New Zealanders are three times more likely to drown over the next seven days than the rest of the year.

Summer brings warmer days, longer nights, and a season of fun and celebration for many. It also brings New Zealand’s deadliest season for drowning.

The official holiday period begins today (Wednesday 24 December) at 4pm. During this period, over the past 10 years, an average of 4.6 drownings occur between 24 December and 30 December. This means New Zealanders are three times more likely to drown at this time than the rest of the year.

As New Zealanders start their road trips, enjoy time with and friends, and take well-deserved time for relaxation and fun, Water Safety New Zealand is calling for shared responsibility around water this summer.

Everyone, from individuals and whānau, to communities, and local and central government has a role to play in preventing drowning. Together we can help each other to make the right decisions and be safe in, on, and around water.

The official holiday period ends at 6am on Monday 5 January 2026.

Water Safety NZ’s focus for this summer Days Like These reminds people that drownings don’t only happen during rough conditions – they happen on warm, sunny days too. Blue skies, calm water and holiday vibes can mask very real risks.

The reality is much of our coastline, our rivers, lakes and beaches are more dangerous than they appear. The Days Like These campaign will run throughout summer across the country, including weather-triggered billboards that activate on sunny days, and placements in high-risk locations, including drowning blackspots such as Mount Maunganui.

Summer and holiday period drowning numbers 2015-2024

Key safety messages for summerAt this time of year, Water Safety New Zealand is urging all New Zealanders to:

• Wear a lifejacket — in every craft, in every place. Always wear a lifejacket when fishing from rocks
• Never dive alone – so someone is there to respond when the unexpected happens
• Keep a close eye on young children near all types of water, including inflatable and temporary pools. A designated adult needs to be with every individual child around water
• Be aware of known blackspots and local conditions. In Auckland, 39% of drownings occur at recognised high-risk locations, including West Coast beaches
• Recognise that many drownings happen unexpectedly - slips, falls, and simply being near water can be fatal, even when entering the water was never intended.
  If you have been drinking alcohol, don’t walk home near water. Look out for your friends, make sure they get home (or back to the tent!) safely
• Avoid swimming at beaches when lifeguards are not on patrol
  If the flags aren’t up and you’re unfamiliar with the conditions, please stay out of the water
• Do not swim alone 
  Always swim between the red and yellow flags
• Understand your own abilities
  Look after one another and respect the conditions.

Notes:

• Drowning statistics updated regularly here: watersafetynz.org/drowning-insights

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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