The critical role the water safety sector plays in keeping kiwis safe in, on and around the water has been acknowledged in Budget 2020 by Finance Minister, Hon Grant Robertson. $60.5m has been allocated over the next four years to ensure New Zealand’s frontline rescue services, carried out by Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and... Keep Reading

Water Safety New Zealand is urging boaties, recreational fishers and divers to follow safety guidelines as lockdown restrictions ease.   “Boaties have been looking forward to the opportunity to get back out on the water. We just need everyone to take the necessary precautions so our frontline rescue... 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

2020/2021 funding round open  Water safety is a critical issue for New Zealand. Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death and the third highest cause of accidental death. In 2019 there were 82 preventable drowning fatalities following the 66 in 2018. The 2014 – 2018 five year average is 79. Through its funding round Water... Keep Reading

A spike in underwater, rock fishing and boating incidents has seen New Zealand’s provisional preventable drowning toll jump back up to almost the five year average after a drop in 2018. 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

Update and archive of news relating to Water Safety New Zealand and issues involving water safety, better water skills and drowning prevention 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

A child’s ability to stay afloat and safe in the water is something every parent wants. ACC is working with Water Safety New Zealand to ensure children get the opportunity to learn vital water safety skills while they’re at primary school. Water Skills for Life gives children the skills and knowledge they need to assess risk and make wise... Keep Reading

Preliminary figures from Water Safety New Zealand indicate the preventable fatal drowning toll for the official 19/20 summer holiday period is six. The summer holiday period ran from 4.00pm Tuesday 24 December and ran through to 6.00am Friday 3 January 2020. 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

Water Safety agencies join forces to tackle drownings at Hunua Falls Water Safety New Zealand, Auckland Council, Drowning Prevention Auckland and a number of Auckland water safety partners are working together this summer to prevent further drownings at popular summer spot, Hunua Falls. The Falls is one of the focus areas of the Auckland re... 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