13 February 2023 at 10:00 am

Water safety tips for students

As students continue to return for study in New Zealand, it’s important they have guidance on how to keep themselves safe while enjoying our rivers and beaches. 

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Here are some tips you can share with students about water safety: 

  • Always check the weather forecast before you go out. Conditions can change fast. 
  • Never swim or surf by yourself or after drinking alcohol. 
  • Watch out for strong rips and currents at surf beaches – look out for gaps between the waves and discoloured water near the shore. If you are caught in a rip do not try and swim against it, raise your hand and call for help.  
  • If you’re swimming at a beach, look for an area with lifeguards and only swim in that area. This area is marked by yellow and red flags. 
  • Only swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you're just learning to swim or you're not a confident swimmer, stay where the water is shallow and your feet can touch the bottom. 
  • Don’t swim in your clothes or shoes as they can weigh you down and can be dangerous. 
  • Check very carefully before jumping or diving into a lake or river, especially if you’re not sure what’s below the surface. 
  • Always wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing (and make sure the people you’re with are wearing them too). 

For more in-depth information, visit this link: https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/resources/stay-water-safe. 

Resources specific to Auckland can be found here: https://www.dpanz.org.nz/. 

And check out NauMai NZ for useful information and advice. 

 

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