Water safety tips for students

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.