Stay Safe

During the summer, Surf Lifeguards patrol 92 beaches across Aotearoa - from Ahipara in Northland to Oreti in Southland. Surf Lifeguards will place the red and yellow flags in the safest place to swim at a beach and keep a watchful eye on you, your family and friends when you are swimming between the flags.  

The real tragedy behind every fatal drowning is that most, if not all, were preventable. Understanding and following our beach safety messages saves lives. Get to know them, follow and share them with your family and friends. We want you home safe after a day at the beach!

Rips, tides, certain waves and holes are some of the major hazards on New Zealand’s beaches. Do you know how to spot them and what to do to keep yourself safe at the beach?

Many people enjoy spending time on or in the ocean, but there are some important tips for some of the most popular activities that will help keep you safe when you head out to the beach or coast.

New Zealander’s love the coast. Sadly, in the last ten years, there have been 386 beach and coastal fatal drownings in New Zealand. Each one leaves families and communities devastated. Our drowning toll is something every New Zealander should see as a national tragedy and one we all have a responsibility to address.

CLICK HERE FOR BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORTS >

CLICK HERE FOR BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY GUIDELINES >

As an island nation with terrible fatal drowning statistics, we need to empower and educate our children and young people on how to stay safe at the beach. Our Surf Education offering for schools is a great way to introduce them to the open water beach environment and build their confidence in the sea so they can safely enjoy New Zealand's favourite playground.

Need professional water safety for your event? Part of the Event Water Safety service we provide includes developing robust event safety plans with event organisers/race directors and ensuring the safety-plan is implemented at the event.