Water Safety in Aotearoa/New Zealand Keeping our kids safe this summer

Summer in New Zealand is all about fun in the sun, and for many families, that means spending time by the water. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a dip in the pool, or a trip to the lake or river, water activities are a highlight of the season. But as parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure our children stay safe while enjoying the water.

The good news is that New Zealand has made incredible progress in water safety over the past 25 years. Thanks to targeted initiatives like improved pool fencing regulations, public awareness campaigns, and swim education programs, our national drowning rate has dropped by 47% since 2000. However, drownings and water-related incidents still occur, and young children remain particularly vulnerable.

At Kapiti Learn to Swim we believe that water safety starts with education and preparation. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you keep your kids safe around water this summer—and a free downloadable checklist to make it even easier!

Why Water Safety Matters

In 2024, there were 72 drowning fatalities and 214 non-fatal, water-related hospitalisations in New Zealand. While these numbers are lower than in previous years, they remind us that water can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially for children.

Preschoolers: For very young children, even small amounts of water—like bathtubs, buckets, or paddling pools—can pose a risk. The reduction in preschool drownings is a testament to the success of initiatives like pool fencing and active supervision campaigns, but lapses in supervision remain a leading cause of incidents.

School-Aged Kids: As children grow older, they become more confident in the water, but this can sometimes lead to overestimation of their abilities. Teaching water competence and respect for the water is key to keeping them safe. Many of our swimmers believe that being able to swim makes them immune to drowning. Unfortunately, this isn’t true! While swimming skills are incredibly important, they don’t guarantee safety in all water environments. For example, swimming in a pool is very different from swimming in the ocean or a river, where factors like currents, waves, and unpredictable conditions can pose serious risks. Even strong swimmers need to respect the water and take precautions to stay safe.

Top Water Safety Tips for Parents

Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure your children stay safe around water this summer:

1. Active Supervision is Non-Negotiable

Always keep young children within arm’s reach when they’re in or near water.

Avoid distractions like phones or conversations while supervising.

2. Use Barriers

If you have a pool at home, make sure it’s securely fenced with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Consider additional safety measures like pool covers.

3. Lifejackets Save Lives

Lifejackets are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent drowning. In 2024, 94% of craft-related fatalities involved individuals not wearing lifejackets.

Ensure your child wears a properly fitted lifejacket when boating, fishing, or near open water.

4. Teach Water Competence

Enrol your child in swim lessons to build their confidence and skills in the water.

Practice basic water safety skills, like floating and treading water, in a safe environment. Don’t rely on water toys and floaties!

5. Know the Environment

Teach your kids to respect the ocean, rivers, and lakes, to always swim in designated areas, and to enter the water feet first.

Be aware of hazards like rips, currents, and changing weather conditions.

Celebrating Progress, Staying Vigilant

The decline in New Zealand’s drowning rate is something to celebrate, but it’s also a reminder that we can’t become complacent. Water safety is a shared responsibility, and every family plays a role in keeping our kids safe.

At Kapiti Learn to Swim, we’re proud to be part of the water safety community, helping children build the skills and confidence they need to enjoy the water safely. But we know that safety starts at home, which is why we’ve created a free Water Safety Checklist for Parents.

Here is our Free Water Safety Checklist

To make it even easier for you to keep your kids safe this summer, we’ve put together a Water Safety Checklist for Parents. This handy resource covers everything from active supervision to emergency preparedness, so you can feel confident whenever you’re near the water.

Let’s Make This Summer Safe and Fun

Water activities are a wonderful way for families to bond and create lasting memories. By following these safety tips and using our checklist, you can ensure that your summer is both fun and safe.

If your child hasn’t started swim lessons yet, now is the perfect time to enrol! We’re here to help your child build the skills and confidence they need to enjoy the water safely. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.

Here’s to a summer filled with laughter, joy, and safe adventures by the water!

Water Safety Checklist for Parents

Keep this checklist handy whenever you’re near water with your children.

Before Heading to the Water

· ☐ Pack essentials: Lifejackets, sunscreen, hats, towels, and water bottles.

· ☐ Check the weather forecast: Avoid swimming in rough or unpredictable conditions.

· ☐ Choose safe locations: Opt for beaches, pools, or lakes with lifeguards and designated swimming areas.

· ☐ Review water safety rules with your kids: Remind your children to always ask for permission before entering the water.

At the Water

· ☐ Active Supervision:

o Stay within arm’s reach of young children.

o Avoid distractions like phones, books, or conversations.

o Designate a “water watcher” if in a group.

· ☐ Lifejackets:

o Ensure children wear properly fitted lifejackets when boating, fishing, or near open water.

· ☐ Barriers and Alarms:

o If at a pool, check that fences and gates are secure.

o Use pool alarms or covers if available.

· ☐ Sun Safety:

o Apply waterproof sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours.

o Dress kids in UV-protective clothing, hats, and rash tops.

· ☐ Hydration:

o Encourage regular water breaks to prevent dehydration.

Teach and Practice Water Skills

· ☐ Swim Lessons: Enrol your child in swim lessons to build confidence and competence.

· ☐ Water Confidence: Practice floating, kicking, and basic strokes in a safe environment.

· ☐ Emergency Skills: Teach children how to call for help and recognize dangerous situations (e.g., rips, currents).

After Swimming

· ☐ Dry Off and Warm Up: Towel dry and change into warm clothes to prevent chills.

· ☐ Reflect on the Day: Praise your child for following safety rules and discuss any areas for improvement.

Emergency Preparedness

· ☐ Learn CPR: Ensure at least one adult knows basic CPR and first aid.

· ☐ Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency numbers handy.

· ☐ Rescue Equipment: Know where to find life rings, reaching poles, or other rescue tools.

Remember:

· Preschoolers: Always supervise closely—even around small amounts of water like bathtubs, buckets, or paddling pools.

· School-Aged Kids: Teach them to respect the water and never swim alone.

· Lifejackets Save Lives: Make them non-negotiable for boating and open water activities.