Water Safety New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand Inc (WSNZ) formed in 1949 is the national organisation responsible for ensuring all New Zealanders play safe in the water – whether at home, at the pool, the beach, in lakes and rivers or out at sea.

New Zealand’s annual drowning toll is one of the worst in the developed world.

WSNZ promotes water safety as an issue for all New Zealanders. While it is acknowledged that drownings can never be totally eliminated. They can, however, be reduced through a mix of educational initiatives – which provide for improved public awareness of the environment and its potential dangers, skill improvement, and technological advances.

Public Education: Maximising Awareness of Water Safety

WSNZ sees educating the public on water safety as one of its fundamental tasks. Education is proven as the most effective and efficient way to promote and improve water safety. Education is about: empowering people to take advantage of opportunities; and behaviour modification - inherent within education is promoting appropriate actions and behaviour that will enhance safety.

To this end, WSNZ conducts major public awareness campaigns and supports nationally recognised education programmes in conjunction with other water safety organisations including Be Waterwise, Beach Ed and Day Skipper.

WSNZ produces a broad range of readily available brochures, booklets and posters about most aquatic activities and related water safety issues. The video library is a valuable resource for schools and other groups involved in water safety training. Visit the Education page to place an order.

Information & Statistics

WSNZ maintains an extensive database, DrownBase™ that provides monthly, in depth statistics on drowning incidents. For more information visit the Drowning page.

For information on injury statistics visit Statistics New Zealand's website by clicking on their logo.

Research

Research is an important function served by WSNZ. On the basis of this research, WSNZ sets its drowning prevention goals and decides the best way of achieving them. WSNZ conducts research on specialised topics of interest to particular water safety organisations - while keeping abreast of overseas trends of general interest to all involved in water safety.

Advice & Consultancy

WSNZ makes submissions on a range of issues including legislation affecting water safety. It networks with other safety and education organisations, local and central government to ensure the best exchange of advice and specialist knowledge.
 

Acknowledgements

"Water Safety New Zealand would like to acknowledge and thank the following organisations for their support."