| New Zealand beaches are very beautiful. We New | | | | If you see smooth water on a surf beach...........do |
| Zealanders love the water, and swimming, surfing, | | | | not think that is the safest place to swim. |
| boogy boarding, boating,sailing, kayaking and fishing | | | | You can tell there might be a rip if the water is |
| are all very popular water activities. But a healthy | | | | churning, and/or a different colour, and also look |
| respect for water - both the sea, rivers, lakes | | | | for a break in the wave pattern. If the water is |
| and even swimming pools, is important. Observing | | | | smooth, while the sea around it is waves, it will |
| some simple safety rules, will ensure safe | | | | probably be a rip. You are better swimming in the |
| swimming. | | | | waves. |
| Beaches | | | | Swimming in Riverso Never jump from rocks, or |
| New Zealand's West Coast beaches are a surfie's | | | | heights into a river. You do not know what is |
| paradise. But generally they are also quite | | | | under the surface. Nor are you likely to know the |
| dangerous. With often big surf, and under tows | | | | depth.o Rivers can have strong currents, |
| and rips that can develop, you need to be a | | | | especially on an outgoing tide. |
| strong swimmer, and experienced in the sea. If | | | | Boating and Kayaking |
| you are not familiar with a beach, it is a good | | | | There are often boats and in particular, kayaks |
| policy to try and talk to local people and find out if | | | | for rental in many places around New Zealand. |
| it is a safe swimming beach, and what you need | | | | Again it is important to observe safety rules.o |
| to look out for. | | | | ALWAYS wear a life jacket.o Always check both |
| Our East Coast beaches are generally safer for | | | | the weather and the tides before kayaking. |
| swimming. But you do need to understand that | | | | Remember, if you kayak somewhere you have |
| conditions change frequently, with the weather. | | | | to be able to get back. If the wind is against you, |
| Like the west coast, you can get rips that | | | | it will take much longer. Paddling against an |
| move.o Even on the East Coast it is advisable to | | | | outgoing tide is very difficult.o If you are not a |
| always swim at a beach with a surf patrol or life | | | | competent swimmer, or an inexperienced |
| guards. You will see the red and yellow flags stuck | | | | kayaker, think carefully about where you go. |
| in the sand on the beach. You will probably notice | | | | There are plenty of safe places to kayak.o Rivers |
| more people in this area. You should always swim | | | | can be more dangerous than the sea. Find out |
| BETWEEN the flags. This is the area the lifeguards | | | | about the river.o Kayak with others.o Take a little |
| have checked out and consider safe. It is also in | | | | time to learn some basic safety tips and |
| front of their observation post. If you did get into | | | | strategys.o Lakes can be very cold if you fall out |
| difficulty they would almost certainly see you, and | | | | of your kayak. You are generally better to go |
| come to help.o Always stay within your depth- | | | | around the edge rather than cut across a lake. |
| that is - no deeper than your chest height.o Try | | | | Even though this may be a longer route. Again - |
| and swim with friends or other people. If you are | | | | find out about the lake from locals.o Wearing a |
| travelling on your own, it is even more important | | | | wetsuit is advisable.o Tell someone where you are |
| to swim in a safe location, where lifeguards are | | | | going. |
| on duty. If you are unsure of the water | | | | Fishing |
| conditions, ask the life guards who are easily | | | | New Zealand is a great place for fishing. If you |
| recognisable in their red and yellow costumes. Or | | | | are fishing from rocks, check with local people |
| ask someone who lives locally. They will know | | | | that it is safe. It is also advisable to wear a life |
| their beach, and the conditions for the weather | | | | jacket, especially if the sea is rough. Sometimes a |
| and season.o Never swim in clothes, especially | | | | change in weather, or an incoming tide can catch |
| jeans and/or cotton T shirts. They become very | | | | fishermen unawares. Find out what the weather |
| heavy once wet, and if you get into trouble, you | | | | conditions are going to be, before you go. Every |
| will really struggle.o If you are using a boogy | | | | year we have several fishermen swept off rocks. |
| board, you should use flippers on your feet.o If | | | | This may all sound a little daunting, but it is not |
| you are caught in a rip - Don't Panic! Paddle/swim | | | | really. You need to know how competent you are |
| toward the breaking waves. Don't try and swim | | | | at swimming. If you have little experience |
| against the rip. You will get tired and get into | | | | swimming in the sea, ensure you stay close to |
| trouble. If you still feel you are unable to get out | | | | shore and observe the above suggestions. Playing |
| yourself, raise your arm and call for help.o Look | | | | safely, and checking weather and water conditions |
| out for jetskiis! We have had a few unfortunate | | | | will make the difference between safe fun or |
| accidents when neither party has seen the other. | | | | potential danger. |
| How to Look for Rips | | | | |