Simple Summer Water Safety

Whether you're a seasoned pro, a rusty enthusiast, you're taking new people into the water or it's your first time adventuring in the deep, it's worth spending five minutes brushing up on the basics to make sure everybody stays safe this summer.

Whatever your skill level, it’s always a good idea to know how to keep yourself and others safe in and around the water. Just as you’d need a refresher course to learn first aid, or a fresh checklist for what you’d need if you're heading out on a tramp or climb, remembering how to protect yourself and your whānau can be the difference between life and death. Water Safety New Zealand’s Simple Ways to Survive is simple, but essential. Learn it, practice it, chat about it with your family and dive mates, and make sure everyone gets home safe.

• Be prepared. Learn how to use your diving and snorkelling gear before getting in the water. Make sure your equipment fits you, and doesn’t leak or break. A good wetsuit will keep you warm, and help you float.
• Know how to float. If you get into trouble, float on your back with your ears in the water to give yourself the best chance of survival. Relax and breathe normally. Make sure everyone in your group knows how to float before your dive. If you don’t know, or would just like a refresher, take some lessons and get some practice in before you leave.
• Find the safest place. Stay calm, and take a moment to assess the conditions, looking for dangers like rips or strong currents. If you’re close to shore, look for lifeguards on duty, any flags or signs; if you’re further out, look for boats or a safe place to head to land.
• Take care of the whole team. Always take a dive buddy with you, and let someone know where you’ve gone and when you expect to be back. Wear lifejackets on boats, always have a dive flag and a floatie when you’re in the water to make yourself visible to other boaties, and if you have kids with you, always keep them within arms reach as situations can change very rapidly.
• Know how to get help. Carry a compact waterproof personal locator beacon (PLB), especially if you’re diving from a boat or in a current. 
• If in doubt, stay out. Yes it’s frustrating if you’ve been looking forward to a dive trip, but the conditions could be dicey. Check the weather forecast, and the marine forecast if you’re heading out on a boat. Be aware that weather and water conditions can change very quickly; check the Metservice marine weather forecast, or download the Windy app for up-to-date information.