Latest fromWater Safety

Vessels run aground in Coromandel after channel disappears
Waikato Regional Council said it knew of four vessels that grounded.

Bystanders rescue struggling swimmer in ‘rough’ Pāpāmoa surf
'This could have easily ended in a fatality,' lifeguard warns.

‘Bulletproof’: Why more Kiwi men die in the water
With the lowest number of drownings since 2018, males accounted for most fatalities.

Top businessman pulled face-down from surf ahead of TV appearance
Rescuers performed CPR and used a defibrillator before the man was airlifted to hospital.

‘Forever in your debt’: Family speak out after man died saving brother on Lake Taupō
Vincent, 36, died at Acacia Bay while saving his brother’s life in January.

Lifeguards rescue swimmers caught in rips outside flagged areas
A man and a woman were rescued from rips at Midway on Sunday in two separate incidents.

Rāhui in place following Maketū death
Emergency services were called to the Bay of Plenty beach on Saturday.

Police rescue three men missing overnight in Waikaia River rafting ordeal
Police were alerted after the trio didn't arrive at a designated pick-up point.

Maketū Beach tragedy: Man washes up dead on the shoreline
Emergency services were called to the Bay of Plenty beach just after 4pm.

‘Big dreams’: Missing Piha swimmer wanted to buy house with partner; body found on nearby beach
'Devastated' family now trying to fly to NZ from India.

Maritime NZ to investigate fatal jetski incident
It comes as Coastguard NZ and the harbourmaster issued safety reminders to water users.

Body of missing teenage swimmer found on Christchurch beach
The 19-year-old male went missing about 3pm yesterday.

'Selfless and heroic act': Jetskier died saving his brother's life
Police divers recovered the body of Vincent 'Vinnie' Cornell from Lake Taupō on Monday.

Watch: Floating picnic table pulls up to SailGP Auckland
A policeman on a jetski intercepted the group of men, took a photograph, and left.

How to swim safely at one of NZ’s deadliest beaches
Piha is one of NZ’s most beautiful beaches, but also one of the most dangerous. Reporter Madison learns the rules of safe swimming so you and your mates can have an amazing summer.

SailGP meets Auckland: How did the fans find the event?
Find out what the fans thought of the SailGP landing in Auckland over the weekend. Video / NZ Herald

Best seat to watch SailGP: Boys float on Auckland's harbour on picnic table
A group of spectators on a make-shift BBQ table fitted with floats and an outboard motor at the SailGP event 19 January 2025 on the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Video / Ally Ford

Fisherman surprised by whale shark on jetski
A fisherman was surprised by a whale shark whilst out on the water on his jetski. Video / Supplied

Boy seen struggling in harbour rescued by vehicle ferry skipper
Boysie-James Siosiua was pulled from the harbour after trying to retrieve a basketball.

Tsunamis: ‘The big one’ is a matter of when, not if
Two major tsunamis that swamped the east coast have been labelled 'missed opportunities'.

How to avoid common summer injuries at the beach and beyond
Northlanders urged to be mindful as summer injuries soar, costing millions in ACC claims.