Latest fromWater Safety

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.

‘Let me just play for five more minutes’: Partner on beach as swimmer swept to death at Piha
Partner held on to hope for 'miracle' before body found after swimmer caught in rip.

‘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.

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.

Man’s body located after he failed to resurface from Waikato River dip
A rahui has now been placed at Arapuni, Bulmers and Jones landings.

Orca pod surprises boaties in Hakana Bay, Marlborough Sounds
Orca swam past boaties in Hakana Bay, Port Underwood Marlborough Sounds. Supplied / Vicky Wiblin

Fun at the Maraetotara Falls jump spot
Benny King sent in a video of him jumping - badly - from the Maraetotara Falls branch. The landing was “a real stinger”, but he had a great time. Video / Benny King

Fruit flies in Auckland as Wellington prepares for major disruption | NZ Herald News Update
Fruit flies have been discovered in Auckland, new water safety figures are released. Dame Tariana Turia tangi continues, trade with Africa is suggested. Video / NZ Herald

'Silliness': Incidents prompt warning for beachgoers in 'most dangerous month'
Holidaymakers urged to stay cautious; lifeguards report manageable issues.