Drowning Prevention Auckland

Preventing drowning through education, research and advocacy

Drowning Prevention Auckland was formed in 1994 with a vision of an Auckland free from drowning achieved through the development of our water competence and changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

Our connection with wai (water) is because we have some of the most beautiful water environments in Tāmaki Makaurau. We have the Waitemāta, Manukau, and Kaipara harbours; 411 km of rivers; 128 km of lake edge; and 3700 km of coastlines.

Wai is the source of life, but it can also be the cause of death through drowning. We need to respect and understand wai. Drowning Prevention education, research, and advocacy is paramount for Tāmaki Makaurau’s wellbeing and safety in, on and around water environments.

Our approach is across three channels of engagement and delivery – where we live (community), where we work (workplace), and where we learn (education). Through a range of innovative, evaluated and enjoyable learning opportunities we help individuals, families, communities and workplaces to be safe from drowning.

Lifejacket Hubs

Survey - be in to win a lifejacket

Wai Wise Indian Programme

Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau

Workplace Training

Float first

Aquatic Education for Schools - PLD


MĀTĀPONO MĀORI WAI HAUMARU

(MĀORI WATER SAFETY GUIDING PRINCIPLES)

Latest News

Lobbying for Lifejacket Bylaw Change

Lobbying for Lifejacket Bylaw Change

Navigating Towards Safer Waters: Push for changes to Auckland's Lifejacket Bylaw In the past quarter, we have been advocating for a crucial update to Auckland's Navigational Bylaw. Currently, skippers of vessels under 6 metres have the choice of whether those on board...

read more
DPA boosts water safety for ACC Have a hmm campaign

DPA boosts water safety for ACC Have a hmm campaign

'Have a hmmm' is a constructive wero (challenge) from ACC to Aotearoa: Take action to avoid injury and keep yourself, your whānau, friends and community safe and well. DPA joined forces with ACC and sector partners to offer expertise for a series of water safety...

read more
Kai Gathering with Te Ara a Hape

Kai Gathering with Te Ara a Hape

The youth group from Makaurau Marae recently completed our Kai Gathering programme which ended on a high with two open water dives at Te Kohuroa/Matheson Bay. The conditions on the day were perfect for the dive with some serious excitement levels! Prior to reaching...

read more

Become a Wai Safety Champion

Join our community of Wai Safety Champions – coming together to keep our loved ones and communities safe around water. It is easy to get started and there are a number of ways you can be a Wai Safety Champion:
Z

JOIN

Sign up to our Wai Safety Champions newsletter to hear from us about water safety news and opportunities to develop your water safety knowledge and competency
Z

LEARN

Participate in our water safety courses, or complete the modules on our free e-learning platform
Z

DONATE

Give what you can to help us provide water safety education to our community – every drop counts!

Wai Safety Champion Signup

* indicates required

Learn about water safety

Learn more about our fundraising