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Many people who drown don’t plan to enter the water.

Too many rescuers drown trying to help.

We prepare people for either of these unexpected situations by teaching the Float first survival response and Flotation first bystander rescue techniques.

Our Float first and Flotation first responses save lives. So can you, by donating today to help someone learn to float, or by contributing to the installation of public rescue equipment, making these vital skills and resources accessible around Aotearoa New Zealand.

Your donation will go towards DPA’s Float first and Flotation first activities, teaching people living in New Zealand to float as a survival response and working with councils and landowners to install Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) where it is needed. The installation of PRE happens after a full hazard assessment, in conjunction with council or landowner (additional service charge applies). Costs to install PRE may vary and do not include postage. Available at New Zealand locations only.

Drowning doesn’t discriminate

Drowning can affect anyone at any time. The stories below are just a few of the hundreds of drownings, whether fatal, or non-fatal, that happen each year in Aotearoa New Zealand. By sharing these stories we hope to help others keep safe around water.