Good Advice

Drowning is New Zealand's third highest cause of accidental death

Many people are unaware that only road crashes and falls are more dangerous. Since 1980 when records began, the drowning statistics peaked in 1985 with 214 deaths. Today the average, over the past five years (2002-2006) is 119 per annum, a drastic improvement but far too many are still dying needlessly. Annually, there are many more accidents and near misses but the actual number is unknown.

This section contains helpful information to keep yourself, your family and friends safe across a broad range of aquatic activities and environments.

Being safe in the water does not mean that you can't have fun but thinking about some very basic messages may save lives. After all, one of the good things about having fun in the water is that you can come back again the next day and do it all again!

Resources are available from Water Safety New Zealand Inc