New Zealand rivers are changeable and unpredictable and can contain hidden dangers. Look before you leap. Check for hidden objects and swimming holes can change depth summer to summer and currents can move objects underwater. Near dams water levels and flows can change significantly throughout the day and massive flows may be released at any... Keep Reading

Rivers are New Zealand’s most dangerous aquatic environment. To be safe around rivers, learners need to gain experience of rivers. Keep Reading

Activities to learn safe swimming in rivers, about safe swimming holes, having fun and being responsible, planning a trip to a swimming hole and safe activities. Keep Reading

On a warm sunny day a river swimming hole looks like a great place for a swim. Swimming in rivers is fun but it can be dangerous. Keep Reading

In many communities swimming in the river is a major summer activity, but rivers are our most dangerous aquatic environment. Every year individuals, often children and young people, drown at river swimming spots. If you are working with young people and learners who like to swim and to jump or dive at their local swimming spot you may wish to... Keep Reading

In this activity your students or learners experience what it is like to move with and against the force of moving water. Keep Reading

It is difficult for people who are inexperienced at being in or on rivers to appreciate the force of the water moving in a river. Keep Reading

Work in groups to watch and discuss the Strainer Danger segment in the River Safety section of the Be River Safe video. Keep Reading

A strainer is an obstacle in the river that allows water to flow through it but stops larger solid obstacles. Keep Reading

These activities prepare you so you know what to do if are you in a river needing to rescue yourself. Make sure you understand how to Survival Swim and would be able to adopt the Whitewater Position if you accidently ended up being swept down a river. Keep Reading

If you end up being swept down a river you need to Survival Swim using the Whitewater Position. Learn how to Survival Swim using the Whitewater Position: Keep Reading

Survival Swimming is a self-rescue technique. Everyone in, or on a river should have practised Survival Swimming and be able to get themselves out of the river current and to the river bank. Keep Reading

River swimming spots are great places to be in the summer, but sadly they can be places where children, young people and adults drown. Keep Reading

Rivers are New Zealand’s most dangerous aquatic environment and every year people die or are severely injured in rivers. Children and young people can easily get into trouble in rivers. Many river drownings and accidents could have been prevented if those engaged in the activity had been actively supervised or had taken responsibility to look... Keep Reading

Many groups plan their trip so that they can cross rivers using bridges. However if a group needs to enter the river to cross it they must select a safe crossing place. Watch the Be River Safe video River Crossing segment Site Selection and determine the five factors that the group need to consider when they are selecting a safe crossing site. Keep Reading