Drowning Prevention Research Unit – Research Forum 2026

The Drowning Prevention Research Unit (DPRU) held its 2026 Research Forum on Wednesday 12 August at the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. 

The forum brought together emerging and established researchers, academics and water safety sector leaders to share current research, explore new ideas and strengthen collaboration across the sector. 

The morning featured a series of short research presentations covering a wide range of drowning prevention topics. Dr Kevin Moran discussed the future of water competency research, Anaïs Lefevre from AUT presented boating and bystander rescue research, Dr Teresa Stanley shared an example of applied research through the Aquatic Warrant of Fitness and Josh Carmine also presented his Masters research into Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) in inland moving-water environments, sharing emerging findings and their potential implications for bystander rescue and the provision of rescue equipment. 

A key feature of the forum was an interactive workshop where participants were encouraged to bring forward research ideas, challenges and identified gaps, with opportunities to receive feedback from peers and experienced researchers. 

The forum concluded by identifying priority research themes and opportunities for future collaboration, followed by informal networking between researchers and sector representatives. 

Events such as the DPRU Research Forum provide an important opportunity to connect research with practice, support emerging researchers and strengthen relationships across Aotearoa’s drowning prevention and water safety sector. For DPA, they also provide an opportunity to share our applied research and ensure the work we undertake continues to contribute to the wider evidence base for drowning prevention. 

Full research presentations:

‘Researching Water Competence: A Future Indicative?’ – Dr Kevin Moran

‘The role of recreational boaters in drowning prevention in New Zealand’ – Anaïs Lefevre

‘Adult Water Competency Research – Aquatic WoF’ – Dr Teresa Stanley

‘Evaluating Effectiveness of Public Rescue Equipment in Moving Inland Water Environments’ – Josh Carmine

‘Conceptualisation of motor skill transfer in water safety education: A scoping review’ – Chris Button, Tina van Duijn, Megan Lowe & Ludovic Seifert

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Introducing our five newest Board members.

It says a lot about the strength and passion behind our kaupapa when we advertise for new Board members and receive applications from people of this calibre!

So, allow us a minute to introduce our five newest Board members.

First up, please join us in welcoming Dr Chris Carter who, like our Chair, works for the Financial Markets Authority. Chris holds a PhD in Marine Science and has built a solid career in senior analytics roles in the UK, US and Aotearoa. Author of Rugbynomics, a data-driven book that dispels rugby myths, he delivers clarity and evidence-based thinking and is driven by community outcomes and preventing harm.

On top of her project managing and delivery skills, we’re grateful for Liz de Kort’s governance expertise across strategy, financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder relationships, and organisational sustainability. Also motivated by measurable community outcomes, Liz still patrols Ōrewa beach.

We appreciate Frazer Scott and the impact his impressive leadership credentials will have on our Board. Now at Attura NZ, Frazer previously spent 15 years at Microsoft NZ where he played a key role in the company’s cloud transformation. He holds an MBA and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.

Next up, let’s celebrate the addition of community advocate Gurdeep Talwar, who sits on the Ethnic Advisory Panel for NZ Police and Auckland Council. He was the first person of colour to serve as President of the Institute of Management Consultants NZ (IMCNZ) and the brains behind the “$64 billion contribution by ethnic communities to NZ economy” report.

We wrap up this post by welcoming emerging governance talent, Josiah Kerkhof, who is sure to offer a fresh perspective as our Board Intern. Thanks to his experience in developing teams and engaging customers, he knows how to create positive environments where everyone can thrive. We know Josiah will feel at home on our Board due to his deep connection to water safety and wellbeing.

For more info on our Board, including what everyone likes to get up to in their spare time, make yourself a cuppa and read their full bios here.

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We All Play a Part This Water Safety Month

November is New Zealand’s Water Safety Month, and this year’s theme is “We All Play a Part”.

Water Safety New Zealand will shine a spotlight on the contributions of individuals, whānau, and communities in drowning prevention efforts across the motu. They’ll feature local champions, including surf clubs, fishing clubs, iwi, schools, and community groups.

Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA) will also join in. In fact, this blog is all about the education, research and advocacy work we can achieve when we work together.

So, let’s take this time to acknowledge and celebrate our collaborations with sector partners, iwi, community groups, marae, and retailers. The support of others means we can offer low-cost and free resources and programmes to reach the most at-risk communities.

Together, we can all make a difference and create a stronger water safety culture in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and beyond – so that everyone can enjoy the water and return home safely.

Float first: sharing a lifesaving message that’s simple to remember and backed by research

Thanks to the support of our sector partners, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, Surf Life Saving NZ, Maritime NZ, and New Zealand Search and Rescue, DPA developed the Float first survival steps (building on the RNLI’s Float to Live campaign and research by the University of Portsmouth).

Working together, we’ve been sharing this lifesaving message across Aotearoa New Zealand as part of World Drowning Prevention Day over the last four years.

Float first has become central to our messaging, and for good reason. In moments of difficulty in the water, many panic or attempt to swim, immediately increasing their risk of cold-water shock, exhaustion and drowning.

Instead, if you float, your body has the chance to calm down, save energy, and signal for help.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, follow the four steps of Float first – float, breathe, signal, survive.

You can read more about Float first and watch a video demonstrating the four steps here.

Fishing safely from the rocks: Celebrating a 20-year partnership with Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Auckland Council

Thanks to an incredible partnership with Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Auckland council, we celebrated an amazing milestone this year: 20 years of our West Coast Rock-Based Fishers project.

As part of this project, we’ve been researching and tracking activity, behaviours and attitudes among rock-based fishers. This research allows us to deliver targeted and culturally appropriate education to keep people fishing from the rocks and land safe.

We continue to connect with the fishing community. We’re now working with New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and have a full-time advisor at Auckland’s West Coast beaches.

In recent years, with thanks to Auckland Council, we’ve been able to expand our impact by creating and sharing digital and printed materials based on the five tips of the Water Safety Code. We’ve also delivered educational sessions to reach at-risk communities.

Read more about rock-based fishing.

DPA Lifejacket Hubs: Partnering with the community to improve access

Like following the four steps of Float first, wearing a correctly fitted lifejacket – that’s in good condition – can mean the difference between life and death.

That’s why we partner with community-based organisations to make it easier for people to borrow free, well-fitted lifejackets, whether that’s for rock-based fishing, boating, kayaking or something else. These hubs are especially important for families and groups who may not be able to afford or store their own safety gear.

We have nine locations across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, as well as three hubs across the country – Glenorchy, Whangamatā and Waikato.

View all the DPA Lifejacket Hub locations here and please take the time to fill out our Lifejacket Use Survey after you borrow a lifejacket. The information you supply helps us provide evidence for funding accountability reports and new funding applications to enable us to maintain our Lifejacket Hubs.

The Water Safety Code: A five-step framework to make better decisions

As part of our advocacy work, we’ve developed the Water Safety Code alongside our sector partners, Surf Life Saving NZ, Maritime NZ, Water Safety New Zealand, and New Zealand Search and Rescue.
The Water Safety Code was a collaborative effort to develop five simple tips to help everyone stay safe and make good decisions in, on and around water – regardless of location or activity.
The five tips – designed to be easy to remember and share – are:

1. Know how to float
2. Find the safest place
3. If in doubt, stay out
4. Take care of yourself and others
5. Know how to get help

If you’d like to download Water Safety Code posters (available in English and te reo Māori) and share these important messages with your friends, whānau and workplace, please visit this link.

Navigation Bylaw: Lobbying for meaningful change with multiple partners

In recent years, we’ve been lobbying hard to align Auckland’s Navigation Bylaw more closely with Waikato’s, where it’s compulsory for people travelling on a vessel under 6 metres to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs).
As lead of Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau, DPA was previously driving this working group. It’s been a massive collaborative effort across a range of different agencies, sector partners, and even retailers. We’d like to acknowledge the other organisations who have been part of this working group:

• Coastguard Tautiaki Moana
• Water Safety New Zealand
• Safekids Aotearoa
• Maritime Police
• Tāmaki Makaurau Safety Collective
• Surf Life Saving New Zealand
• Fergs Kayaks
• Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC)
• Aktive

While Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau no longer exists, DPA is proud to be continuing to lead this lobbying initiative alongside Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand.

RUKU: Tau Ihu. A hugely popular initiative co-created with Rihari Wilson of Te Ahiwaru Trust

Across all our education, research and advocacy initiatives, we’re focused on upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and being a responsible treaty partner.

One way we do this – while reaching an at-risk population – is through the highly popular RUKU: Tau Ihu programme.

Now in its third year, RUKU: Tau Ihu, co-created by Rihari Wilson of Te Ahiwaru Trust and DPA’s Ants Lowe, is oversubscribed. Around 200 rangatahi completed the programme last year, and we’ve now got a waitlist.

RUKU brings together theory, in-pool sessions and open-water dives to teach rangatahi how to be safe in the water, while connecting or reconnecting them with mātauranga Māori (Māori worldview, values and culture).

Be Water Safe: Connecting with marae, schools and community centres

A programme which is especially impactful for new migrants and international students – groups who are often unfamiliar with our unique aquatic environments – Be Water Safe is about accessing free or low-cost water safety education.

Thanks to connections through schools, community centres and marae, Be Water Safe allows us to reach people who are at risk of drowning. These short and informative sessions focus on building respect for the water, understanding local risks, and learning how to make safer decisions in, on and around water.

We’re thrilled to share that sessions are now available in-person in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

We’d love for you to get in touch if you’re interested in booking an in-person or digital session.

Want to play your part?

We all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe in, on and around the water.

A great place to start is Be Water Safe.

Please get in touch to find out more and to book a Be Water Safe session for your community.

Water Safety New Zealand now have resources for this year’s campaign available – including a digital sticker that you can share on social media. We encourage you to share your stories or shine a light on individuals or groups contributing to water safety using the hashtag #weallplayapart.

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