Bay Of Plenty Water Safety Strategy

Te Rautaki Haumaru Wai a Waiariki 2019 - 2023

Vision

Preventing drowning in our waters everyday

Mission

To work collectively to prevent drowning and injury by fostering a greater understanding of, and respect for water

The Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy 2019 - 2023 identifies the priority work streams and investments requirement for water safety in the region. 

The Bay of Plenty has the 4th highest regional drowning rate in New Zealand and over the past 10 years the average annual number of preventable drowning fatalities has been increasing. Between 2009 and 2018 there were 79 preventable fatalities representing 10 percent of all preventable fatalities in New Zealand over that period.

Download the strategy document here.

Priority Actions

1. Full rollout of the Water Skills for Life (WSFL) programme to all primary school children

2. All recreational water craft users qualified and/or compulsory members of Coastguard

3. Sustained investment in both current and new activities aimed at preventing attitudes and behaviour that lead to drowning

4. All stakeholders involved in water based activity participating in regular hui/forums

5. Males targeted with water safety messages that reduce risk-taking behaviour

6. Deployment of internationally recognised signage

7. A sustained collaborative relationship with Iwi and other relevant Māori stakeholders