Confident Swimmers Still at Risk: Water Safety NZ Urges Parents to Rethink Kids’ Water Skills

As summer winds down, Water Safety New Zealand warns families in the Eastern Bay that water confidence can be misleading—and safety cannot be assumed.

Chief Executive Glen Scanlon says many parents mistakenly believe that once their child can swim well, the risks are reduced, but that belief can be dangerous.

“Swimming is a fantastic skill, and we absolutely encourage it,” said Scanlon.

“But being able to swim lengths in a pool isn’t the same as knowing how to survive in open water when something goes wrong.”

Scanlon stresses that water safety education must go beyond traditional swimming lessons.

Key skills, such as floating, treading water, and remaining calm in unexpected situations, are critical even for strong swimmers.

“Learning to float for extended periods is one of the most important things a child can do. It gives them time, conserves energy, and can ultimately save their life,” he explained.

He also emphasises the importance of teaching children how to recognise hazards, such as rip currents, and make informed decisions about when and where to enter the water.

At patrolled beaches, that includes a simple but vital rule: always swim between the flags.

When enrolling children in swimming programmes, Scanlon encourages parents to choose providers that incorporate water survival training alongside stroke development.

“Swimming from one end of the pool to the other is great,” said Scanlon.

“But children also need to learn how to cope if they fall into water unexpectedly, things like managing fatigue, floating, and even removing heavy clothing in the water.”

Beyond formal lessons, Scanlon said parents themselves can help reinforce these skills.

“Spend time in the water with your kids. Make it fun, but also practise things like floating and talk through what to do if they get into trouble,” he said.

In the Bay of Plenty, six drowning deaths were recorded over the summer, unchanged from the previous year, but significantly higher than the 10-year average of just over three.

Across Aotearoa, a common factor in many drownings is people entering the water alone.

“It’s often men, particularly over 25 or 35, who think they’ll be fine by themselves, but if something goes wrong and no one is there to help, the risk increases dramatically,” said Scanlon.

While fewer people head to the beach in cooler months, drowning remains a year-round issue.

“In autumn and winter, we tend to see more incidents related to boating, fishing, and diving,” he said.

Scanlon urges anyone heading out on the water to take simple precautions: wear a lifejacket, check conditions, carry communication devices, and never go alone.

“If you’re fishing off rocks, on a boat, or diving, always have a buddy. Those small decisions can make a big difference.”

As the seasons change, Water Safety NZ hopes families will carry these lessons forward, remembering that confidence in the water should always be matched with caution.