Community Resources

Survival Swimming is a self-rescue technique. Everyone in, or on a river should have practised Survival Swimming and be able to get themselves out of the river current and to the river bank. Keep Reading

River swimming spots are great places to be in the summer, but sadly they can be places where children, young people and adults drown. Keep Reading

Rivers are New Zealand’s most dangerous aquatic environment and every year people die or are severely injured in rivers. Children and young people can easily get into trouble in rivers. Many river drownings and accidents could have been prevented if those engaged in the activity had been actively supervised or had taken responsibility to look... Keep Reading

Many groups plan their trip so that they can cross rivers using bridges. However if a group needs to enter the river to cross it they must select a safe crossing place. Watch the Be River Safe video River Crossing segment Site Selection and determine the five factors that the group need to consider when they are selecting a safe crossing site. Keep Reading

Many groups plan their trip so that they can cross rivers using bridges. If a group needs to enter the river they must select a safe place to cross. Groups must consider the factors when they are selecting a safe place to cross. Keep Reading

The River Crossing section of the Be River Safe video outlines current best practice for crossing rivers.Teachers and leaders will want to work through the video with their students or trainees before they go on a tramp or walk that involves a river crossing. Keep Reading

Activities for river features include identifying river features, understanding local rivers, reading the river and understanding water flow. Keep Reading

Facts about river eddies, recirculating waves, buffer waves, standing waves, rapids, waterfalls, obstacles, strainers, weirs, unstable or undercut banks and the nature of the river bottom. Keep Reading

Learning to recognise river features and the dangers they present for a range of river users is life-long learning. People get into difficulty in rivers because they either underestimate the force of water and the strength of the current or they cannot recognise the danger specific river features present. Keep Reading

Water safety is a salient aspect of Waka Ama across clubs and competitions and Water Safety New Zealand is pleased to support Waka Ama and the whanau, to embed water safety and Kia Maanu Kia Ora within the community. These great short videos provide a wide range of safety information. Keep Reading

Water Safety New Zealand supports the Fit, Check and Signal grass-roots campaign run by NZ Underwater Association, to promote self-awareness, behavioural change and best practice for underwater divers. Applicable to all scuba divers and specifically those snorkeling or diving for food and the rapidly growing spearfishing community, this campai... Keep Reading

This Water Safety Signs colouring in template is a great way to teach children what to look for when assessing risk in, on or around water. Keep Reading

Here's 8 ways to keep babies and toddlers safe around water. Introducing children to water in ‘fun’ ways, in the familiar surroundings of their own home can help children learn to enjoy water safely throughout their lives. Start this from birth. Keep Reading

New Zealand rivers are changeable and unpredictable and can contain hidden dangers. Look before you leap. Check for hidden objects and swimming holes can change depth summer to summer and currents can move objects underwater. Near dams water levels and flows can change significantly throughout the day and massive flows may be released at any... Keep Reading