Staying Safe

Keep Little Ones Safe

Drowning is a leading cause of death in New Zealanders aged under five. It takes only centimetres of water and less than two minutes for your child to drown. Never turn away or leave your child unattended while they are in or near water.

Your supervision needs to be

Always stay beside where you can reach your little ones – make sure you can intervene immediately. Don’t shift responsibility for keeping children safe around water to anyone younger than 16 years old.

Constant

Close

In contact - ready to intervene

Preventable drownings of children aged under five

2014 - 2023

Environment

Deaths

In home pools (permanent and portable)

In beaches, rivers, lakes, and other waters outside the home

In buckets, drains and ponds around the home

In baths

In public and thermal pools

Total preventable drowning deaths

Under 5's

'Under 5' gives you the tools to keep your child safe whether it be in, on or around water both in the home, in the community or out in the environment.

More Information