Respect the Water
River Safety Guidance
Before you leap in, take a step back and ask yourself whether you should be going in at all.
If you’re unsure about your skill level, the weather or the water conditions, it’s better to wait for another day. Remember - rivers change every day. Always, always, stop and check the conditions before you leap in.
“Too many lives have been lost to New Zealand’s rivers, and it’s time we step up our efforts to give our young people the skills and knowledge to prevent these tragedies.
“Water Skills for Life™ – River is about building capability, giving kids the tools they need to stay safe in some of the most dangerous environments they’ll face.”
- Water Safety New Zealand Chief Executive Daniel Gerrard
According to Water Safety New Zealand, just one of every five New Zealand children receive pool-based survival training. One in 20 have access to beach-based survival education, and very few have access to river-specific safety programmes. The majority of New Zealand children are missing out on critical river safety education.
Dedicated education programme Water Skills for Life™ – River, is a specific safety education programme designed for school-aged children in New Zealand. The programme gets kids out to see, experience and practice key survival skills in their local river so that they are better equipped to stay safe.
This initiative aims to prepare the next generation of tamariki to:
• Read river conditions and identify hazards such as strong currents, sudden drops, and submerged obstacles.
• Respond in emergencies, equipping them with lifesaving and basic rescue skills.
• Understand river safety, empowering them to make safe decisions around water.
Water Safety New Zealand works to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote preventative measures.
