Water Safety New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand Water Safety New Zealand is the lead agent for water safety and drowning prevention in New Zealand.

We're dedicated to enhancing water safety across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Almost every drowning is preventable. Any life lost is one too many. We're committed to building a stronger culture of w...
23/06/2026

Almost every drowning is preventable. Any life lost is one too many.

We're committed to building a stronger culture of water safety across Aotearoa.

One of the most persistent risk factors we see is people entering the water alone.
Using a buddy system, checking equipment and making safe decisions is second nature for many swimmers, fishers, divers, surfers and boaties.

But too many New Zealanders – particularly men over 45 – continue to overestimate their abilities and head out alone.

We want to change that reality.

Building a culture of water safety takes all of us. Whether you're a community provider, donor, supporter, advocate, or simply someone willing to share our messages with whānau and friends, you can help make a difference.

Together, we can create a future where more New Zealanders return home safely from the water.

21/06/2026

Water Skills for Life in action 💧

It was awesome to visit Manurewa Intermediate with the Seven Sharp team. As we discovered water safety is about more than being able to swim in a calm pool, it's about being able to survive in any environment.

Through Water Skills for Life, tamariki learn how to stay calm, think clearly and respond to real-life situations - from moving water and currents to weeds, clothing and unexpected conditions. The kids at Manurewa Intermediate are putting in some serious mahi to stay safe.

As Water Safety New Zealand Interventions Manager Esther Hone says:

“When young people are given regular opportunities to learn and practise these life skills, we help create a generation that is more confident, capable and safer in and around the water.”

We're here for that!

Find out more about where Water Skills for Life is being taught throughout Aotearoa.

Our young people are doing us proud! As we end towards the end of the school term, we're reflecting on a very busy Term ...
21/06/2026

Our young people are doing us proud! As we end towards the end of the school term, we're reflecting on a very busy Term Two for Water Skills for Life. Within schools, water survival education has traditionally been concentrated in Terms One and Four. The support of Stuff’s Life Savings campaign enabled an additional 31 schools to come on board, keeping expert aquatic instructors delivering lifesaving education right through autumn and into the winter months.

Water Safety New Zealand Interventions Manager Esther Hone says the increased uptake is a positive sign.

"Seeing so many more schools embracing Water Skills for Life beyond the traditional summer months is incredibly encouraging. It’s exciting to know that thousands more young people are getting the opportunity to build skills that could genuinely make a difference in a real-life situation. When young people are given regular opportunities to learn and practise these life skills, we help create a generation that is more confident, capable and safer in and around the water."

Did you know? A donation of $70 will provide one child with eight Water Skills for Life lessons! You can make a donation and find out more about helping us to build a culture of water safety in New Zealand at the link below.

We believe that every child deserves to be safe in the water.

⏰ Funding applications close this Sunday, 21 June.How are you getting on?If you're planning to apply for Water Safety Ne...
17/06/2026

⏰ Funding applications close this Sunday, 21 June.

How are you getting on?

If you're planning to apply for Water Safety New Zealand community funding, now is the time to make sure your application is ready to submit.

This year, our two key funding priorities are:

🔹 Kia Māanu, Kia Ora – Stay Afloat, Stay Alive
Supporting community-led initiatives that address the disproportionate drowning risk faced by Māori and Asian males, particularly men aged 35–54.

🔹 Water Skills for Life Fund
Supporting initiatives that lift the water survival competence of young New Zealanders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to live safe, fulfilling lives connected to water.

Before you hit submit, check that you've:

✅ Aligned your project with Water Safety NZ's funding priorities and drowning prevention goals

✅ Demonstrated collaboration with mana whenua, local providers, schools, or community partners

✅ Highlighted your track record, delivery capability, and community reach

✅ Shown how your programme can be sustained beyond the funding period

✅ Explained how you will measure success and evaluate impact

✅ Shared your intentions for the next three years, including what you're trying to achieve, how it aligns with our goals, and any key challenges or support needs

Every year we're inspired by the passion, innovation, and commitment of organisations working to build a culture of water safety across Aotearoa.

If that's you - nau mai, haere mai! Make sure your application is in by Sunday 21 June 2026. Join us in building a culture of water safety in Aotearoa

15/06/2026

Water Safety New Zealand is proud to have a long-term partnership with Christchurch City Council supporting critical work to prepare tamariki for a safe life around water.

Christchurch City Council’s Swimsafe programme is an initiative we are very proud to support. More than 5,000 students have been able to access Water Skills for Life in Christchurch thanks to work co-ordinated by Christchurch City Council.

We really enjoyed meeting the team and checking out the facilities at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre recently. Ngā mihi.

Do you have a kaupapa that aligns with our objectives and can help build a culture of water safety in Aotearoa? We'd love to hear from you.

11/06/2026

Water Safety New Zealand proudly supports The John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Community Swim Programme.

Removing barriers to water survival education in schools is just our style!

Each year, the programme delivers around 160,000 free lessons to 20,000 children in Years 3–6 across 91 primary schools in South Auckland, teaching essential swimming and water safety skills at no cost.

Hear from Horst Miehe here about the value created through this partnership.

Applications for our community funding programme are now open. You have until June 21st to apply!

Find out more below and help us build a culture of water safety across New Zealand.

Funding Applications Now Open!Kia Maanu, Kia Ora – Stay Afloat, Stay Alive funding supports community-led initiatives th...
11/06/2026

Funding Applications Now Open!

Kia Maanu, Kia Ora – Stay Afloat, Stay Alive funding supports community-led initiatives that help reduce the disproportionate drowning rates experienced by Māori and Asian males.

We're seeking programmes that strengthen skills, knowledge, decision-making and community connections for men aged 35–54, including safer kai gathering practices, water safety leadership in Hawke’s Bay coastal communities, and land-based fishing and water survival programmes for Auckland’s Asian communities.

Are you working in this space? We would love to hear from you. We are now accepting applications from those looking for community funding to support building a culture of water safety across Aotearoa.

Applications close June 21st!

Find out more below.

Have an idea that can help keep New Zealanders safe in and around water? Nau mai, haere mai! We're looking for partners ...
09/06/2026

Have an idea that can help keep New Zealanders safe in and around water? Nau mai, haere mai! We're looking for partners that can help us in our efforts to prevent drownings and build a culture of water safety across the country.

Every year, Water Safety New Zealand is proud to support community-led initiatives that address the core drivers of drowning and help build a culture of water safety across Aotearoa. We’re looking forward to hearing new ideas, innovations and kaupapa aligned with our funding priorities.

Applications close on Sunday 21 June 2026.

Even if your idea doesn't fit within our current funding criteria, we still want to hear from you. Building a safer New Zealand takes all of us, and we're always interested in connecting with organisations, communities and individuals who share our vision. If you have an idea, kaupapa or opportunity to collaborate, please get in touch — we'd love to explore how we can support you and your community.

Applications are now open - link below.

06/06/2026

Do you know the current lifejacket rules in Auckland?

On vessels 6 metres and under, it's the skipper's call 👎

We have an opportunity to change this and ensure everyone wears a lifejacket at all times 😀

This would save lives!

Let's make it happen.

Have your say. Move quickly and make a submission today!

https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/navigation-bylaw

05/06/2026

Everyone should be wearing a lifejacket! We agree. So act quickly!

We’re stoked to be supporting the powerful mahi of Wai Ora Tāmaki Makarau to engage Aucklanders on proposed changes to the region’s bylaw in relation to wearing lifejackets.

Currently, it is at the skippers discretion as to weather lifejackets are worn on board craft.

Data supports the need for change. In Auckland, the reality is sobering: since 2000, 87% of watercraft fatalities involved no lifejacket being worn.

Submissions to Auckland Council are open through to Sunday, June 7 - so be part of the change! Move quickly.

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