The Board of Water Safety New Zealand has appointed Glen Scanlon as the charity’s new chief executive. In this role, Glen will lead the organisation’s work to reduce risks and change behaviour around water in Aotearoa.

Glen brings a powerful combination of strategic thinking, leadership experience, and deep connection to water in Aotearoa. He has spent most of his career in media, most recently as Chief Performance Officer at Radio New Zealand.

Glen was editor of stuff.co.nz, after time spent working internationally at both The Guardian and CNN. He has also served as Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Throughout his career, Glen has demonstrated a commitment to purpose-led organisations focused on making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

The appointment comes at a time when strong, clear public messaging around water safety is more important than ever. Every year, an average of 85 people lose their lives in preventable drowning incidents. Water Safety New Zealand is confident Glen will bring clarity, energy, and fresh perspective to the charity’s strategic priorities and long-term vision.

As the lead agency for water safety in Aotearoa, the organisation has used data science to assert that drowning can be solved by focusing attention on aquatic education, high-risk groups, and high-risk locations.

Glen will formally commence his role on 10 November 2025.

"I’m excited to work alongside the passionate team at Water Safety NZ, as well as partners, communities, and government agencies to build a culture where every New Zealander takes responsibility for their safety in, on, and around the water."

Notes:

• People who overestimate their ability, ignore weather forecasts, don’t wear lifejackets, or think swimming skills are all they need to stay safe – are people who put their lives at risk around water.

The five points of New Zealand's Water Safety Code – Five Ways to Survive were developed based on drowning and injury data, and global evidence of what works to save lives: watersafetynz.org/water-safety-code

About Water Safety New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand is the lead agent for water safety and drowning prevention in New Zealand. For more than 75 years, we’ve made it our mission to support people and places to be safer around water.

We do this through focused data science, leadership, education, and advocacy. As a charity, we are dedicated to making New Zealand’s waterways safer for everyone.

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