As temperatures rise and the country heads into summer, New Zealand’s water safety community is joining forces to ask Kiwis to follow ‘Five Ways to Survive’.
Maritime New Zealand, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, New Zealand Search and Rescue, Surf Live Saving New Zealand, and Drowning Prevention Auckland are part of the support crew behind five key steps to stay safe and respect the water.
People who overestimate their ability, ignore weather forecasts, don’t wear lifejackets, or think swimming skills are all they need to stay safe are potentially putting their lives at risk.
Water Safety NZ chief executive Daniel Gerrard says basic safety advice may often be overlooked or ignored.
“Safety basics are just that – basic. Unfortunately, this can mean messages are just taken for granted.
“When things go wrong in the water it’s these basics from dry land that often could’ve prevented tragedy.
“The Five Ways to Survive target the critical decisions people need to make to stay safe.
“All of us are encouraging New Zealanders to learn the tips, get involved and practice them.
“Talk about them and get everyone home safe this summer.”
The five points were developed based on drowning and injury data, and global evidence of what works to save lives.
A previous water safety code in place since 2013 has been replaced by the redeveloped information.
Huge numbers of New Zealanders will head to the beach, our coastlines, rivers, lakes, streams and pools this summer. Every environment has unique risks for drowning and injury.
“Escaping into our beautiful waterways is part of our DNA,” Gerrard says.
“Across the water safety community, we’re asking Kiwis to help us evolve a culture of water safety into everything we do on the water.
“With everyone making smart decisions and looking out for each other we can make this summer our safest on record.”
The five ways to survive are know how to float, find the safest place, if in doubt stay out, take care of yourself and others, and know how to get help.
More information is available online at Water Safety Code.
