Kiwis take unnecessary risks on the beach

While almost 100% of New Zealanders plan to visit a beach at least once during the summer, 47% expect to swim at a beach not patrolled by Surf Lifeguards according to a survey conducted by DHL.

The survey of 361 New Zealanders' beach safety awareness is part of DHL's sponsorship of Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) since 2003.

Gary Edstein, Senior Vice President of DHL Express explains we "are proud to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the wonderful job Surf Lifeguards do to make our beaches safer throughout summer. There is a significant number of avoidable accidents that occur each year on our coastline, and it is unsettling that so many Kiwis would take an unnecessary risk by swimming at an unpatrolled beach."

More than 80% of all those surveyed said they were confident a Surf Lifeguard could help them if they got into trouble on the beach. One of the greatest dangers on New Zealand beaches and coastlines are rips; strong currents of water that run out to sea. 55% of those surveyed said they knew how to identify a rip. More than 60% said if they were caught in a rip, they would float with the current and put their hand up for help.

Grant Florence, Chief Executive, Surf Life Saving New Zealand adds "if you swim at a beach patrolled by Lifeguards, putting your hand up is the best way to ensure you get help quickly.

"However, for the 47% of New Zealanders that swim at an unpatrolled beach, putting your hand up for help means you are relying on inexperienced and untrained members of the public to help and unnecessarily endangering other lives.

"DHL's survey results show the high number of beach-goers who frequent non patrolled beaches is consistent with our data. Managing risk at the more than 500 non patrolled beaches is led by an audit programme SLSNZ is conducting - with more than 100 of those beaches due to be audited this year.

"SLSNZ will use the audit results to work with councils to implement risk strategies, most commonly appropriate signage, but may often include provision of lifesaving equipment for emergencies or engaging the local community. We are also the international representative for Standards NZ to ensure consistent and effective water safety signage throughout New Zealand."

Public education and survival swimming are also critical within SLSNZ's strategy - if every New Zealander had a basic level of survival capability we would see New Zealand's drowning toll continue to fall.

In 2008, SLSNZ patrolled 80 New Zealand beaches and saved more than 1,300 lives. The number of beaches patrolled has increased nearly 15% in the last 10 years as New Zealand's coastline continues to be developed and increases as a popular recreational area.

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