On 28 April 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted  a Resolution on drowning prevention, acknowledging the issue for the first time in its 75-year history. New Zealand, along with over 80 countries worldwide, including Australia and some Pacific Nations, co-sponsored this historic resolution, which was initiated by Bangladesh... Keep Reading

Wai ora Aotearoa 2025 – the roadmap to reduce preventable drownings. Introducing Wai ora Aotearoa: Navigating to a safer future. New Zealand Water Safety Sector Strategy 2025 – the water safety sector’s collective approach to ensure everyone connects to and enjoys the water safely. This is a significant event – As the lead agency... Keep Reading

Some years ago a story of incredible survival and grit came across the news. Rob Hewitt, ex-Navy diver was lost at sea and the search was on around the Wellington and southern Kāpiti coasts. As the days went by, the worst fears progressed to the assumption Rob had died. He and his mates had dived for kai moana and the experienced Navy man had... Keep Reading

Māori are disproportionately represented in Aotearoa’s drowning statistics, despite having an indigenous connection to the water. Surfers Maioha Kelly and Jordan Waiti have been working with rangatahi across Aotearoa to deliver surf lessons, using mātaraunga Māori to strengthen and deepen their connection to Tangaroa. Based in surfing... Keep Reading

Despite being in lockdown for part of 2020 New Zealand’s provisional drowning toll is only just below the five year average at 74 (the five year average 2015 -2019 is 81). Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death and the third highest cause of accidental death in New Zealand. Keep Reading

A collection and archive of news relating to Water Safety New Zealand and issues involving water safety, better water skills and drowning prevention. Keep Reading

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has undertaken a strategic refresh to get greater cut through with its Water Skills for Life aquatic education programme for children aged five to 13. Water Skills for Life is delivered to children in New Zealand primary schools. It is linked into the national education curriculum and gives children in years 1... Keep Reading

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is investing $2.5 million in water safety interventions through its 2020/21 annual Funding Round. WSNZ is also very pleased to announce a new major partnership with ACC as the naming partner for its national standard for aquatic education, Water Skills for Life. WSNZ CEO Jonty Mills says working... Keep Reading

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has published final preventable drowning fatality and hospitalisation data in the Drowning Report 2019, as it considers the impact of COVID-19 on water safety.  Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death and the third highest cause of accidental death in New Zealand. In 2019 there were 82... Keep Reading

Will socio economics significantly impact drownings in a post Covid-19 environment? History tells us NO.   WSNZ has run a lens over drowning fatality data to identify whether a depressed economy and unemployment is a significant risk factor for preventable fatal drownings in New Zealand. Keep Reading

Children and teenagers jumping from bridges, road and rail bridges is an historic problem across New Zealand and sometimes can lead to tragic consequences. The story of Ngaruawahia and how the community came together following a double tragedy to try and find a solution, is one that should be replicated around the country. Keep Reading

It’s a fact that many New Zealanders enjoy boating and fishing. It’s also a fact that too many boaties are drowning unnecessarily. While the number dropped from 21 preventable boating fatalities in 2017 to just six in 2018, in 2019 the provisional number is back up to 18. Every one of these fatalities is a tragedy for a family and a community,... Keep Reading

The rescues at Ōtaki and Himatangi recently are a timely reminder as we head in to summer that we need to respect the water. While we all get excited at this time of year as the weather and water warms up, holiday season approaches and it’s time to hit the beach, it’s also critical that families think about water safety. The outcomes of... Keep Reading

It was fortunate for one family at Ōtaki Beach on Friday, November 29, that local Pete Housiaux was out walking his dog. If not for Pete’s surf-lifesaving skills, the family could have been mourning the loss of at least two boys this Christmas. Pete was at the beach about 4pm when he noticed three girls drifting in a rip. They managed to... Keep Reading