Beach Safety
Stay Safe at the Beach
The beach is New Zealand’s favourite playground, but it can also be a dangerous place. Learning about the risks and preparing yourself will mean you and your family can enjoy the sun, sea and sand and return home safely. We know preventative measures save lives.
Swim between the flags
If you are heading out to the beach, choose a lifeguarded one and remember the red and yellow flags show the safest area to swim.
3rs RIP survival plan
Rips are a major hazard on New Zealand beaches and can be deadly. Learn the 3Rs Rip Survival Plan – it could save your life!
RELAX and float to conserve your energy.
Stay calm, relax and float. The rip current will not pull you under the water and is just taking you for a ride offshore. Try to fight the urge to swim back to shore against the current; this will use up energy that you need to stay afloat before help arrives. Most people can float for a lot longer than they can swim!
RAISE your hand to signal for help.
Signal for help by putting your hand up to attract attention from lifeguards, surfers or someone on the beach who can get help.
RIDE the rip until it stops and you can swim back to shore or help arrives.
Remain floating until the current weakens. Many rips will circulate and bring you back into shallower waters closer to the shore where you may be able to stand. When the current has subsided, and only if you are sure you can swim to the nearest point on the shore, should you attempt to swim to safety.
Talk to the surf lifeguards
Even though conditions can change quickly, our lifeguards keep a constant eye on the beach situation as they continuously scope the beach for hazards, and keep on top of weather forecasts and understand the swell and tide conditions – they’re a friendly bunch too!
Close enough to cuddle
Keep your kids within arm’s reach at all times in or near the water – rogue or large waves move really quickly and unexpectedly and can sweep kids away or knock them off their feet.
Know your limits
Too many people get into trouble in the water because they simply overestimate their abilities and under-estimate the conditions.
Always better together
There is safety in numbers. If you get in trouble in the water and you have your friends or family with you, you have instant back-up. They can help you out or get help if needed!
If in doubt, stay out
If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, go with your gut feeling and stay out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Rock fishing
Rock fishing was the highest-risk activity for fatal drownings in 2018/2019. Take care. Wear your lifejacket, shoes with tread (not gumboots) and never turn your back to the sea as large waves can sweep you off the rocks unexpectedly.
If you see someone in trouble
If there are lifeguards on patrol, let them know. If you can’t see any lifeguards, CALL 111 & ASK FOR THE POLICE. They have a direct line to our emergency call out squads across New Zealand and Coastguard NZ as well.
Remember your sun protection
New Zealand’s harsh sun during the warmer months and alarming skin cancer rates are why we need to cover up at the beach.
