Latest fromWater Safety
Safer Boating Week off to rough start
As inaugural Safer Boating Week kicks off, boaties are being reminded how quickly things could go wrong.
Ramp etiquette to float boats
As thousands of Kiwis prepare their boats to make a splash over summer, fishing expert Nicky Sinden has urged boaties to ensure their journeys don't sink before their vessels even hit the water.
Surf club fights for new access
The surf club guarding one of the country's most dangerous rip-torn beaches says it is losing efficiency and members.
Lifejacket rule needs law change
Auckland Council's new rule on wearing lifejackets in small boats kicks in at Labour Weekend but needs a law change before it can be enforced with the issuing of tickets.
Doc's ice challenge warning
The Ice Water Challenge, where participants are doused with a bucket of ice cold water, is potentially fatal - even without alcohol, a doctor warns.
Poor weather keeps beach rescues down
Surf lifesavers carried out nearly 40 per cent fewer rescues over summer compared with the year before, a figure attributed to unpredictable weather.
Unrestrained baby in critical condition
A baby critically injured in a crash near Kopaki, Waikato, this morning was unrestrained on its mother's lap when the car hit a bank.
'I just had to risk it'
A father saw his daughters' faces flash before him as he risked his life, diving into the surf to save two girls caught in a rip at a Hawkes Bay beach yesterday.
Surf crews prepare for Gallipoli race
A surf boat crew will stage a symbolic row down Auckland's North Shore tomorrow, as they prepare for a commemorative international race in Turkey next year.
'Brave' boy rescues classmate in pool
Exclusive: When 5-year-old Tre-Vaughn Dysart saw his classmate slip underwater his instincts kicked in.
Family 'proud' of attempted rescuer
Darryl Rolton wouldn't hesitate to help a mate in trouble. That instinctive nature cost the Christchurch man his life on Saturday when he leapt 11 metres off the Maruia Falls.
Dog-gone king tides drag out
Motorists and beach-goers are again being urged to keep an eye on a king tide that has caused issues in recent days.
Tide alert to road users
King tides are due to wash up on Auckland's shores just after 10am today, and the New Zealand Transport Agency is warning people to take extra care on coastal roads.
Water-lovers go with flow
King tides lure dozens out to play but expert warns people to take care in the current.
Drowned woman had bright future
A teenager who died after she was pulled from a Hamilton motel swimming pool had lived in an orphanage, and had a promising teaching career ahead of her.
'Thank God for lifeguards'
A teenage girl caught in a rip had stopped breathing by the time lifeguards plucked her, limp and grey, from the sea.
Teens save group from hazardous surf
"It was 3-4m surf, and really, really dumping." Two teenage sisters fought 4m waves to save a man and four children at an unguarded surf beach.
Lifeguards brace for 'massive' weekend
Lifeguards are gearing up for the biggest weekend of the year as holidaymakers are set to throng popular beaches all over the country.
Lifeguards first-stop shop for first aid
More New Zealanders will be given first-aid treatment by lifeguards for injuries such as cut feet and marine stings this summer than rescued from the water, new research shows.