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Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) has this week launched a new safety video for the summer season with surf lifeguards, police and swimmers stating “if in doubt, stay out!”

“If in doubt, stay out!”, the key message for New Zealanders heading out for a swim this summer, is a new collaborative water safety video between SLSNZ, New Zealand Police and Swimming New Zealand.

With a long, dry, hot summer predicted the three organisations have joined forces in an effort to keep Kiwis safe this holiday season and reduce the drowning toll by releasing the video with messages that can save lifes.

Last year 92 people lost their lives and drowned in New Zealand waterways, and this is a statistic the three organisations are keen to reduce.

With millions of New Zealanders visiting the beach each year and most of the population living within 120 kilometres of a beach, SLSNZ’s National Lifesaving Manager Allan Mundy said it’s vital to follow the beach safety messages.

Mundy advised "we are so lucky to live in a country with fantastic beaches but this means we have to be vigilant when it comes to keeping safe. It’s so important to always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

“You also need to keep a very close eye on children in or near the water, keep them (young children) within arm’s length when swimming, and don’t overestimate their ability, or yours, to cope in the conditions.”

Rip currents are one of the main causes of SLSNZ’s 1,062 life-threatening rescues and Mundy said it’s important that swimmers not only know how to spot them, but also what to do if they are caught in one.

He added “rip currents will carry you away from shore but it’s really important to stay calm. Lie on your back and float, then put your hand up and call for help. Someone will see or hear you, and one of us - SLSNZ, Police and other rescue agencies - will respond quickly.”

Both Mundy and Police Inspector Trevor Beggs said it’s important to remember that if you see someone struggling or calling for help in the water, call 111 immediately and ask for Police.

Beggs advised “Police encourage anyone using our beaches this summer to obey the water safety rules. Remember to call 111 and ask for Police if you see anyone in trouble.”

The campaign also emphasises the dangers of lakes, rivers and pools at home – with 80 people having already drowned in New Zealand this year – and these locations remaining the number one cause of recreational death for people under 24 years old.

Swimming New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Johns is calling for families and friends to also be vigilant for loved ones around that water.

Johns stated “Kiwis flock to various waterways in the summer in groups, swinging on a rope out into the lake or jumping off a wharf into the river or sea is a common activity we do with family and friends. It is important that we all keep an eye out for each other and not let a loved one go swimming alone.”

A key part of prevention is education and both Swimming New Zealand and SLSNZ offer programmes to help children learn how to be safe around water.

Swimming New Zealand are involved in delivering the nationwide Water Skills for Life (WSFL) education programme while SLSNZ offers a beach education programme through schools, and their Nippers Junior Surf programme during the holiday months at beaches right around New Zealand.

All three also encourage swimmers talk to surf lifeguards, pool lifeguards or police to know the things to be aware of any particular location as each place is unique.

Mundy concluded “surf lifeguards are more than happy to provide advice or information on any of beaches, so we really encourage having a chat to them especially because the conditions change regularly. They can even help you spot where a rip current might be which can be an interesting experience.”

SLSNZ is made up of over 5,000 volunteer surf lifeguards, who last year carried out 1,062 life-threatening rescues and an additional 2,375 assists to safety and over 230,000 patrolling hours.

Images courtesy of Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

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