By Daniel Gerrard, CEO of Water Safety New Zealand
Opinion: Mastering the art of floating isn't just a skill - it's a critical life-saving measure.
Imagine a serene lake, a tranquil beach, or even a quiet backyard pool. Now, picture a sudden slip, an unexpected plunge - a peaceful setting turned perilous.
In New Zealand, the statistics are alarming: 28 (out of a total of 88) people have drowned this year due to unintentional slips or falls into water.
This figure is nearly double last year's total of 15 and well above the 10-year average of 20. These aren't just numbers; they are a wake-up call.
So, this summer we are issuing a call to action: mastering the art of floating…it isn't just a skill; it's a critical life-saving measure.
The Underrated Skill
Floating is often overshadowed by more dynamic swimming techniques. Yet, it's the foundation of water safety and learning to swimming.
In those critical moments following an unexpected fall into water, the ability to float can be the difference between life and death. Floating keeps your head above water, allows you to breathe, and prevents panic – the silent but deadly precursor to drowning.
A National Crisis
As you will often hear in the media, NZ has a drowning problem.
The rising number of drownings due to slips or falls into water reveals a distressing trend. While playing in rivers and swimming at the beach are common drowning hotspots, the unintentional finding of oneself in the water is always one of the big three drowning situations.
Numerous incidents involve factors like alcohol or other injuries that impact someone's survivability. But building New Zealanders ability to float might be an answer.
A National Priority
In New Zealand, our love for water-based activities is ingrained in our culture. However, this affinity comes with a responsibility to respect the water and prepare for its unpredictability.
Making floating a national priority is not just about promoting a skill; it's about changing our mindset towards water safety.
The Role of Education
Education is key. We must integrate floating techniques into our national curriculum, starting from a young age. By normalising this skill as a basic human right, a basic life competency, like reading or writing, we can create a generation of water-wise Kiwis.
Considerable leadership has already been shown recently by the Ministry of Education, so fingers crossed we see water competencies well captured in the curriculum.
Building Your Floating Skills
Building your skill in floating can be an enjoyable and beneficial activity, enhancing your comfort and safety in the water.
Here are some activities to practice floating, suitable for different water environments:
1. Still Water (e.g., a lake or a pond):
- Notice that you are not as buoyant in freshwater as you are in the sea.
- Start in shallow water where you can stand.
- Practice the starfish float: lie on your back, ears in the water, spread your arms and legs, and relax.
- Progress to deeper areas as you gain confidence.
2. In the Pool:
- Use the pool's edge or a floating aid to start.
- Practice both front and back floats, keeping your body relaxed and face up/down in the water.
- Try using a rugby ball or chilly bin as a floating aide.
- Work on transitioning from standing to floating and back.
3. In a Slow-Moving River:
- Ensure the river is safe for swimming and is calm or has a gentle current.
- Practice maintaining your float as the current moves you.
- Always float downstream feet first
4. In Waves (e.g., at a beach):
- Only attempt this at patrolled beaches, such as those listed on swimsafer.org.nz.
- Always stay within the area marked by red and yellow flags for safe swimming.
- Start in shallow water and get used to the waves.
- Learn to float over small waves, keeping your body relaxed and buoyant.
- Practice raising your arm to signal for help.
Now, challenge the Dads in your life and see how good they are (no doubt they are ‘former worldfloating champions’). How long can you stay afloat? What beach toys help floating the most?
A Call to Action
This summer let's enjoy our beautiful waters but also make a collective effort to practice and perfect our floating skills. Let's ensure that everyone – from the youngest child to the eldest adult – understands the importance of floating, not just as a skill, but as a vital guardian against the unforeseen dangers of water.
I urge each one of us to take floating seriously. It's a simple, yet powerful skill that has the potential to save lives. In water, being prepared is not a choice; it's a necessity.
As we work towards a safer summer, let's float the idea of making floating second nature. Let's transform our relationship with water from fear to respect, from ignorance to awareness.
Let’s connect with the water as our playground and our pantry. Let's make floating our first line of defence – a skill that doesn't just float around in our consciousness but is actively practiced and revered.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can save lives. Let's start this summer.
This opinion piece reflects the views of Daniel Gerrard, CEO of Water Safety NZ, and is intended to provoke thought and action regarding the critical skill of floating in water safety.
