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.

Other news

Help us save lives this winter. Get behind DPA’s epic Float first Fundraiser.

Want to have some fun this winter, get involved, and raise money and awareness for a great cause? A cause that could save your life, the life of your loved ones, or someone in your community by preventing drowning. Read on to find out more about Float first, why everyone should learn this vital lifesaving skill, and how you can get behind this year’s Float first fundraising campaign. You’ll have plenty of time (over two months) to raise money for this great cause. The campaign runs from Friday 23 May until Thursday 31 July – including World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday 25 July. Keep reading to discover the impact your fundraising efforts will make too!

What is Float first and who is it for?

Float first is for everyone – no matter your age, body type, gender or swimming ability. Anyone can accidentally fall into the water or get caught in a strong current or rip. Immersion – which is unplanned or unknown entry into the water – is one of the leading causes of drowning fatalities in Auckland and across Aotearoa. If you don’t have the skills, you’re at risk of panicking, suffering from cold water shock and, tragically, drowning. Float first is about knowing how to respond, stay calm, and survive – especially in the critical first two minutes of getting in trouble in the water. Those first two minutes can make the difference between life and death. The message is simple, and the skills can be practised in a safe, controlled environment alongside a responsible adult (including in one of our education programmes). If you find yourself in trouble in water following these four steps can keep you safe until you can swim to shore or be rescued.

Did you know most adults can’t float for as long as they think they can?

Float first is not just for kids. In fact, our study (Stanley, 2021) found most adults think they can float, and two-thirds think they can float for more than five minutes. When we tested floating ability in the water, it was revealed that only 2% could float for more than five minutes, with one-third floating for less than 15 seconds. Everyone can benefit from learning and practising the Float first skills before they get in trouble – so it becomes second nature.

But the good news is: everyone can float.

Whatever your age or experience with water, learning and thinking about floating as a first response is something we should all learn. The good news is everyone has the ability to float – either on their own or with gentle sculling (a figure-eight motion made with your hands in the water which can be accompanied by a gentle flutter kick).

Floating is a vital component of DPA’s educational programmes and is one of the 15 water competencies needed for drowning prevention.

What’s the real-world impact of learning these skills?

Knowing how to Float first saved nine-year-old Joseph’s life. When caught in a rip, instead of trying to swim against it, Joseph stayed calm and floated, until he could be safely rescued. Joseph attended DPA’s Splash holiday programme twice, where he practised water safety skills, behaviours and attitudes like floating, snorkelling, wearing a lifejacket, and more.

You can read more of Joseph’s story here.

Floating saves lives. You can too.

DPA provides education, research and advocacy to prevent drowning. For this Float first campaign we’re calling on you to help us fundraise. Imagine knowing the money you raise or donate will go directly towards water safety education so everyone knows how to enjoy the water safely. Keep reading to find out how you can make a lifesaving difference by being part of our Float first Fundraiser.

Design and run your own fundraising campaign.

Ideally your Float first Fundraiser will contain and reinforce the Float first survival response (float, breathe, signal, survive). Here’s 5 ideas for inspiration to get those ideas flowing.

1. Go the distance: move to fundraise.

Kayak, swim, run, bike, walk (or something else – maybe burpees or squats if you’re super keen!). Set yourself a distance and a time period to achieve this challenge – days or weeks, you’re free to choose. Maybe you could aim to finish your challenge on World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday 25 July. Create a fundraising page by clicking the button below and request sponsorship from your friends, whānau and community.

2. Gather together, learn together.

Bring your friends, whānau, or colleagues together for a shared morning tea, potluck dinner, or other social activity. Watch the ‘How to Float first’ video, get creative with our Float first colouring sheets or do one of the Float first activities on our website. Each participant can donate to your fundraising page and ask their network to support.

3. Friends who float together, stay together: group float.

If you have access to a sheltered body of water (this is really important: it must be done in a safe and controlled environment) – and responsible adults to run the event – get a crew together and float for a set amount of time. Each group member can seek sponsorship for being part of your group’s Float first Fundraiser.

4. Get creative on socials.

What could you do to get online attention for your fundraising campaign? How many different floating positions can you demonstrate (safely in water, against a fun backdrop, or just on the floor!) on social media, can you make your own ‘How to Float first’ video that you think would appeal to your social group? Maybe you could create a song, a rap or poem? Why not run a Float first colouring competition for your followers. Encourage people to learn how to Float first and donate to help prevent drowning in Aotearoa New Zealand.

5) Going Blue for World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July.

Make a day of it, join us in Going Blue for drowning prevention on World Drowning Prevention Day – 25 July. Get your school, workplace or community group to dress in blue for the day, bring blue baking to share, participate in Float first activities (activity worksheet, colouring page – found on our website). Set up your own fundraising page for your community to join in and support.

Why support DPA?

We know your time and money is precious – if this is the first time you’ve come across Drowning Prevention Auckland/Drowning Prevention Aotearoa here’s more about who we are and why our lifesaving work matters. Now in our 31st year, DPA is a charity with a vision of a future free from drowning. This is achieved through developing water competency and changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Aotearoa New Zealand has so many beautiful water environments. In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland alone, we have the Waitematā, Manukau, and Kaipara harbours; 411km of rivers; 128km of lake edge; and 3700km of coastlines. While wai is the source of life, we need to learn how to respect and understand it to prevent drowning. Our education, research, and advocacy are vital for the wellbeing and safety in, on and around water environments for all people across the country. We help individuals, families, communities and workplaces learn how to be safe from drowning across three channels – where we live, where we work, and where we learn. We’re always grateful for the generous financial support of our donors, partners and sponsors – thank you. You make it possible for us to reach thousands of people up and down the country with our lifesaving research, education and advocacy.

Remember to tag us on socials and use our hashtags

@dpanzDrowningPrevention #FloatfirstFundraiser #FloatingSavesLivesSoCanYou Thanks so much for getting behind our Float first Fundraising campaign. Tag us on your socials or email us photos and description of your fundraising adventures – we can’t wait to see your creativity!

Other news

Every year, preventable drownings impact families and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. At Drowning Prevention Auckland/Aotearoa (DPA), our mission is clear: to reduce these tragic incidents through education, advocacy, and research-driven initiatives. As a registered charity, we rely on the support of generous donors to continue this vital work.

Education: Changing behaviours, developing understanding and ability, saving lives.

Education is at the heart of drowning prevention. Our programmes equip individuals, families, and communities with essential water competence, from understanding their own abilities and developing their knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around water to using lifejackets and knowing how to safely rescue someone in trouble in the water. With your support, we can reach more schools, community groups, and at-risk populations, ensuring everyone has the knowledge they need to stay safe in and around water.

Research: Evidence-based solutions

Every initiative we undertake is guided by robust peer-reviewed research. From analysing drowning statistics to studying high-risk behaviours, research ensures our programmes are targeted and effective. Your contributions directly support ongoing studies that inform and improve our approach to water safety.

Advocacy: Raising awareness, driving change

Sharing water safety messages is key to changing behaviour and keeping communities safe. At Drowning Prevention Aotearoa (DPA), we work hard to make these messages heard—teaching people about safer practices in, on and around water.

Your donation helps us amplify these messages, reaching more people, therefore driving meaningful change to prevent drownings across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The impact of your support

Every dollar donated to DPA makes a difference. Your support helps us:

• Deliver life-saving education programmes
• Provide training and share water safety messages to at-risk communities
• Conduct research to prevent future incidents

A Shared Responsibility

Preventing drowning is a collective effort. 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.