Making Water Safety a Priority in 2026

As the school holidays wrap up and backpacks are packed, there’s one essential item that should be on every parent’s back-to-school checklist: swimming lessons. 

According to the 2024 Water Safety New Zealand Drowning Prevention Report, New Zealand recorded 72 drowning fatalities, the lowest since 2018 and 13% below the 10-year average of 82.7. Adults accounted for 88% of fatalities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for those over 25, alongside continued education for young people. While fatalities among 15–24-year-olds dropped significantly to just 4, adults aged 25–54 were most affected, with 42 deaths, a 20% increase on the 10-year average despite representing only 40% of the population. 

The report also noted that males remained disproportionately impacted at 83%, consistent with previous years. High-risk environments included coastal areas (36%), tidal waters (24%), and rivers (19%), with slips and falls, craft-related incidents, and swimming or playing in water comprising 78% of all fatalities. Notably, 18% of deaths occurred in blackspots, and in Auckland, 39% of fatalities happened at identified blackspot locations, underscoring the need for focused prevention efforts in these areas. 

Why Swim Tangaroa Should Be Your First Choice 

Our Swim Tangaroa swimming and water safety programme, is a trusted, inclusive, and progressive approach to learning how to swim. Our Swim Tangaroa programme is designed to build confidence, competence, and water safety awareness across all age groups. 

Whether your child is just starting out or needs to refresh their skills, Swim Tangaroa provides: 

• Activity-based learning that keeps kids engaged 

• Qualified instructors trained to deliver safe and effective lessons 

• Programmes for all ages from infants to adults 

As we head into the start of new school term, now is the perfect time to enrol in swimming lessons with Swim Tangaroa and making water safety a regular part of your child’s development. Just like learning to read or ride a bike, swimming is a life skill, one that could save a life. 

Every swim lesson counts with GOswim.