Kiwis are being urged to be careful when swimming in waterfalls over summer after 14 drownings in the past five years.
Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA) says while waterfalls are inviting, they can be "unpredictable" and "unforgiving".
"Tragically, they have too often proved deadly," DPA Chief Executive Nicola Keen-Biggelaar says.
Keen-Biggelaar says 14 people have died from drowning in waterfalls between 2016 and 2020. Two of those were at Hūnua Falls in Auckland - one in 2016 and the other in 2019.
She says Water Safety New Zealand, Auckland Council, DPA, and YMCA North are again working to keep people safe over summer.
"An integral part of this water safety project is having water safety advisers at the falls from late December through to the end of January, Wednesday to Sunday, advising about on-site risks at Hūnua and recommending safe behaviours. Advisers are on-site at Hūnua Falls from 22 December for the summer," says YMCA North group manager for outdoors and fundraising Dave Lockwood.
Lockwood says many Kiwis are overconfident in their swimming skill, which is why water safety advisors are important.
Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina says the advisors play a key role in keeping Kiwis safe.
"Education is really important. Too many people have died at Hūnua Falls in
the past and it needs to be repeated that the falls are dangerous and unsuitable for swimming.
"Having people there most days over the busy period is really helping. Not only are Aucklanders learning about the risks around waterfalls, but they are taking that message back to their communities and that is important.
"We want people to come and view the majesty of the falls, but we want them to stay safe and return home to their whānau / 'aiga too."
Keen-Biggelaar says there a things people can do to stay safe including when swimming including:
- Be prepared - Check the weather forecast, the Safeswim website (www.safeswim.org.nz) and know the local environment. Set rules for safe play. Flooding can be prevalent after rain, causing strong currents and turbulent water.
- Look out for yourself and others. Always supervise children around water and keep children under five years within arm's reach; never swim alone and don't pressure your friends to get into the water if they're not confident.
- Be aware of the dangers. It's the unknown, what lies below the surface and not knowing the depth of the water. Slippery and submerged rocks, debris and underwater currents pose dangers. Sudden changes in depth together with slippery rocks may make it difficult for you to find your footing. Cold water will fatigue you. Get out of the water before you get tired.
- Know your limits. Challenge yourself within your abilities and skill level; know what you can and can't do in the water. Once again, don't be pressured into going into the water if you can't swim or aren't confident.
"We urge everyone to think about water safety this summer. Enjoy the water but don't over-estimate your abilities and underestimate the risks. We are all responsible for keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe when we're in, on and around water," Water Safety New Zealand Chief Executive Daniel Gerrard says.
