Know how to float

If you don’t know how to float, don’t go into the water.

Just being able to float when you are in the water can increase your chance of survival. Floating allows you to calm yourself and keep your airways out of the water. It is also the first thing to do if you get caught in a rip.

If you don’t know how to float well, practice or get some lessons in a pool before you head to the beach - being able to float is a key skill when learning to swim. Anyone can learn to float but some people may take a little longer to learn. Watch this video today, it could save your life tomorrow!



Visit Drowning Prevention Auckland to learn more about how to Float First.

Stay safe at the beach

The beach is New Zealand's favourite playground, but it can also be a dangerous place. Learning about the risks and preparing yourself will mean you and your family can enjoy the sun, sea and sand and return home safely. We know preventative measures save lives.

Visit Surf Life Saving New Zealand to learn about staying safe at the beach:

• Know how to float
• Find the safest place to swim
• If in doubt, stay out
• Take care of others
• Know how to get help

Stay safe when swimming in freshwater

Swimming in rivers and water holes can be dangerous. It is not like swimming in a pool or in the sea:

• River water is much colder than sea water. When water is below 15°C there is a risk of cold-shock. Cold shock can cause a gasp response, make it hard for you to hold your breath or cause you to hyperventilate. The gasp response may cause you to swallow water and could be dangerous. It is safest to enter very cold water slowly. After about 10 minutes in cold water you may find it harder to float or swim and there may be a risk of hypothermia.
• You do not float as well in river water as you do in sea water. Fresh water is less buoyant than sea water, especially around the base of waterfalls where the water is aerated (full of air bubbles). It is easier to sink and takes a lot more energy to float in freshwater than in sea water.
• River currents can be strong even if the river looks calm and the water is slow moving. If you are in a river current you can become trapped against obstacles, such as rocks or trees, or be swept into rapids, waterfalls or weirs. After heavy rain the flow of water in creeks, rivers, and waterfalls becomes stronger, making it more dangerous to wade or swim.
• If you jump into a river, you could hit a submerged object and be injured. Always check the depth of the water before jumping into a river or waterhole, even if you visit the same spot regularly. Depths can vary and new underwater obstructions (sand, rocks, branches, rubbish) may have been brought downstream or been tipped in. Do not jump into the landing area of a large waterfall as the undercurrents directly below the waterfall could hold you under and you may not surface.

• Swimming in rivers
• Diving or jumping in rivers

Be aware of other dangers

A variety of hazards may be present at beaches and freshwater swimming spots. You can find out by clicking on Beach Info or Location Info when viewing any site on Safeswim.

You should also be aware that seawater and freshwater can contain life forms that may be harmful to your health such as jellyfish, algal blooms, toxic sea slugs and contaminated shellfish. Follow these links for more information on:

• Bather’s eruption or jellyfish stings
• Shellfish poisoning
• Algal blooms
• Toxic sea slugs
• Toxic algae
• Swimmers itch