As New Zealand heads into summer – the season when 43% of drownings occur – Water Safety New Zealand and partners across the sector welcome Water Safety Month, held every November.
Press release – 1 November 2025
Ahead of New Zealand’s highest risk drowning season
As New Zealand heads into summer – the season when 43% of drownings occur – Water Safety New Zealand and partners across the sector welcome Water Safety Month, held every November. This year’s theme, “We All Play a Part,” is a reminder that everyone – from sector organisations to community groups, whānau and individuals – has a role to play in preventing drownings and building a stronger culture of water safety across Aotearoa.
“Summer is a time of celebration and connection – but also when we need to be most vigilant,” says Gavin Walker, Acting CE at Water Safety New Zealand. “An average of 37 New Zealanders drown each summer, and we’re three times more likely to drown around Christmas. These are confronting statistics and Water Safety Month is a reminder to reflect and commit to positive change”.
As of 31 October, 54 New Zealanders have drowned this year – six fewer than at the same point in 2024, but still 54 too many. Last year 74 people drowned in New Zealand. “The need to make smart decisions around water is more critical than ever – the power is in prevention,” Gavin says, noting a rise in female drownings this year and increased drownings in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
“Drowning prevention is complex – no single group can solve it alone,” says Gavin. “By recognising the role each of us plays, we can create a safer, more connected water culture in every region.”
Throughout November, Water Safety Month will highlight stories of people and organisations making a difference – from iwi-led initiatives, to surf lifesaving clubs, water skills educators, to volunteers and individuals.
“This month is about celebrating the big and small actions that save lives,” says Gavin. “Whether you’re a parent teaching your child to float, a volunteer patrolling the beach, or a local business supporting water safety education – every action showing Kiwis doing the right things at the right time – every part matters.”
There are many ways to show how you’re playing your part in water safety this summer.
The campaign’s puzzle and jigsaw imagery symbolise how every action, no matter how small, connects to the bigger picture of water safety in New Zealand.
Post your stories, photos, or videos on social media using the hashtag #WeAllPlayAPart or tag @WaterSafetyNZ to join the national conversation. Assets are free to download at watersafetynz.org.
You could share your story or someone else’s effort to promote water safety, highlight a local champion – an individual, club, or organisation making a difference, make a pledge to take small steps that keep your whānau safe around water this summer. Water Safety New Zealand will support amplification of these stories.
In 2024, 74 New Zealanders drowned:
- 73% were adult males (54 of 74)
- 90% of craft-related drownings involved no lifejacket
- 88% of victims were adults
- Nearly 20% occurred at known high-risk locations
About Water Safety Month
Water Safety Month is a national initiative led by Water Safety New Zealand in collaboration with the water safety community including Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, the Department of Conservation, Drowning Prevention Auckland, MountainSafety Council, Maritime New Zealand, and others.
The campaign shines a light on the collective effort to reduce drowning and promote safer practices across Aotearoa’s beaches, rivers, lakes, and pools.
Because when it comes to keeping our communities safe in, on, and around the water – we all play a part.
