BEACH EDUCATION SAVES LIVES

New Zealand has some of the most diverse and beautiful coastlines in the world. Nearly 15,000 km of coastline and the ninth longest coastline of any nation in the world.

Just as we learnt how to enjoy the water safely, it’s our responsibility that we provide water awareness to the next generation to allow them to make the best decisions while they’re enjoying these environments.

During the last 10 years, there has been an average of 32 fatal drownings per year across Aotearoa. This is a 70% higher beach and coastal drowning rate, per capita, than Australia! Sadly, our fatal drowning toll over the last 5 years has increased by 37% compared to the previous 5 years. Alarmingly, for every child or young person that fatally drowned, fifteen more were hospitalised for non-fatal drowning injuries.

The majority of fatal drownings are preventable. At Surf Life Saving, we believe community education is a vital preventative measure to reducing the drowning toll.

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