As an Island nation blessed with beautiful beaches, a spectacular coastline and many magnificent lakes and rivers it is no surprise that New Zealanders like to spend so much time in and around water. WaterWeb has been developed to help provide the essential information all New Zealanders need to know for an enjoyable and safe time on the water.

WaterWeb is a resource for all New Zealand communities and we strongly encourage you to utilise the information to help keep you, your family and loved ones safe in, on and under the water.

WaterWeb provides statistical information, the latest news plus access to free educational programmes and resources. There are also links to Water Safety New Zealand’s 36 member organisations and other related sites.

Kia Maanu, Kia Ora! Stay Afloat Stay Alive!

Holiday Drowning Toll Again Hits 10

5 January 2009

The Christmas and New Year holiday period has resulted in ten drowning deaths in New Zealand. This is the same number of fatalities as the holiday period last year.

Statistics released today by Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) for the holiday period show that there were eight recreational drowning deaths and two non recreational.

The average drowning toll for the holiday period (last five years) is seven drowning deaths.

  Read Media Release >> (40.3K)

Water Safety New Zealand Warns Against a Repeat of History

23 December 2008

With Christmas upon us, it brings with it the traditional time for holidays and relaxing with family and friends. However, for 10 families this year, the Christmas holiday period will mark the first anniversary of a drowning tragedy that took from them a loved spouse, child or sibling.

Drowning data highlights the holiday period as a time of year for which a peak in water based incidents and drowning fatalities occurs. While this can, to a degree, be attributed to the warmer weather combined with the long awaited holidays, Water Safety New Zealand is concerned that other factors are contributing.

  Read Media Release >> (22K)

Drownings Forecast to Soar as Swimming Ability Sinks

2 December 2008

Water Safety New Zealand has released research indicating that the swimming ability of our youth has reached a crisis point and forecasts that continued failure to address this issue will inevitably result in a significant increase in drownings in New Zealand.

Matt Claridge, General Manager, states: "when the findings of the research are matched with increases in population and increasing participation in water based activities, we believe the drowning toll will exceed 150 deaths per annum within the next 12 years and then up to 180 beyond 2030."

  Read Media Release >> (112K)

Pacific Water Safety Strategy Launched

19 September 2008

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has today officially launched the Pacific Peoples Water Safety Strategy. The Launch was held at the Otara Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church and attended by over 100 people including Members of Parliament, community leaders, church ministers and water safety experts.

An average of 114 New Zealanders drown every year (2003 – 2007). Pacific people account for 9% of all drowning deaths in New Zealand.

Read Media Release >> (39K)

Click here to Read the Ministers Speech at the Launch

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