World Drowning Prevention Day Saturday July 25
Together, we can help prevent drowning.
Join schools, businesses, community groups and whānau across the Bay of Plenty as we stand together to raise awareness and build safer communities around water.
World Drowning Prevention Day
Saturday 25 July
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, but it’s preventable. World Drowning Prevention Day is a global reminder that education saves lives and we all have a role to play.
Join us at Baywave on Saturday 25 July 11–3pm for a community event focused on water safety and awareness.
Wear blue, and learn about the importance of aquatic survival skills. Led by the Aquatic Survival Skills Trust, this programme relies on community support to continue delivering free, hands-on water safety education to primary schools across the Bay of Plenty. With your help, we can reach more tamariki and provide the life-saving knowledge they need to stay safer in and around water.
Can't make the event? Your donation makes a real difference:
Bay of Plenty's Annual World Drowning Prevention Day Campaign
Every year, thousands of lives are lost to drowning around the world, yet many of these tragedies are preventable through education, awareness and simple safety actions. World Drowning Prevention Day is a global campaign that reminds us that everyone has a role to play in keeping ourselves, our whānau and our communities safe around water.
As the Bay of Plenty's leading water safety education charity, Aquatic Survival Skills Trust is proud to lead this regional campaign, bringing together schools, businesses, community organisations and families to promote life-saving water safety messages.
Whether you wear blue, start a conversation, share our campaign, attend our community event or simply learn something new about water safety, your support helps create a safer Bay of Plenty.
Schools
Bring World Drowning Prevention Day into your classroom with free interactive learning resources.
Businesses
wear blue, show your support and help your team spread the message throughout our community.
Community
Everyone can play a part by wearing blue, attending the event & learning about water safety.
Proudly Leading the Bay of Plenty's World Drowning Prevention Day Campaign
Aquatic Survival Skills Trust believes that every child and every family deserves the knowledge and confidence to stay safer around water. Through practical education, community partnerships and awareness initiatives like World Drowning Prevention Day, we're working towards a future where everyone can enjoy our beaches, rivers, lakes and pools safely. Together with our supporters, schools, businesses and community organisations, we're helping create a culture where water safety is part of everyday life.
Together, we can help prevent drowning.
Supervise
Children should always be actively supervised in and around water.
Active supervision means more than simply being nearby
Children can get into difficulty in seconds, even in shallow water. Whether you're at the beach, river, pool, lake or even at home, always keep children within arm's reach if they are young or inexperienced around water.
Put phones and other distractions away.
Designate one adult to actively watch children.
Stay within arm's reach of toddlers and non-swimmers.
Never rely on older children to supervise younger ones.
Empty paddling pools after use and secure access to home pools.
Know Before You Go
Check weather conditions, tides, currents and water conditions before heading out.
Good planning helps keep everyone safe
Conditions on the water can change quickly. Before heading out, take a few minutes to check the forecast and understand the environment you're entering.
Check the weather forecast before leaving.
Understand tides and river conditions.
Choose patrolled beaches where possible.
Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
Have a backup plan if conditions change.
Float First
If you unexpectedly end up in the water, float on your back, control your breathing, signal for help and survive.
Floating can save your life
If you unexpectedly fall into water, your first instinct may be to panic or try to swim immediately. Instead, try to float on your back. This helps you regain control of your breathing, conserve energy and think clearly about your next steps.
Stay calm and avoid panicking.
Roll onto your back.
Spread your arms and legs to help you float.
Take slow, controlled breaths.
Signal for help when you can.
Never Swim Alone
Always swim with others and choose patrolled beaches whenever possible.
Swimming with others means help is nearby if something goes wrong
Even experienced swimmers can get into difficulty. Swimming with a friend or family member adds an extra layer of safety.
Swim with a buddy whenever possible.
Choose beaches patrolled by lifeguards.
Stay between the flags at patrolled beaches.
Avoid swimming after dark or in unfamiliar locations.
Get out of the water if conditions become unsafe.
Wear a Lifejacket
If you're on the water, wear a correctly fitted lifejacket.
A lifejacket only works if you're wearing it
Whether you're boating, kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing, always wear a well-fitted lifejacket. It significantly increases your chances of survival if you unexpectedly enter the water.
Wear your lifejacket, don't just carry it.
Check it fits correctly and is securely fastened.
Choose a lifejacket suitable for your activity.
Make sure children are wearing the correct size.
Regularly inspect your lifejacket for damage.
Learn Water Survival Skills
Confidence in the water starts with education and practice.
Learning water survival skills is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning.
Enter Knowing how to float, tread water, enter and exit the water safely, and respond in an emergency gives people the confidence to make safer decisions around water throughout their lives.
Floating and recovering from an unexpected fall.
Treading water.
Safe entries and exits.
Swimming efficiently and conserving energy.
Recognising hazards and making safe decisions.
Knowing how to call for help in an emergency.
Learning these skills takes practice. Encourage your whānau to continue building their confidence through regular swimming and water safety education. content...
Be Part of the Solution
Drowning prevention starts with education, awareness and community action.
By supporting Aquatic Survival Skills Trust, you're helping us deliver practical water safety education, create free community resources and lead initiatives that inspire safer behaviours around water across the Bay of Plenty. Every contribution, big or small, helps create a lasting impact.
