Swimming & Surfing

Water safe Swimming & Surfing

• Many beaches look safe but are deceptively dangerous due to strong currents under the surface (rips or undertows).
  
  When swimming at surf beaches, always look for a beach patrolled by surf lifeguards, and always swim between the flags where the lifeguards can keep an eye on you.
  
  
• If a beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, check whether it is safe with local information sources before entering the water. Never swim alone and if in any doubt, stay out of the water.
  
  
• Rip currents are common features on many beaches. They can be recognised by a calm patch on a surf beach or discoloured water - DO NOT SWIM THERE.
  
  
• If you get caught in a rip and find yourself being dragged further away from the beach, don't fight the current directly - you will only tire more quickly.
  
  Swim along the beach (parallel with it) and head for the nearest breaking waves as these indicate shallower water.
  
  
• When swimming in a river always check for hazards up and down stream and avoid pools that run out into a stretch of rapidly moving water.
  
  Don't jump or dive without being sure of what's below the surface and that the water is deep enough. If you get caught in a current don't fight it, head down stream (on your back, feet first) to a suitable landing area.
  
  
• Don't put your head under the water in thermal or mineral water pools - there's a very slight risk of contracting amoebic meningitis.
  
  
• New Zealand has some of the most beautiful lakes, rivers and streams in the world. If you use these waterways you can help protect them.
  

  Waterweeds and algae can be spread through engaging in kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming and other water activities in more than one waterway. Some weeds / alga are microscopic so you could be spreading them even if you can't see them on the items you are moving between waterways.

  
  

  To ensure you don't spread waterweeds / alga please check, clean and dry any equipment used on rivers. Cleaning agents are inexpensive and available at any supermarket or hardware store.
  

  
  

  For more information while in New Zealand , visit a Department of Conservation Visitor Centre or i-SITE Visitor Centre. Or, visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz.