In the story below, one participant shares how the Aquatic WOF helped them move from being afraid of water to feeling more capable and confident in the sea and in swimming pools. Their experience is a great reminder that regularly testing your ability in the water is key to staying safe and prepared, especially as ability and fitness changes over time.

Leo’s story: From fear to confidence – Three years of Aquatic WOF

I had been afraid of water since childhood. I never went to swimming pools and always stayed well away from the sea.

A few years ago, I met my girlfriend, who is an able swimmer. One day we went to the beach at Tāwharanui, and she encouraged me to try bodyboarding in the safe swimming zone. To my surprise, I immediately enjoyed the feeling of the sea waves pushing me forward. That moment sparked something in me, and I began to seriously consider learning how to swim.

I started with a few group lessons at Tepid Baths in Auckland CBD and practiced on my own after each session. Over time, I improved and could swim freestyle quite well, but deep water still scared me. That was when I discovered the Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA) Aquatic Warrant of Fitness (Aquatic WOF) programme.

I first participated in the 2023 and 2024 Aquatic WOF sessions. The instructors were incredibly supportive and helped me build confidence in the water. I learned essential skills such as deep-water exits, floating on my back, wearing a life jacket, and swimming as far as I could in five minutes. I remember only managing about 100 metres at first.

Recently, I attended the 2025 Aquatic WOF, and the tips and advice from Josh really made a difference. I discovered that the “X” floating technique works best for me to stay afloat for long periods, which is crucial if I ever need to wait for help in open water. I also learned how to put on a life jacket quickly and comfortably.

The biggest surprise was my improvement. I managed to swim 200 metres in five minutes. A great tip from Josh was to conserve energy by switching between swimming styles. I swam the first 50 metres freestyle, then alternated between backstroke and freestyle for the rest.

The Aquatic WOF programme has completely changed my relationship with the water. I now have the confidence, competence, and practical skills that I know could save my life.

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From rock and crab fishers to international students, and connecting with the community at nature days, boating and cultural events, DPA continues to educate and advocate for water safety awareness, attitudes, skills and confidence – so everyone can enjoy our country’s beautiful waterways and return home safely.

Please read on for a summery summary of what we’ve been up to.

We had a busy event calendar

Be Water Safe and Portage Crossing events

On Saturday 15 March, DPA participated in the Be Water Safe event and the 33rd Annual Portage Crossing Regatta – an event which consists of three legs: an 18km paddle, a 5km hīkoi through Portage Road, Ōtāhuhu and a final 5km paddle, plus a free family festival to celebrate. In the morning, before the regatta, DPA connected with the local boating community at Māngere Bridge boat ramp to promote responsible boating practices. We raised water safety awareness and encouraged lifejacket use, letting boaties know they can hire lifejackets from one of our 12 DPA Lifejacket Hubs in Auckland (15 across Aotearoa).

Both events were incredible, especially witnessing over 100 paddlers on their waka navigating the same ancient Māori track as the Tainui waka.

Splashy Bikers Nature Day

Te Whau Pathway Environmental Trust organised the Splashy Bikers Nature Day across two dates in March at Archibald Park, Kelston. The event saw a great turnout, with more than 150 students from local schools – including Kelston Girls’ College, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate, Kelston Intermediate and Glenavon School. Students rotated through various nature-based activities including kayaking, outdoor murals, sea cleaning and science experiments. DPA shared essential water safety messages, emphasising the ‘Float first’ survival technique, lifejacket safety protocols, and bystander rescue methods.

Reaching the rescuers: Have a Throw Day

The Drowning Prevention Auckland Have a Throw event – at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool on 9 March – was a resounding success thanks to a fantastic turnout. An interactive and fun day, the public could have a go at throwing different types of rescue equipment commonly found in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our team shared valuable tips and tricks on how to use public rescue equipment (PRE) safely and effectively in emergency situations. Participants also received important information on boating safety and the Water Safety Code. What a great opportunity to connect with the community, raise awareness, and strengthen water safety education. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together for a safer, water-aware community.

Thanks also for the support from Your Waterfront and Eke Panuku to make this event happen. You can read more about their latest news here.

New Zealand Chinese Youth Trust Cooking and Baking Competition

DPA had the pleasure of attending this competition for teenagers on 23 February at Takapuna Beach. The event highlighted the importance of getting teenagers and families involved in culinary creativity with a cupcake decoration competition and a sweet/savoury creation competition. There were a few performances and several stalls such as face painting, crochet sales, and food stalls.

DPA had the opportunity to promote our ‘Float first’ campaign, DPA Lifejacket Hubs, and enjoyed a general chat about water safety with the public.

Bucklands Beach Yacht Club Public Open Day

A highlight in the East Auckland social calendar, DPA attended Bucklands Beach Yacht Club Public Open Day on 23 February. The public enjoyed free sailing and kayaking experiences, a magic show, lolly scramble, exhibitors and a children’s fishing competition. DPA promoted our ‘Float first’ campaign, our Lifejacket Hubs, and chatted to the public about water safety.

We reached communities who are at high-risk of drowning

Rock-based fishing: West Coast Experience

On 8 February, DPA teamed up with Surf Life Saving New Zealand for a “West Coast Experience” at Muriwai Beach. With thanks to funding from Water Safety New Zealand, 16 members of the Sparkling Minds Education – an Asian group – learnt how to fish safely from the rocks, bystander rescue techniques, and proper lifejacket use. Participants practised ‘Float first’ methods, HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) and “huddling with others” techniques, and got up to speed on fishing regulations. Many also heard about DPA’s Lifejacket Hubs for the first time.

Water Safety New Zealand Interventions Advisor, Esther Hone-Moore said this comprehensive training is relevant and deeply impactful because it “enhances understanding of real-world hazards such as strong currents, unpredictable weather, and land-based fishing risks. [It] also covers critical survival skills, including what to do when in trouble, recognising the signs of drowning, and safely assisting someone in difficulty.”

Crab fishing

DPA continued its long-standing initiative to educate Asian communities on water safety through the Crab Fishing Programme held at Uretiti Beach, Waipu on 23 February. This initiative began in 2016 and is a collaborative effort between us, police, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), and the local Surf Life Saving club.

At Uretiti Beach, we boosted and reinforced the water safety knowledge of 34 participants – knowledge they had gained from a theory session three days earlier.

The programme covered crucial topics, including:

• identifying local water hazards
• flotation techniques with and without lifejackets
• proper selection and use of fitted lifejackets
• Availability of lifejackets from our Lifejacket Hubs
• bystander rescue techniques
• the Water Safety Code
• crab fishing techniques.

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

“I am very grateful for this rare opportunity to learn water safety before any tragedy happens. I learned how to identify rip currents, I appreciate the lifejacket loan scheme, the bystander rescue practice was amazing, and I learned valuable crabbing and tuatua gathering techniques.”

“Checking weather, tide, alongside lifeguard patrolling is so important for me when
I plan any water activities for my family. The crab fishing workshop later echoed what I
learned from the theory session… the feeling of respecting water.”

We continued our flagship programme Wai Wise.

Wai Wise

Between November 2024 and February 2025, DPA’s Wai Wise programme reached nearly 150 participants from high-risk Asian and Pacific communities. Supported by Maritime NZ, the programme combined classroom learning with pool training, and then an open water experience at Vector Wero Whitewater Park.

This programme focuses on improving water safety culture within high-risk ethnic communities. Nearly 150 participants gained practical knowledge and skills through theory and pool training, culminating in an open water training experience at Vector Wero Whitewater Park. The course promoted “Float first” principles as a core water competency in drowning prevention, as well as the Boating Safety Code, particularly on always wearing lifejackets.

MP Nancy Lu – who had the opportunity to participate in Wai Wise – said:

“In my Asian communities, there is a clear demand for this kind of education, especially for those who are new to New Zealand. This programme is essential for fostering a culture of water safety. I am thankful to have been a part of it.”

We shared our water safety messages with international students.

University of Auckland

DPA shared essential water safety messages with over 900 international students – a great way to kick off their semester at the University of Auckland – Waipapa Taumata Rau.

DPA is grateful to the university and supports the water safety emphasis for international students. Juliane Adamietz from International Student Support Services said:

“I am truly happy that this session is a standing part of our International Orientation at the University of Auckland.”

The beauty of Aotearoa, including our many beaches and other waterways, is a drawcard for many of the students who will be out enjoying the wai very soon! This programme is a great intro to their water safety journey – with many students showing a keen interest in the DPA lifejacket hubs and learning how to ‘Float first’.

Under Drowning Prevention Aotearoa, we reached people in the Bay of Plenty.

Developing Water Safety – a one-day course delivered in Tauranga and Ōpōtiki

This summer, thanks to support from Maritime NZ, Drowning Prevention Aotearoa delivered two one-day water competence courses in Tauranga and Ōpōtiki, significantly boosting participants’ water safety skills and awareness. Grounded in international best practice research, the course focuses on the 15 key water competencies, lifejacket safety, and boating safety. Importantly, it also includes Coastguard’s Safer Boating module to equip attendees with essential skills for safer decision-making on the water.

Through hands-on learning, participants are trained to:

• identify aquatic hazards in various water environments
• develop their water competence
• practise in-water survival skills under supervision
• use PRE (public rescue equipment) and learn safe bystander rescue techniques
• retain the 4R rescue method: Recognise, Respond, Rescue, Revive.

Across three course sessions, 14 participants completed the training. The courses, aligned with the Safer Boating Forum’s Recreational Craft Strategy, saw significant improvements in participants’ water safety knowledge and abilities.

The course had a profound impact. Here are some key metrics:

• 125% increase in floating ability (all attendees could float for over two minutes)
• 9% improvement in water safety knowledge
• 48% growth in water safety confidence
• 100% of participants reported positive changes in their attitude and behaviour towards and around water.

When it comes to attitude change, one attendee said: “The course taught me not to overestimate my floating/swimming ability and not to endanger myself while rescuing others.”

Inspired by the impact we make? You can be a part of it.

Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or spread awareness about water safety, your contribution matters.

Together, we can create a future where every whānau can safely enjoy aquatic experiences.

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