relax into the holidays and head to beaches, rivers, lakes and harbours, the reality is this: people drown on days like these. Over the coming weeks, you’ll see this message out and about across the country. If it resonates, please help amplify it through your own channels and networks. Building a culture of water safety in New Zealand is something we can only do together. You can download assets here to share on your own social media accounts or in clubs, stores or even homes! As we enjoy days like these over summer, let’s also look out for ourselves and each other.

Take extra care. People drown on days like these.
Download the assets
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