Rivers
Rivers are a living feature of this land we live in and having a
healthy respect for them provides a broader understanding of the
environment and perhaps gives one pause to stop and think before
taking risks.
|
|
More people drown in rivers than in any other New Zealand water
environment. Rivers present a completely different range of potential
dangers compared to the ocean and swimming pools. When you combine this with
the fact that unlike surf beaches and off-shore waters there are no agencies
responsible for rescues in rivers you can easily understand why the need for
river safety education is vital.
Swimming
Swimming spots in rivers can be great places in summer. If you pick your
spot carefully and check it out each time you swim there you can keep
yourself and your friends safe.
Swimming in a river is different from swimming in a pool or in the sea.
The pressure of moving water is constant and can be powerful even if the
river looks slow moving and calm. Swimmers can be pulled under the water by
the current. Swimmers often underestimate the power of the river or
overestimate their own abilities.
River Crossing
Many people cross rivers while tramping or enjoying other outdoor
activities. Most crossings are conducted safely and successfully but there
is some element of danger in all river crossings. Using river crossing
techniques can reduce the danger but no crossing can be considered
absolutely safe. When you plan to go out walking, look at the proposed route
on a map to work out whether there are river crossings on that route. If you
do not wish to cross rivers or are concerned about bad weather raising the
river levels then pick a route that has good bridges or does not cross
rivers at all.
ACC RiverSafe Programme
Is a classroom, pool and river based learning programme about enjoying
rivers safely. The programme primarily targets school aged children and has
been specifically developed for use with levels of the Health and Physical
Education Curriculum. This is a free resource downloadable in PDF format.
Click on the programmes below to find out more and download a copy.
For more comprehensive information on river safety, check out the RiverSafe®
website by clicking on the RiverSafe® logo at the top of this page.
Resources are available from Water
Safety New Zealand Inc
|
