mātauranga • rangahau • whakataunaki

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.


MĀTĀPONO MĀORI WAI HAUMARU

(MĀORI WATER SAFETY GUIDING PRINCIPLES)

Latest News

Community Water Safety Education

Community Water Safety Education

Highlights from our April activity including Wai Wise, a global drowning prevention event at Vector Wero Whitewater Park and the new one-day SPLASH holiday programme.Wai Wise ProgrammeOne of DPA’s flagship programmes, Wai Wise, ran for the first time with Auckland’s...

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How’s Your Workplace Water Competency?

How’s Your Workplace Water Competency?

Drowning Prevention Auckland partners with workplaces around Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland and further afield to offer their employees invaluable water safety training. Whether your organisation works directly or indirectly in a water-based environment, a Water Competency...

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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:
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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
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LEARN

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

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

Wai Safety Champion Signup

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Learn about water safety

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