SLSNZ National Beach & Coastal Safety Report 10-Year Overview | 2011 - 21 & 1-Year Overview | 2020-21

NATIONAL BEACH &
COASTAL SAFETY REPORT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 & 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21

KEY FINDINGS
KEY FINDINGS
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
1
Our Ten Year Average Fatal
Drowning Rate is 44% Higher
Than Australia’s
2
Other Ethnicities* Had the
Greatest Fatal Drowning Rate
Over the Last Ten Years
2.5
44%
New Zealand has a 44% higher ten-year average
beach and coastal fatal drowning rate per capita
(per 100,000 pop.) than Australia.
2.0
1.5
1.0
Maori Pasifika Other
Ethnicities*
*Other Ethnicities represent all other ethnicities that
are not NZ European, Pasifika, Asian nor Maori.
Over the last ten years, Other Ethnicities* had the
highest fatal drowning rate per capita (2.49 per
100,000 pop.), followed by Pasifika (1.28 per
100,000 pop.) and Maori (1.15 per 100,000 pop).
3
Pasifika Had the Second-Highest
Drowning Rate Over
the Last 10 Years.
4
Māori Had the Third-Highest
Drowning Rate Over
the Last 10 Years
1.28 1.15
per 100,000 pop. per 100,000 pop.
Over the last ten years, Pasifika people had the
second-highest fatal drowning rate per capita
(1.28 per 100,000 pop.)
Over the last ten years, Maori people had the
third-highest fatal drowning rate per capita (1.15
per 100,000 pop).
5
46% Of Fatal Drownings
Occurred in the Summer Months.
Over the last ten years, there were 167 beach and
coastal drowning fatalities during the three summer
months of December, January and February. This
figure represents nearly half of the total annual
beach and coastal drowning fatalities recorded,
highlighting the increased risk associated with the
busy summer season.

We, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, are saying “enough is
enough” and are calling for greater investment in a long term,
evidence-based beach and coastal safety education strategy.
6
Males are Fatally Drowning
More Than Females
87%
MALE
13%
FEMALE
Of those who died from drowning over the last ten
years, males represent 87% and females only 13%.
Men are fatally drowning more on our beaches and
coastlines than females.
7
Many New Zealand Adults
Cannot Swim or Float Unaided.
Nearly three in ten New Zealanders cannot swim or
float in the ocean for more than a few minutes.
Only 9% of New Zealand adults swam further than
50m in the ocean in 2021 while over one quarter
have never swum this distance in the ocean.
Adults are Fatally Drowning
More Than Children and Young
8 9
Adolescents.
Surf Beaches Pose the Greatest
Risk for Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drowning in New Zealand.
38%
Adults over the age of 15 account for 95% of all
drowning fatalities in the beach and coastal
environment. The 35-54 and 65+ age groups have
the greatest number of fatal drownings.
Over the last ten years, 38% of beach and
coastal fatal drownings occurred at a surf beach
in New Zealand.
10
Over the Last 10 Years, the
Greatest Risk Activities on a
Beach and Coastal Environment
Have Been:
However… Last Year, the Greatest
Risk Activities Were:
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Falls (trips/slips)
Swimming/Wading
Snorkelling
Boating

DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
357 87%
MALE
BEACH &
COASTAL FATAL
DROWNINGS
13%
FEMALE
LOCATION
38%
SURF BEACH
13%
HARBOUR
17%
0-1KM
OFFSHORE
ACTIVITY
22%
SWIMMING/WADING
18%
BOATING
16%
FALLS

CONTENTS
Synopsis 04
Key Findings 06
SECTION ONE:
COMMUNITY 09
New Zealand Population 10
Coastal Visitation 12
Covid-19 Impacts 13
Activity Participation 14
Swimming Ability 18
Coastal Safety 19
Feature: Rip Currents and the 3Rs 22
SECTION TWO:
CAPABILITY 25
Capability 26
Surf Life Saving Patrol
Locations 28
Surf Lifeguard Capability 29
Rescues Per Region 30
Assists Per Region 31
Major First Aid Incidents 32
Minor First Aid Incidents 33
Searches Per Region 34
Preventative Actions 35
SECTION THREE:
INCIDENT ANALYSIS 37
10 Year National Overview 38
Rescues and Assists 40
First Aid Treatments 41
Searches 42
45
SECTION FOUR:
SEARCH & RESCUE
ANALYSIS
10 Year National Overview 46
SECTION FIVE:
FATAL DROWNING 49
ANALYSIS - 2011/21
10 Year National Overview 50
57
SECTION SIX:
FATAL DROWNING
ANALYSIS - 2020/21
1 Year National Overview 58
SECTION SEVEN:
REGIONAL OVERVIEWS
Northland
Auckland
Waikato
Bay of Plenty
Gisborne
Hawke's Bay
Taranaki
Manawatu-Wanganui
Wellington
Tasman
Nelson
Marlborough
West Coast
Canterbury
Otago
Southland
61
62
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
95
SECTION EIGTH:
10 YEAR ACTIVITY
OVERVIEW 2011/21
Snapshot: Swimming/Wading 96
Snapshot: Boating 97
Snapshot: Falls 98
Snapshot: Snorkelling 99
Snapshot: Watercraft 100
Snapshot: Land-Based Fishing 101
SECTION NINE:
10 YEAR ETHNICITY 103
OVERVIEW 2011/21
Snapshot: NZ European 104
Snapshot: Maori 105
Snapshot: Asian 106
Snapshot: Pasifika 107
Snapshot: Other 108
Key Terms 110
References 112

SYNOPSIS
New Zealander’s love the coast. Sadly, in the last ten years,
there have been 357 beach and coastal fatal drownings in
New Zealand. Each one leaves families and communities
devastated. Our drowning toll is something every New
Zealander should see as a national tragedy and one we all
have a responsibility to address.
The 2020-21 Beach & Coastal Safety Report is being
released while we are in the midst of an appalling summer
for fatal drownings. Data from the 2020-21 Report shows
that New Zealand has a 44% higher ten-year average beach
and coastal fatal drowning rate per capita (per 100,000
pop.) than Australia. This is a hugely concerning statistic and
as a coastal nation, we need to do far better. We, Surf Life
Saving New Zealand, are saying “enough is enough” and
support water safety and public sector collaboration, to
manage the risks our coastline presents and improve our
drowning rate. We are also calling for greater investment
in a long term, evidence-based beach and coastal safety
education strategy.
In order to help understand the problem in more detail,
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) produces this report
on an annual basis, documenting incidents that have
occurred within the coastal zone, while also analysing
coastal participation, behaviours and perceptions. The
report in itself does not provide answers, but provides the
data in such a way that highlights the problem and will aid
further analysis to help provide potential solutions.
Between May 2020 and April 2021, 3.1 million New
Zealand adults (16 years and above) visited the coast on
average 3.8 times each month. This suggests there were
over 12 million individual visits to the coast. Swimming/
wading was the most popular activity, followed by kai
gathering and boating.
From 2011-2021 there were 167 beach and coastal
drowning fatalities during the three summer months of
December, January and February. This figure represents
nearly half of the total annual beach and coastal drowning
fatalities recorded, highlighting the increased risk associated
with the busy summer season, as has tragically been seen
with the high drowning numbers this year.
Over the past ten years, nearly 40% of beach and coastal
fatal drownings occurred at a surf beach, with almost onequarter
of these deaths occurring while swimming or wading.
Astoundingly almost a third of New Zealanders cannot swim
or float in the ocean for more than a few minutes, and many
cannot swim 50m in the ocean without touching the bottom.
For those whose swimming and floating ability in the ocean
is limited, it highlights the importance of choosing to swim
at a lifeguarded beach.
“Rip currents are the greatest
hazard at a surf beach.”
There is a strong correlation between rip currents, beaches,
and swimming and wading incidents. As predicted, research
shows nearly 60% of New Zealanders cannot identify a
rip. Because of this inability to identify rip currents, SLSNZ
introduced the 3Rs Rip Survival Plan to increase awareness
and knowledge on what to do if caught in a rip. The 3Rs
message comprises three simple and easy-to-remember
steps:
R – Relax and float to conserve energy.
R – Raise your hand to signal for help.
R – Ride the rip until it stops and you
can swim back to shore or help arrives.
Research suggests the 3Rs campaign is clear and resonates
with the New Zealand public. While we have an effective
behaviour change tool, campaign exposure needs to be
greater, more consistent and communicated in an authentic
manner to a wider range of communities.
Across all coastal activities, males continue to believe they
are experienced enough to take more risks compared to
females. Males are more likely to take risks and less likely to
follow safety practices, while the opposite is true for female
participants. Not surprisingly, males continue to fatally
drown more than females on our beaches and coastline,
accounting for 87% of drowning deaths.
Interestingly, from a total of 21,575 incidents addressed by
Surf Lifeguards over the past ten years, 60% involved males
and 40% females. Although males represent the majority
of all beach and coastal incidents (fatal and non-fatal), the
disparity in the male-female proportion is even higher when
accounting for only the fatal incidents.
During the last ten years, there has been an average of
36 beach and coastal fatal drownings each year and in
comparison to our antipodean neighbours, the ten-year
average beach and coastal fatal drowning rate is 44%
greater than the Australian ten-year average.
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND
04
NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT

The Auckland region has the highest number of fatal
drownings, followed by Northland and Waikato. However,
when looking at per-capita figures, Northland had
New Zealand’s greatest fatal drowning rate (3.30
per 100,000 pop.) and Auckland, with a far greater
population size, has a fatal drowning rate of only 0.59.
Therefore, the risk of fatally drowning on the beach and
coastal environments of Northland is over five times
greater than in Auckland.
Surf beaches remain the most dangerous environment,
followed by locations 0-1 km from shore and within
harbours. Most beach and coastal fatal drownings occurred
while swimming or wading, followed by boating and falls.
Over the last ten years, the highest fatal drowning rate
per capita (2.49 per 100,000 pop.) has been seen amongst
those communities that are less familiar with our beaches
and essential water safety information, followed by Pasifika
(1.28 per 100,000 pop.) and Maori (1.15 per 100,000 pop).
SLSNZ’s vision is “No one drowns at our beaches”, the
volunteer membership has provided a Surf Lifeguard
Service to the New Zealand public for 111 years. This
national Lifeguard service now consists of 74 volunteer
Surf Life Saving Clubs who patrol at weekends from Labour
Weekend to Easter and a council funded Lifeguard Service
delivered by SLSNZ to provide patrols during the week in the
peak summer holiday season in the most popular locations.
When combined, these services patrol a total of over 80
locations countrywide. During 2020-21 there were 4,621
qualified Surf Lifeguards, with 925 of them gaining their
Surf Lifeguard Award during the season.
The interventions performed while Surf Lifeguards have
been protecting our beaches in the last decade have saved
countless people. Through these actions SLSNZ Volunteer
Surf Lifeguards have likely saved more than 11,364 lives.
Over the last ten years, Surf Lifeguards have carried
out 1,136,315 preventative actions involving 4,472,325
members of the public. That is a huge number of drownings
that have been potentially averted because of the vital role
that SLSNZ performs.
SLSNZ also saves lives on the land as well as in the sea.
All Surf Lifeguards are first aid trained, and many as First
Responders. Over the last ten years, Surf Lifeguards have
treated 24,163 people who have required minor or major
first aid treatments and searched for 3,397 people.
“Over the past ten years, Surf Lifeguards
have recovered 101 deceased people,
almost one-third of all beach and coastal
drowning deaths across New Zealand.”
As part of the ‘National Search and Rescue (SAR)
Framework’, Volunteer SLSNZ Clubs are regularly called
upon by the Police to respond to incidents out of hours.
These call-outs have significantly increased in recent years
as more and more people need our services. More lives
are being saved, and more people are being rescued than
ever before. Unfortunately, SAR Squads have also been
busy searching for and recovering people who have died,
returning them to their whanau and loved ones.
The 2020-21 Beach & Coastal Safety Report shows that
beach and coastal fatal drownings had plateaued, and
there was a slight 1.3% decrease in the number of beach
and coastal fatal drownings over the last five years when
compared to the previous five years. Data for 2020-2021
also shows there were 25 beach and coastal fatal drownings,
the lowest fatality count since 2013-14, which sees the New
Zealand drowning rate (0.49 per 100,000 pop.) drop to less
than the Australian (0.53 per 100,000 pop.) for the first
time in ten years.
However, it seems this is not an indication of a positive
trend. It is likely the statistics reflect last summer’s poor
weather and Covid-19 restrictions keeping people away
from the beach. Tragically, record numbers of rescues
and dire drowning figures already taking place in the
2021-22 summer period.
We must ask the question why the New Zealand ten-year
drowning rate is so high in comparison to Australia and
ensure we do not repeat this disastrous year for drowning
deaths. We cannot become complacent about the need for
significant and sustained investment in public education
strategies and campaigns for beach and coastal safety.
This is essential to ensure that future figures no longer tell
the tragic tale of hundreds of lives lost from preventable
drownings in our oceans.
Anyone can drown,
but no one should.
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND
05
SYNOPSIS

KEY FINDINGS
• New Zealand adults (16 years and above) visited the coast on average 3.8 times each month. This
suggests there were over 12 million individual visitations to the coast with 2.2 million coastal activity
participants.
• In the last 12 months, males and females visited the coast equally, but females spent fewer hours per
visit. Swimming and wading was the most popular activity (49%), followed by kai gathering for food
(23%) and boating (16%).
• Nearly three in ten New Zealanders cannot swim or float in the ocean for more than a few minutes.
• Only 9% of New Zealand adults swam further than 50m in the ocean in 2021, while over one quarter
have never swum this distance in the ocean.
• New Zealand has a 44% higher ten-year average beach and coastal fatal drowning rate per capita
(per 100,000 pop.) than Australia.
• Males are fatally drowning more than females on our beaches and coastline. Of those who died from
drowning over the last ten years, males represent 87% and females 13%.
• Over the last ten years, Other Ethnicities had the highest fatal drowning rate per capita (2.49 per
100,000 pop.) of any ethnicity, followed by Pasifika (1.28 per 100,000 pop.) and Māori (1.15 per
100,000 pop.).
• Over the last ten years, there were 167 beach and coastal drowning fatalities during the three
summer months of December, January and February. This figure represents nearly half of the total
annual beach and coastal drowning fatalities recorded, highlighting the increased risk associated
with the busy summer season.
• Over the last ten years, adults over the age of 15 accounted for 95% of all drowning fatalities in the
beach and coastal environment. The 35-54 and 65+ age groups have the greatest number of fatal
drownings.
• Over the last ten years, 38% of beach and coastal fatal drownings occurred at a surf beach in New
Zealand. Rip currents are the greatest hazard at a surf beach.
• Over the last ten years, swimming/wading, boating, and falls (trips/slips) have been the highest risk
activities on the coast. Last year swimming/wading, snorkelling and boating were the highest risk
activities.
New Zealander’s love the coast. Sadly, in the last ten years, there
have been 357 beach and coastal fatal drownings in New Zealand.
Each one leaves families and communities devastated. Our drowning
toll is something every New Zealander should see as a national
tragedy and one we all have a responsibility to address.
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT
06

COMMUNITY
SECTION ONE
3.1M
2.2M
12M
NEW ZEALAND
ADULTS VISITED
THE COAST
COASTAL
ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
INDIVIDUAL
COASTAL
VISITATIONS
49%
SWIMMING/
WADING
23%
KAI
GATHERING
16%
BOATING

NEW ZEALAND POPULATION
VISITATION & PARTICIPATION BY REGION
Figure 1.1
New Zealand (NZ) Population Density per Statistical
Area (SA)
This heat map shows the estimated NZ population density
per SA area at June 2018 (Census 2018 – Stats NZ). The
majority of areas with a population density greater than 2.9
persons per square kilometre are located on NZ's extensive
coastline.
The National Coastal Safety Survey 2021 (NCSS2021)
collected data on coastal visitation, frequency and activity
participation for the regions presented in the map below.
SOUTH ISLAND
REST OF THE
SOUTH ISLAND
0.4M - VISITORS
5.4 - VISITS PER MONTH
2 - HOURS PER VISIT
0.3M - COASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
CANTERBURY
0.4M - VISITORS
2.3 - VISITS PER MONTH
1.8 - HOURS PER VISIT
0.3M - COASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
10

NORTH ISLAND
AUCKLAND
1M - VISITORS
4.6 - VISITS PER MONTH
2 - HOURS PER VISIT
0.8M - COASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
REST OF THE
NORTH ISLAND
1M - VISITORS
2.8 - VISITS PER MONTH
2.2 - HOURS PER VISIT
0.7M - COASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
WELLINGTON
0.4M - VISITORS
4.6 - VISITS PER MONTH
1.7 - HOURS PER VISIT
0.2M - COASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
Population density by Statistical Area
(Census 2018)
< 0.021 persons per km²
0.021 - 0.544 persons per km²
0.544 - 1.762 persons per km²
1.762 - 2.941 persons per km²
> 2.941 persons per km²
SECTION ONE
11
COMMUNITY

COASTAL VISITATION
NATIONAL VISITATION & PARTICIPATION
3.1M 3.8 2.0
HOURS/ 2.2M
NZ ADULTS VISITED
THE COAST
VISITS/MONTH
VISIT
COASTAL ACTIVITY
PARTICIPANTS
COASTAL PARTICIPATION SUMMARY
New Zealanders love the coast. To better understand how
the coast is used, the annual National Coastal Safety Survey
(NCSS) explores coastal participation, behaviours and
perceptions. Between May 2020 and April 2021, 3.1 million
New Zealand adults (16 years and above) visited the coast
on average 3.8 times each month. This suggests that there
were over 12 million individual visitations to the coast with
2.2 million coastal activity participants (Figure 1.2).
The OmniPoll National Coastal and Water Safety Survey in
New Zealand is conducted online among a national sample
of 1000 people aged 16 and over. In the OmniPoll annual
research, participation is asked for several coastal activities
and refers to the past 12 months. The OmniPoll research
has predominately a beach and coastal focus. For boating/
watercraft/ jet ski, this also include activities in bay, harbour,
estuary, off shore …but not in lake or river.
Figure 1.2
Coastal Participation By Activity And Gender
In the last 12 months, males and females visited the coast equally, but females spend less hours per visit. Swimming and
wading was the most popular activity (49%), followed by kai gathering for food (23%) and boating (16%).
SCUBA
1% DIVING
55%
SWIMMING/
WADING 49%
45%
JET SKI/
3% PWC
35%
25%
KAI
GATHERING 23%
15%
SURFIING
6%
5%
BOATING
16%
ROCK
6% FISHING
LAND-BASED
FISHING 10%
6% SNORKELLING
WATERCRAFT 7%
Net Occasional
Net Frequent
Net Occasional: people who occasionally participate in coastal activities (11 times per year to less than once a year.
Net Frequent: people who often participate in coastal activities (everyday to 3 times per month).
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
12

COVID-19 IMPACTS
CHANGES TO COASTAL VISITATION & PARTICIPATION
Figure 1.3
Did New Zealanders Visit The Coast More Or Less In The Last Year - Why & By Activity
Recent unprecedented challenges have anecdotally affected coastal participation trends. When asked if, how and why
coastal visitations had changed in the last year, 34% New Zealand adults have visited the coast less and 19% more often
than in previous years. For those who visited less, 38% attributed this change due to COVID-19 restrictions, while 16% of
those who visited more couldn’t travel overseas. Coastal activities also observed changes. For example, 35% of surfers
and 34% of PWC users went more often this summer, while 40% of water craft users went less than in previous years.
Understanding these changes is important to ensure coastal safety services remain relevant and able to support the
community.
No overseas travel,
can only travel in Australia
Place to relax or to exercise
Moved closer to
the coast/ relocated
Weather,hotter,
more sunny days
Because of lockdown,
to go out
Other
For the kids
16%
14%
13%
12%
10%
9%
7%
19%
5%
42%
About the same
as in previous
years
42%
38%
17%
9%
8%
8%
Covid/restrictions
Busy, lack of time,
less time than before
Other
Change in personal
circumstances
Bad weather/
cold weather
More free time
Because of Covid /
Covid restrictions (NFI)
New habit
7%
5%
4%
34%
8%
7%
Too crowded, to stay
away from people
Illness, health issues
Can't say
The only place to go these
days,no covid, no mask
For food gathering
3%
3%
2%
About the same as in
previous years
Less often than in
previous years
More often than in
previous years
Can’t say
6%
4%
Can't say
Cost, price
Working from home
0 5 10 15 20
2%
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
No one to go with
1%
2%
3%
27%
35%
30%
35%
33%
32%
Swimming/
Wading
Surfing
Boating
36%
32%
33%
3%
25%
33%
30% 30%
39%
29%
PWC
Other
Watercraft
Rock
Fishing
39%
40%
32%
1%
3%
5%
23%
31%
29%
34%
30%
52%
Land-Based
Fishing
24%
Snorkelling
Kai
Gathering
32%
37%
More often than in previous years Less often than in previous years Or about the same as in previous years Can’t say
SECTION ONE
13
COMMUNITY

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
PARTICIPATION BY GENDER, FREQUENCY & REGION
48%
MALE
52%
FEMALE
TOTAL 1.8M
59%
MALE
41%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.23M
60%
MALE
40%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.59M
0.6M
FREQUENT
SWIMMERS
1.2M
OCCASIONAL
SWIMMERS
0.12M
FREQUENT
SURFERS
0.11M
OCCASIONAL
SURFERS
0.16M
FREQUENT
BOATERS
0.42M
OCCASIONAL
BOATERS
66
HOURS/
YEAR
4
HOURS/
YEAR
157
HOURS/
YEAR
7
HOURS/
YEAR
159
HOURS/
YEAR
10
HOURS/
YEAR
54%
48%
8%
5%
19%
15%
51%
8%
18%
39%
6%
13%
49%
3%
10%
49%
Swimmers/Waders always
choose to swim between flags
when on a lifeguarded beach.
64%
Surfers avoid surfing under the
influence of alcohol/drugs.
61%
Boaters always, or most of the
time, fish while boating.
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
14

Coastal participation differs by activity, gender, frequency and region. These pages show the proportion of male and
female participants, the number of total, frequent and occasional participants, how many hours annually frequent vs.
occasional participants spend on an activity, and the percentage of the region population who participate in each activity.
Scuba diving not included due to small sample or no data
66%
MALE
34%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.22M
66%
MALE
34%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.37M
59%
MALE
41%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.85M
0.11M
FREQUENT
ROCK FISHERS
0.11M
OCCASIONAL
ROCK FISHERS
0.17M
FREQUENT
LAND-BASED
FISHERS
0.21M
OCCASIONAL
LAND-BASED
FISHERS
0.30M
FREQUENT
SURFERS
0.55M
OCCASIONAL
SURFERS
127
HOURS/
YEAR
9
HOURS/
YEAR
100
HOURS/
YEAR
8
HOURS/
YEAR
N/A
HOURS/
YEAR
N/A
HOURS/
YEAR
8%
5%
8%
9%
1%
1%
4%
17%
2%
7%
7%
2%
5%
13%
1%
23%
Rock fishers never wear a
lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
55%
Land-based fishers consider
land-based fishing not very
hazardous or not at all hazardous.
24%
Kai gatherers consider the
activity not very hazardous.
SECTION ONE
15
COMMUNITY

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
PARTICIPATION BY GENDER, FREQUENCY & REGION
61%
MALE
39%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.24M
56%
MALE
44%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.13M
56%
MALE
44%
FEMALE
TOTAL 0.22M
0.10M
FREQUENT
WATERCRAFT
USERS
0.14M
OCCASIONAL
WATERCRAFT
USERS
0.05M
FREQUENT
PWC USERS
0.08M
OCCASIONAL
PWC USERS
0.10M
FREQUENT
SNORKELLERS
0.13M
OCCASIONAL
SNORKELLERS
104
HOURS/
YEAR
6
HOURS/
YEAR
44
HOURS/
YEAR
6
HOURS/
YEAR
108
HOURS/
YEAR
4
HOURS/
YEAR
10%
4%
6%
2%
7%
7%
4%
2%
3%
8%
3%
9%
4%
3%
2%
88%
Watercraft users carry or use a
lifejacket or a buoyancy aid.
65%
Users never had any
Jet Ski training.
37%
Snorkellers have a dive plan
and an emergency plan.
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
16

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
PROFILES & PRACTICES
SWIMMERS/
WADERS
SURFERS
BOATERS
52%
35-69 years old
66%
16-34 years old
56%
35-70 years old
35%
Swim at unpatrolled locations
22%
Are beginners
85%
Use power boat
43%
Always look for rip currents
33%
Always surf with others
16%
Boat further than 2
nautical miles offshore
49%
Always swim between the flags
32%
Always check surf conditions
with a lifeguard or other
authoritative source
70%
Always wear a lifejacket
48%
Feel experienced enough
to take some risks
64%
Always avoid alcohol/drugs
when surfing
78%
Always carry safety equipment
ROCK
FISHERS
LAND-BASED
FISHERS
KAI
GATHERERS
65%
25-49 years old
55%
35-69 years old
71%
25-69 years old
23%
Never wear a lifejacket
or buoyancy aid
38%
Never wear a lifejacket or
buoyancy aid
39%
Gather from the beach
46%
Always avoid alcohol/drug
33%
Never carry EPIRB/phone
23%
Go at least once a year
26%
Consider rock fishing
not very hazardous
48%
Always wear appropriate
clothing/footwear
44%
Go to a beach
42%
Rock fishers feel experienced
enough to take some risk
53%
Consider it reasonable to
consume alcohol while fishing
24%
Consider activity not very
hazardous
WATERCRAFT
USERS
PWC
USERS
SNORKELLERS
64%
16-34 years old
69%
16-34 years old
52%
35-69 years old
29%
Always carry safety equipment
65%
Never had any jet ski training
56%
Choose location because it is
safe
67%
Use kayaks
67%
Always wear a lifejacket
44%
Always use safety equipment
63%
Choose locations they
consider safe
47%
Always carry safety equipment
47%
Feel experienced enough
to take some risks
60%
Always wear a lifejacket
46%
Are beginners
70%
Can swim 50m in ocean
without stopping
SECTION ONE
17
COMMUNITY

SWIMMING ABILITY
CONFIDENCE & ABILITY IN COASTAL WATERS
Figure 1.4
Unaided Swimming Ability In Coastal Waters
Nearly three in ten New Zealanders cannot swim or float in the ocean for more
than a few minutes.
Figure 1.5
The Last Time Participants Swam More
Than 50m In The Ocean
Only 9% of New Zealand adults swam
further than 50m in the ocean in 2021
while over one quarter have never swum
this distance in the ocean.
In 2021 9%
9%
7%
4%
26%
I can comfortably float and gently
swim for about 15 minutes
I can comfortably float for over 1
minute and swim a little distance
I can comfortably float and gently
swim for up to 30 minutes
Last year
2 to 5
years ago
11%
16%
10%
I cannot float or swim
I can comfortably float and gently
swim for up to 60 minutes
More than
5 years ago
30%
18%
24%
I can swim constantly for over one
hour and float as long as I wish
Can't say
Never
26%
Can't say
8%
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Figure 1.6
Ability To Swim 50m In The Ocean Without Touching The Bottom
Swimming ability is not always very high amongst New Zealand adults. Snorkellers (70%), followed by watercraft users (68%)
have the highest percentage of participants able to swim 50m in the ocean without touching the bottom.
70%
68%
59% 59% 59%
57% 57%
54%
51%
SNORKELLING
WATERCRAFT SURFING PWC ROCK
FISHING
BOATING
KAI
GATHERING
SWIMMING/
WADING
LAND-BASED
FISHING
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
18

COASTAL SAFETY
HAZARD PERCEPTION
Figure 1.7
Hazard Perception Of The Coast Vs.The Beach
Almost half (46%) of New Zealand adults believe the
beach (ocean, surf zone and adjacent sandy beach) is not
hazardous.
Figure 1.8
Proportion Who Consider The Coast To Be Very Or
Extremely Hazardous By Region
One in five (21%) of New Zealanders consider the coast to
be extremely or very hazardous, but this differs by region.
One in four participants from the rest of the South Island
consider the coast to be hazardous compared to one in five
in Auckland.
60
50
Coast
Beach
21%
22%
Percentage (%)
40
30
20
24%
10
0
Extremely
hazardous
Very
hazardous
Somewhat
hazardous
Not very
hazardous
Not at all
hazardous
Can’t
Say
18%
22%
Figure 1.9
Coastal Hazards & Activities Rated Extremely Or Very Hazardous
One in five (21%) New Zealanders consider the coast to be extremely or very hazardous. Rip currents remain the highest
rated coastal hazard by New Zealanders, while rock fishing is regarded the most hazardous coastal activity.
80
70
60
Hazard
Activity
Percentage (%)
50
40
30
20
10
0
Land-Based
Fishing
Wading
The Beach
Swimming
Snorkelling
Boating
Watercraft
The Rivers
Surfing
The Coast
Scuba
Diving
PWC
Marine
Stinger
Waves
Rock
Fishing
Sharkss
Rocks/
Rocky Platform
Sun
Exposure
Rip
Currents
SECTION ONE
19
COMMUNITY

COASTAL SAFETY
RISK TAKING
Figure 1.10
Participants Who Believe They Are Experienced Enough To Take Some Risks In Their Coastal Activity By Gender
Across all coastal activities, males continue to believe they are experienced enough to take some risks compared to females.
This is highlighted with a 20% difference in land-based fishing and 30% difference in other watercraft riders.
80
70
60
Male
Female
Percentage (%)
50
40
30
20
10
0
Swimming/
Wading
Surfing
Watercraft
Rock Fishing
Land-Based
Fishing
Boating
Snorkelling
PWC
Figure 1.11
Play Safe Index Vs. Risk Taking By Gender
The Play Safe Index has been developed to show how often activity participants follow safety practices. Here we compare
this against self-reported belief in whether they are experienced enough to take risk. This revealed a clear separation
between genders. Males were more likely to take risks and less likely to follow safety practices, while the opposite was true
for female participants.
60
Male
Female
65
70
PlaySafe Index (%)
75
80
85
90
95
20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
Participants experienced enough to take risks (%)
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
20

COASTAL SAFETY
COASTAL RESCUES
The role that bystander rescuers play in preventing
drowning incidents cannot be underestimated, often they
are the only form of assistance outside patrolled areas
or times. Exploring perceptions helps to understand
behaviours surrounding rescue incidents. A clear disparity
exists between the numbers of rescues from the perspective
of the rescuer or the rescuee, with fewer New Zealanders
considering themselves as rescuees.
9%
NZ ADULTS
HAVE RESCUED
SOMEONE
7%
NZ ADULTS
HAVE BEEN
RESCUED
Most rescuers were rescuing a stranger (52%), at a beach
(54%), in the afternoon (45%), and away from Surf Life
Saving services (70%). Bystander rescue events are often
highly emotive events and can also be fatal when the rescuer
gets in trouble themselves. Previous research has revealed a
major factor in these tragic situations is the lack of flotation
devices used or taken when enacting a rescue, here nearly
half reported not using any rescue or flotation equipment
(46%). These results support the call for further water safety
and rescue training to be made readily available, to build
our community of 'everyday' surf lifesavers.
70%
OCCURRED AWAY FROM
SLS/LIFEGUARDS
52%
WERE RESCUING
A STRANGER
54%
RESCUES OCCURRED
AT A BEACH
45%
OCCURRED
BETWEEN 12-4PM
Figure 1.12
Participants Who Have Been Rescued Or Rescued
Someone Else By Gender & Activity
Half (50%) of scuba divers have reported rescuing others
while diving, but only 8% report having been rescued
themselves.
Figure 1.13
Equipment Used By Rescuers
Nearly half of all rescues were conducted without the use of
any rescue or flotation equipment (46%).
Percentage (%)
50
40
30
20
10
0
Swimming/
Wading
Rescued
Rescuer
Surfing
Other
Watercraft
Rock
Fishing
Land-Based
Fishing
Activity
Boating
Snorkelling
Scuba
Diving*
PWC
*Small sample size
10%
11%
9%
6%
16%
3%
46%
Did Not Use
Flotation
Device
46%
None
Lifejacket
Rescue Tube
Board
Life Buoy
Other or Watercraft
Unknown
SECTION ONE
21
COMMUNITY

FEATURE: RIP CURRENTS AND THE 3R’S
A SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
RRip currents are known to have
contributed to 11% of drowning
deaths at beaches between 2011
and 2020 (provisional results). The
data suggested a strong relationship
between rip currents, beaches, and
swimming/wading incidents.
PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION OF THE RIP CURRENT HAZARD
Figure 1.14
Percentage Of People That Consider The Hazard Extremely Or Very
Hazardous
80
70
AWARENESS: RIPS ARE THE NUMBER
ONE COASTAL HAZARD
Three out of four NZ adults (76%)
consider rip currents to be extremely
or very dangerous. When asked what
the biggest concern was when visiting
the coast, 44% was extremely or
very concerned about being caught
unintentionally in a rip (Figure 1.15).
Percentage (%)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Rip
Currents
Sun
Exposure
Rocks/
Rocky Platform
Sharks
Waves
Figure 1.15
Percentage Of People That Are Extremely Or Very Concerned
50
Research
suggests the 3Rs
campaign is clear
and resonates with
the New Zealand
public. While we
have an effective
behaviour change
tool, campaign
exposure needs to
be greater, more
consistent and
communicated
in an authentic
manner to a
wider range of
communities.
Percentage (%)
40
30
20
10
0
The Water Quality
Being hit in the
water by a board
or watercraft
Being stung
by a jellyfish
Figure 1.16
People That Are Confident Identifying a Rip Current
43%
4%
53%
Not Confident
53%
Not Confident
Confident
Can’t Say
Being caught
unintentionally
in a rip
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
22

FEATURE: RIP CURRENTS AND THE 3R’S
A SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
However, only 39% could identify a rip correctly. From
those that were very confident they could identify a rip, only
half identified them correctly (50%). New Zealanders who
think they can spot rips, highly competent ocean swimmers
and those who have previously been caught in a rip are
most aware of this danger.
THE 3 R’S SAFETY MESSAGE
In February 2019, Surf Life Saving New Zealand introduced
the 3R’s Rip Survival Plan poster (Figure 1.16) to increase
awareness and knowledge on what to do if caught in
a rip. Rip currents are not always easy to identify, so the
message focused on what to do if the situation arises. The
3R’s message was composed of three simple and easy-toremember
steps that stated:
R – Relax & float to conserve energy
R – Raise your hand to signal for help
R – Ride the rip until it stops & you can swim back to shore
or help arrives
This year the National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS)
evaluated the impact and exposure of the poster as reported
by the NZ public for the first time.
Only 15% have recognised the 3R’s poster and 18% said
they have heard of the 3R’s message (Relax, Raise and Ride)
before. Interestingly, 27% of the 16-24 years old recognised
the poster, indicating that the younger people have been
more exposed to the poster compared to the average
percentage.
When asked whether the 3R’s poster conveys a clear and
informative message, 92% said the messages on the poster
are clear and easy to understand, and 90% feel better
informed on what to do if caught in a rip current. However,
when asked which options they would use if caught in a rip
current, 1 in 4 would not apply the 3R’s in full.
Nevertheless, the responses above demonstrate the
potential for the campaign to change behaviour with
adequate campaign exposure.
SUMMARY
The 3R’s campaign is clear and resonates with the NZ
population. The campaign has intrinsic value with clear
messaging that communicates it is possible to escape
rip currents and has the potential to change behaviour
(campaign below). However, the overall messaging over the
past few years was not visible enough and therefore did not
cut through or was diluted due to its lack of exposure. These
results show that we have an effective behaviour change tool
with potential to be expanded but suggest that campaign
exposure needs to be greater and more consistent to see
these changes reflected within the NZ community.
Figure 1.17
2021 National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) Question:
Thinking now about these different options to get out
of a rip. Which options would you personally use if you
were caught in a rip?
Rip Survival Plan
Percentage (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
to conserve your energy
your Hand
to signal for help
10
0
Relax, stay calm and float
Raise your hand to
signal for help
Ride the rip until it stops
and you can swim back
to shore or help arrives
the Rip
until it stops & you can
swim back to shore or
help arrives
3Rs Messages
SECTION ONE
23
COMMUNITY

CAPABILITY
SECTION TWO
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
&
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
STATISTICS | 2011-21
1,136,315
PREVENTATIVE
ACTIONS
11,364
RESCUES
7,866
ASSISTS
3,397
SEARCHES
INVOLVING
4,472,325
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
45
SEARCH & RESCUE
SQUADS
24,163
FIRST AID
TREATMENTS

CAPABILITY
Surf Life Saving New Zealand has provided a Surf
Lifeguard Service to the New Zealand public for 111 years.
The service consists of 74 volunteer Surf Life Saving Clubs
and Paid Surf Lifeguard Service. When combined, these
services patrol a total 80+ locations country-wide. During
2020-21 there were 4,621 qualified Surf Lifeguards, with
925 gaining their Surf Lifeguard Award during the season.
Beyond the red and yellow flags, Surf Life Saving New
Zealand provides surveillance at many remote beaches and
coastlines through a fleet of Inflatable Rescue Boats, Rescue
Water Craft, All-Terrain Vehicles and 4x4’s, and delivers an
invaluable Search and Rescue service, through a network of
Volunteer Search & Rescue Squads.
VOLUNTEER SURF LIFEGUARDS
Seasonal patrols are provided by 74 volunteer Surf Life
Saving Clubs, with patrols typically occurring between
Labour Weekend (October) and Easter (April). Over the past
few years, Surf Life Saving Clubs have been reviewing and
adapting season lengths and daily patrol timings to meet
the ever-changing demands of the communities they serve.
The recommended Surf Lifeguard service requirements are
evidence-based and derived from coastal risk assessments,
which have been tailored towards existing patrol locations
nationally. The coastal risk assessment also recommend
new patrol locations, based upon risk-adjusted water use
values for each site. Surf Life Saving New Zealand works
with Surf Life Saving Clubs, communities and stakeholders
to deliver services to areas with the greatest need.
Volunteer clubs use standardised equipment that includes
Rescue Tubes, Rescue Boards, Inflatable Rescue Boats and
Rescue Water Craft to perform rescues and preventative
actions that stop the public getting into dangerous situations.
The organisation also provides a number of surveillance
patrols to increase service coverage. All-Terrain Vehicles and
4x4 vehicles equipped with first aid and rescue equipment,
ensure coverage is extended across larger stretches of the
coastline and remote beaches. A number of Rescue Water
Craft provide rapid response to remote areas and rock
foreshores and participate in both surveillance and Search
and Rescue activities.
PAID SURF LIFEGUARD SERVICE
The Paid Surf Lifeguard Service is funded by Regional
Councils and Local Territorial Authorities. Patrols primarily
run on weekdays (Monday-Friday) through the summer
school holidays (December-February). An evidence-based
delivery model for the Paid Surf Lifeguard Service is also
being used to expand the service to meet community need.
In some areas, surveillance-based patrolling methods have
been used to extend patrolling hours into the evening.
An approach that has been effective for preventing Surf
Lifeguard fatigue. On-call based services have also been
successfully trialled in the Bay of Plenty, to extend patrols
in response to periods of prolonged settled weather and
dangerous swimming conditions, as well as providing
additional safety services to the public.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
SAR Squads are used to assist Search & Rescue agencies
or sometimes Maritime New Zealand, in NZ Police tasked
incidents. There are currently 45 active SAR Squads
nationally. In 2020-21 SAR Squads were involved in 91
Category One and 1 Category Two SAR Operations. As a
result of the operations, 78 people were rescued, of which
60 people's lives were saved, with a further 35 people
assisted to safety.
SAR Squads were also involved in retrieving 15 persons
who died returning them back to their whanau and loved
ones. Surf Lifeguards provided over 1,091 hours of volunteer
service as part of official SAR Operations.
SURF LIFEGUARD INTERVENTIONS 2011-21
The interventions performed whilst Surf Lifeguards have
been protecting our beaches in the last decade have saved
countless lives. The exact figure at present cannot be
quantified, however through these actions Surf Life Saving
New Zealand Volunteer Surf Lifeguards have likely saved
more than 11,364 lives.
Table 1
Surf Lifeguard Interventions 2011-21 (last 10yrs)
SURF LIFEGUARD
INTERVENTION
TOTALS
(2011-21)
Rescues / Lives Saved 11,364
Assists (new category since 2016/17) 7,866
Preventative Actions
People in Preventatives: 3,775,982
1,136,315
Searches 3,397
First Aid Treatments 24,163
TOTAL INTERVENTIONS 1,183,203
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
26

CAPABILITY
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
Figure 2.1
2020-21: Qualifications held by Surf Lifeguards.
There were a total of 4,621 proficient Surf Lifeguards in 2020-21, of which 925 were new recipients of the Surf Lifeguard
Award. SLSNZ Surf Lifeguards currently hold a total of 9,938 awards, with 2,796 first aid awards and 1,509 craft
qualifications (IRB and RWC).
PATROL
SUPPORT
171
ADVANCED
LIFEGUARD
AWARD
18
SENIOR
LIFEGUARD
AWARD
PATROL
CAPTAIN
81
FIRST AID
2,796
IRB
CREWSPERSONS
MODULE
501
SURF LIFEGUARD
AWARD
4,621
RADIO
OPERATOR
CERTIFICATE
309
ROCK
TRAINING &
RESCUE
MODULE
433
SENIOR
LIFEGUARD
AWARD
IRB DRIVER
932
RESCUE
WATER
CRAFT
OPERATORS
AWARD
76
Figure 2.2
2020-21: Patrolling Surf Lifeguards per Region
800
700
Male Lifeguards
Female Lifeguards
Lifeguards (n)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
NTL AUK WKO BOP GIS TKI MWT HKB WGN NSN MBH WTC CAN OTA STL
Region
SECTION TWO
27
CAPABILITY

SURF LIFE SAVING PATROL LOCATIONS
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
Figure 2.3
2020-21: Surf Life Saving Patrol Locations per Region
There are a total of 74 Surf Life Saving Clubs in New Zealand who provide voluntary patrols during varying season lengths
between Labour and Easter weekends.
46
Northland
6
13
Auckland
Bay of Plenty
10
288
8
Waikato
Gisborne
5
4
Taranaki
ND
Tasman
1
Nelson
Hawke’s Bay
5
Manawatu-Wanganui
5
Wellington
8
2
West Coast
Marlborough
1
Canterbury
10
1
Southland
Otago
5
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
28

SURF LIFEGUARD CAPABILITY
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
Figure 2.4
2020-21: Total Volunteer Surf Life Saving Patrols and Paid Surf Lifeguard Services per Region
There are a total of 74 Surf Life Saving Clubs in New Zealand which provide voluntary patrols, up to a maximum season
length between Labour and Easter weekends. The Paid Surf Lifeguard Service (Monday-Friday) provides 80 Surf Lifeguard
Patrols nationally.
15
12
Volunteer Surf Life Saving Patrols
Contract Surf Lifeguard Service
Patrols (n)
9
6
3
0
NTL AUK WKO BOP GIS TKI MWT HKB WGN NSN MBH WTC CAN OTA STL
Region
Figure 2.5
2020-21: Equipment Used in a Rescue
Figure 2.6
2020-21: Patrolling Surf Lifeguards
1%
5%
19%
33%
42%
IRB
42%
IRB
Rescue Tube
Rescue Board
RWC
No Gear
55%
MALE
45%
FEMALE
SECTION TWO
29
CAPABILITY

RESCUES PER REGION
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
“Rescue - Where a person requires immediate help to return to shore (or place of safety)
and who without intervention would have suffered distress, injury or drowning.”
Figure 2.7
2020-21: Rescues per Region
Northland 28
2020-21
513
RESCUES
110 Auckland
142 Waikato
Bay of Plenty
38
Gisborne
8
14
Taranaki
Hawke’s Bay
15
Tasman
ND 5
Nelson
Manawatu-Wanganui
14
Wellington
8
0
West Coast
Marlborough
3
Key to Rescues per Region
1 - 43 Rescues
Canterbury 88
43 - 86 Rescues
86 - 130 Rescues
130 - 173 Rescues
0
Southland
Otago 40
ND
173 - 216 Rescues
No Data
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
30

ASSISTS PER REGION
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
“Assist - Where a person requires assistance to return to shore but would most likely be
able to get themselves out of danger if unaided.”
Figure 2.8
2020-21: People Assisted to Safety per Region
Northland 70
2020-21
1,142
ASSISTS
211 Auckland
252 Waikato
Bay of Plenty 151
Gisborne 37
59
Taranaki
Hawke’s Bay
42
Tasman
ND 25
Nelson
Manawatu-Wanganui
39
Wellington 23
11
West Coast
Marlborough
1
Key to Assists per Region
1 - 34 Assists
Canterbury
173
34 - 69 Assists
69 - 103 Assists
103 - 138 Assists
4
Southland
Otago 44
ND
138 - 172 Assists
No Data
SECTION TWO
31
CAPABILITY

MAJOR FIRST AID INCIDENTS PER REGION
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
“Major First Aid - Any incident where a patient is administered some form of advanced
medical treatment, or requires hospitalization.”
Figure 2.9
2020-21: Major First Aid Incidents per Region
Northland 31
89
Auckland
Bay of Plenty
49
2020-21
313
MAJOR
FIRST AID
INCIDENTS
Tasman
77 Waikato
5 Taranaki
ND 1
Nelson
Gisborne
Hawke’s Bay 5
Manawatu-Wanganui 10
Wellington 14
6
0
West Coast
Marlborough
0
Key to Major First Aid Treatments
per Region
1 - 10 Treatments
Canterbury
16
10 - 21 Treatments
21 - 31 Treatments
31 - 42 Treatments
0
Southland
Otago 10
ND
42 - 52 Treatments
No Data
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
32

MINOR FIRST AID INCIDENTS PER REGION
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
“Minor First Aid - Where a patient is administered some form of
minor medical treatment.”
Figure 2.10
2020-21: Minor First Aid Incidents per Region
Northland
108
457
Auckland
Bay of Plenty
345
2020-21
1,873
MINOR
FIRST AID
INCIDENTS
Tasman
480 Waikato
39 Taranaki
ND 7
Nelson
Gisborne 46
Hawke’s Bay 36
Manawatu-Wanganui 27
Wellington 85
5
West Coast
Marlborough
17
Key to Minor First Aid Treatments
per Region
0 - 69 Treatments
Canterbury
180
69 - 138 Treatments
138 - 207 Treatments
207 - 276 Treatments
0
Southland
Otago
41
ND
276 - 345 Treatments
No Data
SECTION TWO
33
CAPABILITY

SEARCHES PER REGION
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
“Search - Any organised search for a missing person or group either at sea or on land.
Searches include body recoveries.”
Figure 2.11
2020-21: Patrol Searches per Region
Northland 25
2020-21
355
SEARCHES
99 Auckland
78 Waikato
7 Taranaki
Bay of Plenty
54
Gisborne 12
Hawke’s Bay
10
Tasman
ND 5
Nelson
Manawatu-Wanganui
7
Wellington
2
4
West Coast
Marlborough
2
Canterbury
33
Key to Searches per Region
1 - 12 Searches
12 - 24 Searches
24 - 37 Searches
37 - 49 Searches
1
Southland
Otago 16
ND
49 - 61 Searches
No Data
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
34

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS PER REGION
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
“Preventative Action - Direct action taken to reduce or eliminate the probability of a
specific rescue, first aid or other reportable incident occuring.”
Figure 2.12
2020-21: Preventative Actions per Region
Northland
3,991
17,704
Auckland
Bay of Plenty
17,833
2020-21
111,861
PREVENTATIVE
ACTIONS
14,893 Waikato
11,861 Taranaki
11 Nelson
ND Tasman
Gisborne 1,478
Hawke’s Bay 4,912
Manawatu-Wanganui 9,478
Wellington
6,076
27
West Coast
Marlborough
329
Key to Preventative Actions per Region
1 - 3,522 Actions
Canterbury
18,573
3,522 - 7,038 Actions
7,038 - 10,553 Actions
10,553 - 14,069 Actions
33
Southland
Otago 4,562
ND
14,069 - 17,585 Actions
No Data
SECTION TWO
35
CAPABILITY

INCIDENT ANALYSIS
SECTION THREE
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS | 2011-21
21,575
6-15
21-30
INCIDENTS
DURING
2011-21
YEAR-OLDS
BOTH
GENDERS
YEAR-OLD
MALES
31%
SWIMMING/
WADING
59%
MALE
41%
FEMALE

INCIDENT ANALYSIS
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
“Incident - Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving services intervention.”
TOTAL INCIDENTS
21,575
IN 10 YEARS
AVERAGE INCIDENTS
2,157
PER YEAR
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
6-15 21-30
YEAR-OLD SWIMMERS YEAR-OLD MALE SWIMMERS
59%
MALE
41%
FEMALE
Figure 3.1
2011-21: Incidents By Activity
Total number of incidents reported
n=21,575; total number of activities
reported in incidents n=9,864.
2% 1%
Figure 3.2
2011-21: Actions Performed by
Lifeguards at Time of Incident
More than one type of response is usually
necessary at time of incident.
Figure 3.3
2011-21: Incidents by Status
Total number of incidents reported
n=21,575; total number of status level
allocated to incidents n=7,009.
2% 1%
17%
7%
5%
20%
20%
31%
Swimming/
Wading
26%
31%
17%
24%
28%
Major
First Aid
24%
28%
19%
73%
S4 - Stable
(Unlikely to Change)
73%
Swimming/Wading
Surfing
Walking
Other
Boating
Watercraft
Land-Based Fishing
Major First Aid
Minor First Aid
Rescues
Assists
Searches
S4 - Stable (Unlikely to change)
S3 - Stable (Possibility of worsening)
S2 - Unstable
S0 - Patient Deceased
S1 - Life Threatening
Figure 3.4
Comparison Between the 2011-21 10-year Average and 2020-21 Count for Actions Performed During Incident.
RESCUES
2011-21
(average)
2020-21
(count)
MAJOR FIRST AID REATMENTS
2011-21
(average)
2020-21
(count)
SEARCHES
2011-21
(average)
2020-21
(count)
1,136
513
1,312 313
350 355
ASSISTS
2011-21
(average)
2020-21
(count)
MINOR FIRST AID TREATMENTS
2011-21
(average)
2020-21
(count)
PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS
2011-21
(average)
2020-21
(count)
1,311 1,142
1,841 1,873
1113,632 111,861
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT
38

Figure 3.5
2011-21: Incidents by Age and Gender
Total number of patients recorded n=21,779.
Figure 3.6
2011-21: Incidents by Ethnicity and Gender
Total number of patients recorded n=21,779.
Number of People
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
Number of Incidents
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
0
Unknown

RESCUES AND ASSISTS
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
TOTAL INCIDENTS
19,230
IN 10 YEARS
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
21-30
YEAR OLD MALES
AVERAGE INCIDENTS
1,923
PER YEAR
SWIMMING/WADING
62%
MALE
38%
FEMALE
Figure 3.11
2011-21: Equipment Used at Time of Rescue/Assist
More than one type of equipment may be necessary at time
of rescue/assist.
Figure 3.12
2011-21: Activity at Time of Rescue/Assist
Total number of rescues/assists reported n=19,230; total number of
activities reported in rescues/assists n=4,949.
Category ‘other’ includes beach activities other than walking/running,
activities not done at the beach, SLS training/competition and other water
activities such as diving and jet-ski.
2% 1%
5% 3% IRB
5%
5%
12%
37%
43%
IRB
43%
Rescue Tube
Rescue Board
No Equipment
RWC
8%
24%
55%
Swimming/
Wading
55%
Swimming/Wading
Surfing
Boating
Watercraft
Other
Land-Based Fishing
Walking
Figure 3.13
2011-21: Rescues/Assists by Age and Gender (n=9,950)
Figure 3.14
2011-21: Rescues/Assists by Ethnicity and Gender (n=9,950)
Number of People
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
Number of People
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
0
Unknown

FIRST AID TREATMENTS
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
TOTAL INCIDENTS
24,163
IN 10 YEARS
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
6-15
YEAR OLDS
AVERAGE INCIDENTS
2,416
PER YEAR
SWIMMING/WADING
54%
MALE
46%
FEMALE
Figure 3.15
2011-21: First Aid Treatments by Major and Minor
(n=24,163)
Figure 3.16
2011-21: Activity at Time of Injury (n=2,478).
Total number of major first aid reported n=13,120; total number of
activities reported in major first aid n=2,478.
Activities are only reported for major first aid. Category ‘other’ includes
beach activities, on-land activities not done at the beach and other water
activities such as water craft, diving and jet-ski.
2%
6%
11%
46%
54%
Major
First Aid
54%
Major First Aid
Minor First Aid
18%
37%
Swimming/
Wading
37%
Swimming/Wading
Surfing
Other
SLS Training/
Competing/Patrol
Boating
Land-Based Fishing
26%
Figure 3.17
2011-21: Major First Aid by Age and Gender (n=10,534).
Figure 3.18
2011-21: Major First Aid by Ethnicity and Gender (n=10,534).
Number of Patients
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
Number of Patients
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
0
Unknown

SEARCHES
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
TOTAL INCIDENTS
3,397
IN 10 YEARS
AVERAGE INCIDENTS
340
PER YEAR
74%
MALE
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
6-10 21-30
YEAR OLD MALES YEAR OLD MALES
WALKING AND SWIMMING/WADING
26%
FEMALE
Figure 3.19
2011-21: Category-1 Police Tasked vs. SLSNZ Callout
Operations
In the last ten years, only 17% of SAR callouts involving
SLSNZ were tasked by the Police (Category-1).
Figure 3.20
2011-21: Searches by Activity (n=1,132)
Total number of searches reported n=3,397; total number
of activities reported in searches n=1,132.
Category ‘other’ includes beach activities other than walking/running,
activities not done at the beach, SLS training/competition and other water
activities such as diving and jet-ski.
17%
9%
12%
27%
83%
SLSNZ
Tasked
83%
SLSNZ Tasked
Police Tasked Cat1
13%
16%
27%
Walking
23%
Walking
Swimming/Wading
Other
Surfing
Boating
Land-Based Fishing
Figure 3.21
2011-21: Searches by Age and Gender (n=3,397)
Figure 3.22
2011-21: Searches by Ethnicity and Gender (n=3,397)
Number of People
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
Number of People
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Unknown Gender
Female
Male
0
Unknown

Countless lives have been
saved by the vast numbers
of rescues, assists, searches,
preventative actions conducted by
our Surf Lifesaving Service every
year, not to mention the thousands
of first aid treatments administered
to those in need. Without these
actions, we would see many
more lives lost from preventable
drownings in our oceans.
SECTION THREE
43
INCIDENT ANALYSIS

SEARCH AND RESCUE
ANALYSIS
SECTION FOUR
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
The Search and Rescue (SAR) analysis presented here refers to operations involving
SLSNZ SAR squads, including those tasked by the Police (Category-1 SAR).
587
CAT 1 SAR
OPERATIONS
2810
SLSNZ SAR
CALLOUTS
405
PEOPLE
RESCUED
344
PEOPLE ASSISTED
TO SAFETY
346
LIVES
SAVED
101
BODIES
RETRIEVED

SEARCH AND RESCUE ANALYSIS
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
SLSNZ data shows that COVID-19 has had an impact
on the outdoor activities across New Zealand’s coastal
environment, where a decrease in aquatic activity over the
last two seasons has been observed. However, the overall
SAR operations is trending upwards (Figure 4.1). More lives
are being saved and more people rescued than ever before.
The past 10 years have also seen an increase in lives
lost in the coastal environment. More people are finding
themselves in life-threatening situations and losing their
lives. SAR squads have been busier than ever searching and
retrieving bodies, returning them to their whanau and loved
ones.
Figure 4.1
2011-21: SLSNZ SAR Operations
SAR Responses (n)
100
80
60
40
20
Lives Saved
People Rescued
People Assisted
Tasking Numbers Captured
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
Year
Figure 4.2
2011-21: Number of Bodies Recovered During SLSNZ SAR Operations
25
Number of Bodies (n)
20
15
10
5
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
Year
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
46

Outside the Category-1 taskings generated by NZ Police,
SLSNZ assets often respond to emergencies along their
coastline within reach of their asset base or club.
With the nature of a marine emergency and the importance
of responding within a tiny time window, SLSNZ SAR squads
will activate a response to ready personnel and equipment,
often without all the operational intelligence. The response
is often successfully executed before all the operational
information and formal police activation through a 111 call
is made.
These types of activations would otherwise lead to an
escalating situation if an immediate response were not
activated, potentially leading to fatalities if the SLSNZ SAR
response were paused until all specific information gathered
was complete.
Since 2014 SLSNZ has actively encouraged its rescue
squads to phone the Police to log a rescue that is underway
(outside normal patrolling operations) and record a tasking
number. Although this practice has increased the tasking's
captured (Figure 4.3), the number of SLSNZ instigated
emergency search and rescue responses continues to grow
faster than the police Category-1 tasking numbers.
SLSNZ Callouts are therefore not being formally recognised
in the sector reports, resulting in critical underreporting. The
disparity may result in an inequitable allocation of resource
development, training requirements, maintenance costings
and effect long term planning considerations from local
and central government.
Figure 4.3
2011-21: Cat-1 Police Tasked Vs. SLSNZ Callout Operations
500
Number of SAR Callouts
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
SLSNZ Tasked Response
Cat 1 Police Tasked Response
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
Year
SECTION FOUR
47
SEARCH AND RESCUE ANALYSIS

FATA L D R O W N I N G
ANALYSIS
SECTION FIVE
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
357 87%
MALE
BEACH &
COASTAL FATAL
DROWNINGS
13%
FEMALE
LOCATION
38%
SURF BEACH
17%
0-1KM
OFFSHORE
13%
HARBOUR
ACTIVITY
22%
SWIMMING/WADING
18%
BOATING
16%
FALLS

NATIONAL OVERVIEW
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
Each fatal drowning is a tragedy in its own right; it affects
not only the close family and friends but the wider community.
The research presented here aims to report and categorise
fatal drownings, to better inform strategic decision making
for preventative educational programmes and community
engagement initiatives. The following section focuses on
fatal drownings that have occurred in beach and coastal
environments from 2011-21.
There were 357 fatal drownings from 2011-21. Auckland
region has the highest number of fatal drownings (n=93),
followed by Northland (n=58) and Waikato (n=41). Surf
beaches were the most dangerous environment with 134
drowning fatalities, followed by 0-1 km from shore (n=59)
and within harbours (n=48). The majority of beach and
coastal fatal drownings occurred while swimming/wading
(n=77) followed by boating (n=64) and falls (n=56).
Figure 5.1
2011-21: Total Number of New Zealand Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings per Year from 2011-21 (n=357); and
Comparison of New Zealand vs Australian Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates per 100,000 pop.
Fatal Drownings (n)
60
50
40
30
20
10
Fatal Drownings
NZ Fatal Drowning Rate
AUS Fatal Drowning Rate
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
0
2011-12
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Year
0.0
The New Zealand 2020-21 fatal drowning rate (0.49 per
100,000 pop.) is less than the Australian 2020-21 fatal
drowning rate (0.53 per 100,000 pop.). However, the New
Zealand ten-year average fatal drowning rate (0.76 per
100,000 pop.) is 43% greater than the Australian ten-year
average (0.49 per 100,000 pop.).
The New Zealand 10-year
average beach and coastal fatal
drowning rate is 43% higher than
the Australian 10-year average,
and is on the increase.
Figure 5.2
2011-16 and 2016-21 Five-year Average Beach and
Coastal Fatal Drownings and Average Fatal Drowning
Rate per 100,000 pop.
2011-16
AVERAGE
DROWNING RATE
0.77
PER 100,000 POPULATION
2016-21
AVERAGE
DROWNING RATE
0.76
PER 100,000 POPULATION
When comparing the first half of the decade (2011-2016)
to the later (2016-2021), there has been an increase from
35 (2011-2116) fatal drownings on average per year to 37
per year (2016-21). The five-year average fatal drowning
rate has decreased from 0.77 in the first half of the decade
to 0.76 per 100,000 pop. in the later half.
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS
33
PER YEAR
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS
37
PER YEAR
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
50

NATIONAL OVERVIEW
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
Figure 5.3
2011-21: Regional Comparison of Total Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
pop. (n=357)
During 2011-21 there were 357 fatal drownings in the beach and coastal environments. Auckland (n=93) experienced the
highest fatal drowning number per region, followed by Northland (n=58) and Waikato (n=41). Northland has the highest
average fatal drowning rate per region (3.30 per 100,000 pop.), followed by the West Coast (2.13 per 100,000 pop.), and
then Gisborne (2.06 per 100,000 pop.).
Fatal Drownings (n)
100
80
65
40
20
Fatal Drownings
Average Fatal Drowning Rate
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
0
AUK
NTL
WKO
BOP
WGT
HKB
CAN
OTA
STL
Region
GIS
TKI
WTC
MWT
TAS
MBH
NSN
0.0
Figure 5.4
2011-21: Age Groups and Gender Represented in
Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings (n=357).
Age groups 15 years and above account for 95% (n=339)
of all beach and coastal fatal drownings during 2011-21.
Males account for 87% (n=312) of all drowning fatalities,
whereas females account for 13% (n=45). The fatal
drowning rate for males is greater than females across all
age groups.
Fatal Drownings (n)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Male
Female
87%
More males are fatally
drowning than females
87%
MALE
MALE
13%
87%
FEMALE
FEMALE
0
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 MALE 65+
Age
More adults are fatally 13%
13%
drowning than children FEMALE
SECTION FIVE
51
FATAL DROWNING ANALYSIS / 10 YEAR OVERVIEW

NATIONAL OVERVIEW
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
Figure 5.5
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21: Total Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings by Ethnicity.
From 2011-21, NZ Europeans (n=12) had the greatest average number of total fatal drownings per year, followed by Maori
(n=9), Asian (n=5) and Pasifika (n=5). In 2020-21, the annual fatal drowning toll for all ethnicities was less than the ten-year
average.
15
Average Fatal Drownings per Year (2011-21)
Total Fatal Drownings (2020-21)
Fatal Drownings (n)
12
9
6
3
0
NZ EUROPEAN MAORI
ASIAN PASIFIKA OTHER* UNKNOWN
Ethnicity
(*represents all other ethnicities)
Figure 5.6
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21: Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by
Ethnicity (n=357).
From 2011-21, Other Ethnicities recorded the highest average fatal drowning rate (2.49 per 100,000 pop.), followed by
Pasifika (1.28 per 100,000 pop.) and Maori (1.15 per 100,000 pop.).
During 2020-21 Other Ethnicities represented the highest fatal drowning rate (2.34 per 100,000 pop.), followed by Maori
(1.03 per 100,000 pop.) and Asian (0.57 per 100,000 pop.).
The 2020-21 fatal drowning rates for each ethnicity was less than their respective ten-year average.
Rate (per 100,000 pop.)
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
Fatal Drowning Rate (2011-21)
Fatal Drowning Rate (2020-21)
0
NZ EUROPEAN MAORI ASIAN PASIFIKA OTHER*
Ethnicity
(*represents all other ethnicities)
From 2011-21, Other Ethnicities recorded the highest fatal drowning
rate (2.49 per 100,000 pop.) across all ethnicities
52
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

NATIONAL OVERVIEW
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
Figure 5.7
2011-21: Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings by Month (n=357).
The highest number of beach and coastal fatal drownings occurred in January (n=63), followed by February (n=53) and
December (n=51). From 2011-21, 45% of all fatal drownings occurred during the summer months (Dec – Feb).
80
70
Fatal Drownings
Summer Season
Fatal Drownings (n)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Year
Figure 5.8
Comparison Between the 2011-21 Ten Year Average (n=357) and 2020-21 Count (n=25) for Beach and Coastal
Fatal Drownings by Activity.
The activities listed below represent the top eight causes of fatal drowning within the beach and coastal environment between
2011-21. In 2020-21, snorkelling was the only activity where the number of drowning fatalities was above the ten–year
average. Swimming / wading, boating, falls, watercraft, land-based fishing, net/shell fishing and attempting a rescue activities
were below the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
FALL
BOATING
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
8
2011-21
6
2011-21
6
2011-21
3
2020-21
7
2020-21
1
2020-21
4
2020-21
2
SNORKELLING
2011-21
4
LAND-BASED FISHING
2011-21
3
NET / SHELL FISHING
2011-21
2
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2011-21
2
2020-21
5
2020-21
2
2020-21
1
2020-21
1
SECTION FIVE
53
FATAL DROWNING ANALYSIS / 10 YEAR OVERVIEW

Figure 5.9
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
Fatal Drownings Per Region
South Island
5
Tasman
0
Nelson
7
West Coast
Marlborough
4
Canterbury
14
12
Southland
Otago
13
54
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

Northland
58
North Island
93
288
Auckland
Bay of Plenty
34
41
Waikato
Gisborne
10
7
Taranaki
Hawke’s Bay
20
Manawatu-Wanganui
5
Wellington
34
4
A TOTAL OF
357
BEACH AND
COASTAL FATAL
DROWNINGS
SECTION FIVE
55
FATAL DROWNING ANALYSIS / 10 YEAR OVERVIEW

FATA L D R O W N I N G
ANALYSIS
SECTION SIX
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
25
80%
MALE
BEACH &
COASTAL FATAL
DROWNINGS
20%
FEMALE
LOCATION
36%
SURF BEACH
17%
HARBOUR
12%
ROCKY
FORESHORE
ACTIVITY
28%
SWIMMING/WADING
20%
SNORKELLING
16%
BOATING

NATIONAL OVERVIEW
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
In 2020-21 there were 25 fatal drownings at beach and coastal environments. Auckland had the highest
fatalities per region (n=6), followed by Northland (n=4) and Bay of Plenty (n=4).
The majority of drowning fatalities occurred while swimming/wading (n=7), followed by snorkelling (n=5)
and boating (n=4).
Surf beaches proved to be the most dangerous environment for drowning fatalities (n=9), followed by
harbour (n=4), rocky foreshore (n=3), 0-1 km offshore (n=3) and river / harbour bar (n=3).
Figure 6.1
2020-21: Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings per Region (n=25).
25
80%
MALE
20%
BEACH &
COASTAL FATAL
DROWNINGS
6FEMALE
Auckland
Northland
4
Bay of Plenty
4
LOCATION
36%
SURF BEACH
17%
HARBOUR
0
Waikato
ROCKY 0
FORESHORE Taranaki
Tasman
288
2
12%
0 Nelson
Gisborne 2
Hawke’s Bay 1
ACTIVITY
Manawatu-Wanganui
0
Wellington
3
0
West Coast
Marlborough
0
28%
SWIMMING/WADING
20%
SNORKELLING
16%
BOATING
Canterbury
1
0
Southland
Otago
2
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
58

NATIONAL OVERVIEW
1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2019-20
Figure 6.2
2020-21: Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings by Age
and Gender (n=25).
The highest number of fatal drownings occurred in the
65+ year age group (28%, n=7), followed by 45-54 (20%,
n=5), 55-64 (16%, n=4) and 15-24 (16%, n=4) age groups.
Across all age groups males accounted for 80% (n=20) of
fatal drownings, whereas females accounted for 20% (n=5).
Figure 6.4
2020-21: Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings by Month
(n=25).
The greatest number of fatal drownings occurred in
November (24%, n=6), followed by December (16%, n=4)
and February (16%, n=4). The summer months (Dec –
Feb) accounted for the majority (40%, n=10) of all fatal
drownings. With the exception of October, November and
April, the number of fatal drownings per month during
2020-21 were below the 10 year average.
Fatal Drownings (n)
12
10
8
6
4
2
Male
Female
Fatal Drownings (n)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Fatal Drownings (2020-21)
Average Fatal Drownings (2011-21)
0
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Age Groups
0
JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Month
Figure 6.3
2020-21: Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings by
Activity (n=25).
The majority of fatal drownings occurred while swimming/
wading (n=7), followed by snorkelling (n=5) and boating
(n=4).
Figure 6.5
2020-21: Beach and Coastal Fatal Drownings by
Location (n=25).
The majority of fatal drownings occurred at surf beaches
(n=9), in harbours (n=4), adjacent to rocky foreshores (n=3),
0-1 km offshore (n=3) and river / harbour bars (n=3).
4%
8%
4%
8%
28%
8%
8%
28%
Swimming/
Wading
20%
12%
12%
36%
Surf
Beach
36%
16%
12%
16%
Swimming/Wading
Snorkelling
Boating
Attempting a Rescue
4% 4% Surf Beach
Land-Based Fishing
Watercraft
Fall
Net/Shell Fishing
Scuba Diving
Harbour
Rocky Foreshore
0-1km off Shore
River/Harbour Bar
Estuary
Calm Water Beach
SECTION SIX
59
FATAL DROWNING ANALYSIS / 1 YEAR OVERVIEW

REGIONAL OVERVIEWS
SECTION SEVEN
NZ Regions
Northland
Auckland
Bay of Plenty
Waikato
Gisborne
Taranaki
Hawke’s Bay
Tasman
Nelson
Manawatu-Wanganui
Wellington
Marlborough
West Coast
Canterbury
Southland
Otago
Please note: latitude and longitude coordinates were not available for all fatalities.

NORTHLAND / TE TAI TOKERAU
Figure 7.1
2011-21: Northland Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
population (n=58).
During 2020-21, there were four beach and coastal
drowning fatalities within the Northland Region, which is less
than the ten-year average of six per year. The 2020-21 fatal
drowning rate (2.06 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the
ten-year average (3.30 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.2
2011-21: Northland Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=58).
Within the Northland Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred while
swimming/wading (n=13), followed by using watercraft
(n=11) and net/shell fishing (n=10).
Fatal Drownings (n)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
Fatal Drowning Rate
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
5%
7%
9%
12%
5% 3% 17%
24%
Swimming/
Wading
24%
17%
Swimming/Wading
Watercraft
Net/Shell Fishing
Boating
Snorkelling
Falls
Attempting a Rescue
Scuba Diving
Land-Based Fishing
Figure 7.3
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Northland Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Northland Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for all activities was less than their
respective ten-year averages.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.81
2020-21
0.51
2011-21
0.28
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.51
BOATING
2011-21
0.22
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.12
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.38
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.66
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.56
2020-21
0.51
2011-21
0.17
2020-21
0.00
62
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
4 2.06
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
PER 100,000 POPULATION
25%
25%
58
25
River/
Harbour Bar
25%
0-1 km
from shore
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
25%
25%
Surf Beach
25%
Harbour
25%
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 58
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
6
PER YEAR
AVERAGE FATALITY
3.30
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0-1 Km from Shore
Harbour
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
Surf Beach
River/Harbour Bar
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
YEAR OLD MALES
SWIMMERS/WADERS
81%
MALE
19%
FEMALE
15+ 15+
YEAR OLD MALES
NET/SHELL FISHING
25%
25%
25
Watercraft
25%
Swimming/
Wading
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling
25%
Scuba Diving
25%
Snorkelling
25%
25%
Swimming/Wading
Watercraft

AUCKLAND / TAMAKI-MAKAU-RAU
Figure 7.4
2011-21: Auckland Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
population (n=93).
During 2020-21, there were six beach and coastal drowning
fatalities within the Auckland Region, which is less than
the ten-year average of ten per year. The 2020-21 fatal
drowning rate (0.35 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the
ten-year average (0.59 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.5
2011-21: Auckland Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=93).
Within the Auckland Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred while
boating (n=26), followed by swimming/wading (n=23) and
falls (n=17).
2%
1%
Fatal Drownings (n)
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
9%
9%
18%
3%
3%
28%
Boating
25%
28%
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Falls
Land-Based Fishing
Watercraft
Attempting a Rescue
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Diving/Jumping
Net/Shell Fishing
Unknown
Figure 7.6
CComparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Auckland Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Auckland Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, falls, boating,
snorkelling, net/shell fishing and attempting a rescue activities were less than their respective ten-year averages. However,
the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates for watercraft, snorkelling and land-based fishing activities were higher.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.15
2020-21
0.12
2011-21
0.02
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.06
BOATING
2011-21
0.11
2020-21
0.06
2011-21
0.05
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.06
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.17
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.01
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.05
2020-21
0.06
2011-21
0.02
2020-21
0.00
64
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
13 0.77
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
PER 100,000 POPULATION
17%
33%
93
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 93
17%
17%
33%
Rocky
Foreshore
17%
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
10
PER YEAR
AVERAGE FATALITY
0.59
PER 100,000 POPULATION
Rocky Foreshore Calm Water Beaach Surf Beach
0-1km from shore Harbour
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
90%
MALE
10%
FEMALE
17%
17%
33%
Swimming/
Wading
33%
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15+ 25+
YEAR OLD MALES
SWIMMING/WADING
YEAR OLD MALES
BOATING
17%
Swimming/Wading
Falls
Land-Based Fishing
17%
Snorkelling
Watercraft

WAIKATO
Figure 7.7
2011-21: Waikato Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=41).
During 2020-21, there were two beach and coastal
drowning fatalities within the Waikato Region, which equals
the ten-year average of four per year. The 2020-21 fatal
drowning rate (0.40 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the
ten-year average (0.91 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.8
2011-21: Waikato Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=41).
Within the Waikato Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred while
swimming/wading (n=10), followed by land-based fishing
(n=9) and falls (n=5).
2%
Fatal Drownings (n)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
5%
5%
10%
10%
5%
24%
Swimming/
Wading
12%
24%
22%
Swimming/Wading
Land-Based Fishing
Falls
Boating
Net/Shell Fishing
Attempting a Rescue
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling
Diving/Jumping
Watercraft
Unknown
Figure 7.9
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Waikato Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Waikato Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, falls, boating,
watercraft, snorkelling and net/shell fishing and were less than their respective ten-year averages. However, the 2020-21
fatal drowning rate for attempting a rescue was greater than the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.22
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.05
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.11
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.20
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.20
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.09
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.12
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.02
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.04
2020-21
0.20
66
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
41
2 0.40
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
50% 50% 50%
Rocky Surf Beach
Foreshore
50%
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 41
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
4
PER YEAR
90%
MALE
10%
FEMALE
AVERAGE FATALITY
0.91
PER 100,000 POPULATION
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15-44 35-44
YEAR OLD MALES YEAR OLD MALES
SWIMMING/WADING LAND BASED FISHING
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
50%
Surf Beach
50%
Land-Based
Fishing
Attempting a Rescue
Rocky Foreshore
50%
Attempting a
Rescue
50%
Land-Based Fishing

BAY OF PLENTY / TE MOANA-A-TOI
Figure 7.10
2011-21: Bay of Plenty Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=34).
During 2020-21, there were four beach and coastal
drowning fatalities within the Bay of Plenty Region, which
is greater than the ten-year average of three per year. The
2020-21 fatal drowning rate (1.19 per 100,000 pop.) was
greater than the ten-year average (1.14 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.11
2011-21: Bay of Plenty Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=34).
Within the Bay of Plenty Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities were swimming/
wading (n=7), followed by boating (n=6) and falls (n=6).
Fatal Drownings (n)
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
9%
9%
9%
12%
6%
21%
Swimming/
Wading
18%
21%
18%
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Falls
Land-Based Fishing
Snorkelling
Watercraft
Attempting a Rescue
Net/Shell Fishing
Figure 7.12
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Bay of Plenty
Region: 2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Bay of Plenty Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for falls, watercraft, snorkelling, landbased
fishing and attempting a rescue activities were less than their respective ten-year averages. However, the 2020-21
fatal drowning rates for swimming/wading, boating and net/shell fishing were greater than the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.22
2020-21
0.59
2011-21
0.10
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.20
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.10
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.21
2020-21
0.30
2011-21
0.09
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.30
2011-21
0.07
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.11
2020-21
0.00
68
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
34
4 1.19
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
25%
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 34
25%
50%
Surf Beach
50%
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
3
PER YEAR
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
85%
MALE
15%
FEMALE
AVERAGE FATALITY
1.14
PER 100,000 POPULATION
15+ 15+
YEAR OLD MALES
SWIMMING/WADING
YEAR OLD MALES
BOATING
Surf Beach Eastuary Rocky Foreshore
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
25%
25%
50%
Swimming/
Wading
50%
Swimming/Wading Boating Net/Shell Fishing

GISBORNE / TE TAI RAWHITI
Figure 7.13
2011-21: Gisborne Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=10).
During 2020-21, there were two beach and coastal
drowning fatality within the Gisborne Region, which is the
greater than the ten-year average of one per year. The
2020-21 fatal drowning rate (3.94 per 100,000 pop.) was
greater than the ten-year average (2.06 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.14
2011-21: Gisborne Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=10).
Within the Gisborne Region during 2011-21, beach and
coastal drowning fatalities were attributed to snorkelling
(n=5), attempting a rescue (n=1), boating (n=1), diving/
jumping (n=1), swimming / wading (n=1) and watercraft
(n=1) activities.
Fatal Drownings (n)
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
10%
10%
10%
10%
50%
Snorkelling
10%
50%
Snorkelling
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving/Jumping
Swimming/Wading
Watercraft
Figure 7.15
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Gisborne Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Gisborne Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rate (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming / wading, watercraft and
attempting a rescue activities was less than their respective ten-year average. However, the 2020-21 fatal drowning rate for
boating and snorkelling activities were greater than the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.21
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
1.02
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
1.97
BOATING
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.20
2020-21
1.97
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.21
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.21
2020-21
0.00
70
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-20 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
2 3.94
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
10
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
100%
Surf Beach
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 10
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
1
PER YEAR
100%
MALE
AVERAGE FATALITY
2.06
PER 100,000 POPULATION
Surf Beach
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
0%
FEMALE
50%
50%
Boating
50%
Snorkelling
50%
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
24-44
YEAR OLD MALES
SNORKELLING
Attempting a Rescue
Land Based Fishing

HAWKE’S BAY / TE MATAU-A-MAUI
Figure 7.16
2011-21: Hawke’s Bay Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=20).
During 2020-21, there was one beach and coastal
drowning fatality within the Hawke’s Bay Region, which is
less than the ten-year average of two per year. The 2020-21
fatal drowning rate (0.56 per 100,000 pop.) is less than the
ten-year average (1.22 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.17
2011-21: Hawke’s Bay Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=20).
Within the Hawke’s Bay Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred as a fall
(n=6) attempting a rescue (n=5), followed by swimming/
wading (n=4).
Fatal Drownings (n)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
10%
20%
10%
5%
30%
Falls
25%
30%
Falls
Attempting a Rescue
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling
Figure 7.18
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Hawke’s Bay
Region: 2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Hawke’s Bay Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, falls, boating
and attempting rescue activities were less than their respective ten-year averages. However, the 2020-21 fatal drowning rate
for snorkelling was greater than the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.24
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.06
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.56
BOATING
2011-21
0.37
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.12
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.31
2020-21
0.00
72
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
1 0.57
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 20
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
2
PER YEAR
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
YEAR OLD MALES
FALLS
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
80%
MALE
20%
FEMALE
20
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
AVERAGE FATALITY
1.22
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0-24 5-54
YEAR OLD MALES & FEMALES
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
100%
Surf Beach
Surf Beach
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
100%
Snorkelling
Snorkelling

TARANAKI
Figure 7.19
2011-21: Taranaki Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=7).
During 2020-21, there were no beach and coastal drowning
fatality within the Taranaki Region, which is less than the
ten-year average of one per year. The 2020-21 fatal
drowning rate (0.00 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the
ten-year average (0.60 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.20
2011-21: Taranaki Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=7).
Within the Taranaki Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities resulted from falls
(n=2) and boating (n=2), followed attempting a rescue
(n=1), swimming/wading (n=1) and watercraft activities
(n=1).
Fatal Drownings (n)
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
14%
14%
14%
29%
Boating
29%
29%
Boating
Falls
Attempting a Rescue
Swimming/Wading
Watercraft
Year
Figure 7.21
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Taranaki Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Taranaki Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for falls, boating, watercraft and
attempting rescue activities were less than their respective ten-year averages.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.08
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.18
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.17
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.08
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.09
2020-21
0.00
74
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
0 0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
7
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 7
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS

MANAWATU-WANGANUI
Figure 7.22
2011-21: Manawatū-Wanganui Region Beach and
Coastal Fatal Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per
100,000 Population (n=5).
During 2020-21, there were no beach and coastal drowning
fatalities within the Manawatu-Wanganui Region, which is
less than the ten-year average of less than one per year. The
2020-21 fatal drowning rate (0.00 per 100,000 pop.) was
less than the ten-year average (0.21 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.23
2011-21: Manawatū-Wanganui Region Beach and
Coastal Drownings by Activity (n=5).
Within the Manawatu-Wanganui Region during 2010-
20, the majority of beach and coastal drowning fatalities
occurred while swimming/wading (n=3), followed by
snorkelling activities (n=1).
3
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
1.0
20%
Fatal Drownings (n)
2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
80%
Swimming/Wading
Snorkelling
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
0.0
80%
Figure 7.24
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Manawatū-
Wanganui Region: 2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Manawatu-Wanganui Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rate (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading and
snorkelling activities were less than their respective ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.17
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.04
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
76
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
5
0 0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 5
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS AVERAGE FATALITY

WELLINGTON / TE WHANGA-NUI-A-TARA
Figure 7.25
2011-21: Wellington Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=34).
During 2020-21, there were three beach and coastal
drowning fatalities within the Wellington Region, which
equals the ten-year average of three per year. The 2020-21
fatal drowning rate (0.55 per 100,000 pop.) was less than
the ten-year average (0.67 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.26
2011-21: Wellington Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=34).
Within the Wellington Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred while
swimming/wading (n=8), followed by boating (n=5), falls
(n=5), snorkelling (n=5) and watercraft activities (n=5).
Fatal Drownings (n)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
15%
6%
3% 3% 3%
3%
15%
15%
24%
Swimming/
Wading
24%
15%
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Falls
Snorkelling
Watercraft
Scuba Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Diving/Jumping
Net/Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Year
Figure 7.27
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Wellington Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Wellington Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for falls, watercraft, snorkelling, landbased
fishing, net/shell fishing and attempting a rescue activities were less than their respective ten-year averages. However,
the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates for swimming/wading and boating activities were greater than the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.16
2020-21
0.37
2011-21
0.10
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.10
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.02
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.10
2020-21
0.18
2011-21
0.02
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.10
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.02
2020-21
0.00
78
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
3 0.55
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
34
33%
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
67%
Harbour
67%
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 34
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
3
PER YEAR
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
25+
91%
MALE
9%
FEMALE
AVERAGE FATALITY
0.67
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
33%
Harbour
0-1Km from shore
67%
Swimming/
Wading
67%
YEAR OLD MALES
SWIMMING/WADING
Swimming/Wading
Boating

TASMAN / TE TAI-O-AORERE
Figure 7.28
2011-21: Tasman Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=5).
During 2020-21, there were beach and coastal drowning
fatality within the Tasman Region, which is less than the tenyear
average of less than one per year. The 2020-21 fatal
drowning rate (0.00 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the
ten-year average (0.96 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.29
2011-21: Tasman Region Beach and Coastal Drownings
by Activity (n=5).
Within the Tasman Region during 2011-21, the beach and
coastal drowning fatalities occurred while swimming/wading
(n=2), net / shell fishing (n=1) land based fishing (n=1) and
watercraft activities (n=1).
Fatal Drownings (n)
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
20%
20%
40%
Swimming/
Wading
40%
Swimming/Wading
Land-Based Fishing
Net/Shell Fishing
Watercraft
Year
20%
Figure 7.30
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Tasman Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Tasman Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, watercraft, landbased
fishing and net/shell fishing activities were less than their respective ten-year averages.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.39
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.19
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.25
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.18
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
80
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
0 0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
5
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 5
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS AVERAGE FATALITY

NELSON / WHAKATU
Figure 7.31
2011-21: Nelson Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=0).
During 2020-21, there were no beach and coastal drowning
fatality within the Nelson Region, which equals the ten-year
average of zero per year. The 2020-21 fatal drowning rate
(0.00 per 100,000 pop.) was equals the ten-year average
(0.00 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.32
2011-21: Nelson Region Beach and Coastal Drownings
by Activity (n=0).
Within the Nelson Region during 2011-21, there were no
beach and coastal drowning fatalities.
1 Fatal Drownings
1.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
Fatal Drownings (n)
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
0.0
Year
Figure 7.33
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Nelson Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Tasman Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, watercraft, landbased
fishing and net/shell fishing activities were less than their respective ten-year averages.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
82
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
0 0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
0
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 0
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
0
PER YEAR
AVERAGE FATALITY
0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
0%
MALE
0%
FEMALE
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings

MARLBOROUGH / TE TAUIHU-O-TE-WAKA
Figure 7.34
2011-21: Marlborough Region Beach and Coastal
Fatal Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=4).
During 2020-21, there were no beach and coastal drowning
fatality within the Marlborough Region, which is less than
the ten-year average of less than one per year. The 2020-21
fatal drowning rate (0.00 per 100,000 pop.) was less than
the ten-year average (0.84 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.35
2011-21: Marlborough Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=4).
Within the Marlborough Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities were classified as
falls (n=3), followed by scuba diving activities (n=1).
2
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2.5
Fatal Drownings (n)
1
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
25%
75%
Fall
75%
Falls
Scuba Diving
Figure 7.36
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Marlborough
Region: 2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Marlborough Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for falls was less than the ten-year
average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.62
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
84
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
0 0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
4
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 4
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS AVERAGE FATALITY

WEST COAST / TE TAI POUTINI
Figure 7.37
2011-21: West Coast Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=7).
During 2020-21, there were no beach and coastal drowning
fatality within the West Coast Region, which is less the tenyear
average of one per year. The 2020-21 fatal drowning
rate (0.00 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the ten-year
average (2.13 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.38
2011-21: West Coast Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=7).
Within the West Coast Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities were classified
as boating (n=3) and falls (n=3), followed by swimming/
wading (n=1).
3
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
7.0
6.0
14%
Fatal Drownings (n)
2
1
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
43%
Boating
43%
Falls
43%
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
0.0
43%
Falls
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Figure 7.39
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the West Coast Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the West Coast Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, falls and boating
activities were less than their respective ten-year averages.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.30
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.91
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.92
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
86
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
0 0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
7
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 7
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS

CANTERBURY / WAITAHA
Figure 7.40
2011-21: Canterbury Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=14).
During 2020-21, there was one beach and coastal drowning
fatalities within the Canterbury Region, which equals the tenyear
average of one per year. The 2020-21 fatal drowning
rate (0.15 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the ten-year
average (0.24 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.41
2011-21: Canterbury Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=14).
Within the Canterbury Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred while
snorkelling (n=4), followed by boating (n=2), falls (n=2),
land based fishing (n=2) and scuba diving (n=2).
Fatal Drownings (n)
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
14%
14%
7%
7%
29%
Snorkelling
14%
14%
29%
Snorkelling
Boating
Falls
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Swimming/Wading
Figure 7.42
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Canterbury Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Canterbury Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, falls, boating,
snorkelling and land based fishing were less than their respective ten-year averages. However, the 2020-21 fatal drowning
rates for attempting a rescue was greater than the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.02
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.07
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.03
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.03
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.03
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.02
2020-21
0.15
88
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
1 0.15
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
1
PER YEAR
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
25-64
YEAR OLD MALES
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 14
93%
MALE
7%
FEMALE
14
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
AVERAGE FATALITY
0.24
PER 100,000 POPULATION
SNORKELLING
100%
Surf Beach
Surf Beach
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
100%
Attempting
a Rescue
Attempting a Rescue

OTAGO / OTAKOU
Figure 7.43
2011-21: Otago Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=13).
During 2020-21, there were two beach and coastal
drowning fatalities within the Otago Region, which is greater
than the ten-year average of one per year. The 2020-21
fatal drowning rate (0.82 per 100,000 pop.) was greater
than the ten-year average (0.57 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.44
2011-21: Otago Region Beach and Coastal Drownings
by Activity (n=13).
Within the Otago Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred while
snorkelling (n=7), followed by boating (n=3) and falls (n=2).
Fatal Drownings (n)
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011-12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
15%
23%
8%
54%
Snorkelling
54%
Snorkelling
Boating
Falls
Land-Based Fishing
Figure 7.45
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Otago Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Otago Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for falls, land-based fishing and net /
shell fishing were less than their respective ten-year averages. However, the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates for boating and
snorkelling was greater than the ten-year average.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.30
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.41
BOATING
2011-21
0.09
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.04
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.14
2020-21
0.41
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
90
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
2 0.82
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
13
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
50%
50%
34% 50%
50% 50%
River/ Estuary
Harbour Bar
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 13
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
1
PER YEAR
69%
MALE
31%
FEMALE
AVERAGE FATALITY
0.57
PER 100,000 POPULATION
Estuary
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
50%
Snorkelling
River/Harbour Bar
50%
Boating
50% 34% 50%
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15-54
YEAR OLD MALES
SNORKELLERS
Boating
Snorkelling

SOUTHLAND / MURIHIKU
Figure 7.46
2011-21: Southland Region Beach and Coastal Fatal
Drownings and Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000
Population (n=12).
During 2020-21, there were no beach and coastal drowning
fatalities within the Southland Region, which is less than
the ten-year average of one per year. The 2020-21 fatal
drowning rate (0.00 per 100,000 pop.) was less than the
ten-year average (1.21 per 100,000 pop.).
Figure 7.47
2011-21: Southland Region Beach and Coastal
Drownings by Activity (n=12).
Within the Southland Region during 2011-21, the majority
of beach and coastal drowning fatalities occurred while
boating (n=3) and land-based fishing (n=3), followed by
snorkelling (n=2).
Fatal Drownings (n)
4
3
2
1
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
8%
8%
8%
8%
25%
Land-Based
Fishing
25%
Boating
25%
Boating
Land-Based Fishing
Snorkelling
Falls
Scuba Diving
Swimming/Wading
Watercraft
0
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Year
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
0.0
17%
25%
Figure 7.48
Comparison of Beach and Coastal Fatal Drowning Rates (per 100,000 pop.) by Activity in the Southland Region:
2011-21 (ten-year average) and 2020-21.
Within the Southland Region the 2020-21 fatal drowning rates (per 100,000 pop.) for swimming/wading, falls, boating,
watercraft, snorkelling and land-based fishing activities were less than their respective ten-year averages.
SWIMMING / WADING
SNORKELLING
FALL
2011-21
0.10
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.20
LAND-BASED FISHING
2020-21
0.00
BOATING
2011-21
0.10
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.30
NET / SHELL FISHING
2020-21
0.00
WATERCRAFT
2011-21
0.30
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
ATTEMPTING A RESCUE
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.10
2020-21
0.00
2011-21
0.00
2020-21
0.00
92
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021

FATAL DROWNING SNAPSHOT
10-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21 1-YEAR OVERVIEW | 2020-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
AVERAGE FATALITY
0 0.00
PER 100,000 POPULATION
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
12
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Diving / Jumping
Fall
AVERAGE FATAL DROWNINGS
1
PER YEAR
Net / Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS: 12
100%
MALE
0%
FEMALE
Swimming / Wading
Watercraft
AVERAGE FATALITY
1.21
PER 100,000 POPULATION
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15-34 25+
YEAR OLD MALES YEAR OLD MALES
LAND BASED FISHING BOATING
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
ZERO
Fatal
Drownings

10 YEAR ACTIVITY
OVERVIEW 2011-21
SECTION EIGHT
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY | 2011-21
77
64
56
SWIMMING/
WADING
BOATING
FALLS
(TRIPS/SLIPS)
38
30
30
SNORKELLING
WATERCRAFT
LAND-BASED
FISHING

SNAPSHOT: SWIMMING/WADING
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
77
SWIMMING/WADING
FATAL DROWNINGS LOCATION
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
8
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.17
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15-65+
ALL ETHNICITIES
SWIMMING & WADING FATAL DROWNINGS 2011-21
Fatal Drownings (n)
12
10
8
6
4
2
84%
MALE
16%
FEMALE
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
0
2011-12
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
Year
2020-21
0.00
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
96

SNAPSHOT: BOATING
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
64
BOATING
FATAL DROWNINGS LOCATION
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
6
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.14
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
25+
YEAR OLD MALES (PASIFIKA & NZ EUROPEAN)
94%
MALE
6%
FEMALE
BOATING FATAL DROWNINGS 2011-21
14
12
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
0.30
0.25
Fatal Drownings (n)
10
8
6
4
0.20
0.15
0.10
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
2
0.05
0
2011-12
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Year
0.00
SECTION EIGHT
97
10 YEAR ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

SNAPSHOT: FALLS
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
56
FALLS
FATAL DROWNINGS LOCATION
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
6
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.12
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
15+
YEAR OLD MALES (NZ EUROPEAN)
79%
MALE
21%
FEMALE
FALLS FATAL DROWNINGS 2011-21
Fatal Drownings (n)
12
10
8
6
4
2
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
0
2011-12
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Year
0.00
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
98

SNAPSHOT: SNORKELLING
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
38
SNORKELLING
FATAL DROWNINGS LOCATION
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
4
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.08
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
25-54
YEAR OLD MALES (MAORI)
95%
MALE
5%
FEMALE
SNORKELLING FATAL DROWNINGS 2011-21
Fatal Drownings (n)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
Fatal Drowning Rate
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Year
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
SECTION EIGHT
99
10 YEAR ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

SNAPSHOT: WATERCRAFT
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
30
WATERCRAFT
FATAL DROWNINGS LOCATION
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
3
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.06
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
45+
YEAR OLD MALES (NZ EUROPEAN)
83%
MALE
17%
FEMALE
WATERCRAFT FATAL DROWNINGS 2011-21
6
5
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
0.14
0.12
Fatal Drownings (n)
4
3
2
0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
1
0.02
0
2011-12
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Year
0.00
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
100

SNAPSHOT: LAND-BASED FISHING
SNAPSHOT: LAND-BASED FISHING
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
30
LAND-BASED FISHING
FATAL DROWNINGS LOCATION
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
3
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.06
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC
25-64
YEAR OLD MALES (ASIAN)
93%
MALE
7%
FEMALE
LAND-BASED FISHING FATAL DROWNINGS 2011-21
Fatal Drownings (n)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Fatal Drownings
Fatal Drowning Rate
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Year
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00
Fatal Drowning Rate
(per 100,000 pop.)
SECTION EIGHT
101
10 YEAR ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

10 YEAR ETHNICITY
OVERVIEW 2011-21
SECTION NINE
TOTAL FATAL DROWNINGS BY ETHNICITY | 2011-21
124
NZ EUROPEAN
89 MAORI
51
ASIAN
49 PASIFIKA
32 OTHER

SNAPSHOT: NZ EUROPEAN
SNAPSHOT: NZ EUROPEAN
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
10 YEAR OVERVIEW: 2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
124
FATAL DROWNING LOCATIONS
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
12
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.38
Fatal Drownings (n)
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Female
Male
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Age
80%
MALE
20%
FEMALE
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
2%
1%
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
6%
5%
27%
6%
8%
8%
39%
12%
27%
Falls
21%
9%
12%
4% 4% 18%
39%
Surf Beach
18%
Falls
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Watercraft
Attempting a Rescue
Land-Based Fishing
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Diving/Jumping
Unknown
Surf Beach
Harbour
River/Harbour Bar
0-1Km off Shore
Marina
Rocky Foreshore
Estuary
Calm Water Beach
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
104

SNAPSHOT: MAORI
SNAPSHOT: MAORI
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
10 YEAR OVERVIEW: 2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
89
FATAL DROWNING LOCATIONS
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
9
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
1.15
Fatal Drownings (n)
25
20
15
10
5
0
Female
Male
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Age
93%
MALE
7%
FEMALE
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
1%
6%
7%
28%
7%
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
8%
6% 3% 1%
8%
8%
28%
Snorkelling
15%
12%
39%
Surf Beach
39%
9%
12%
30%
Snorkelling
Swimming/Wading
Boating
Falls
Watercraft
Net/Shell Fishing
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Attempting a Rescue
Diving/Jumping
Surf Beach
0-1km off Shore
Rocky Foreshore
Harbour
Estuary
River/Harbour Bar
Calm Water Beach
SECTION NINE
105
10 YEAR ETHNICITY OVERVIEW

SNAPSHOT: ASIAN
SNAPSHOT: ASIAN
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
10 YEAR OVERVIEW: 2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
51
FATAL DROWNING LOCATIONS
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
5
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
0.72
Fatal Drownings (n)
15
12
9
6
3
0
Female
Male
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Age
84%
MALE
16%
FEMALE
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
2%
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
2%
4%
4%
24%
6%
4%
6%
12%
10%
10%
24%
Swimming/
Wading
22%
12%
47%
Surf Beach
47%
16%
18%
Swimming/Wading
Land-Based Fishing
Net/Shell Fishing
Falls
Snorkelling
Scuba Diving
Diving/Jumping
Attempting a Rescue
Boating
Watercraft
Unknown
Surf Beach
Rocky Foreshore
0-1km off Shore
River/Harbour Bar
Harbour
Calm Water Beach
Estuary
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
106

SNAPSHOT: PASIFIKA
SNAPSHOT: PACIFIC PEOPLES
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
10 YEAR OVERVIEW: 2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
49
FATAL DROWNING LOCATIONS
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
5
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
1.28
Fatal Drownings (n)
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Male
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Age
100%
MALE
0%
FEMALE
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
2%
4%
6%
8%
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
10%
29%
12%
45%
Boating
45%
12%
29%
Surf Beach
22%
18%
4% 4% 22%
Boating
Swimming/Wading
Net/Shell Fishing
Falls
Attempting a Rescue
Land-Based Fishing
Scuba Diving
Surf Beach
River/Harbour Bar
Harbour
0-1Km off Shore
Calm Water Beach
Estuary
Rocky Foreshore
SECTION NINE
107
10 YEAR ETHNICITY OVERVIEW

SNAPSHOT: OTHER
SNAPSHOT: OTHER
10 YEAR OVERVIEW | 2011-21
10 YEAR OVERVIEW: 2011-21
FATAL DROWNINGS
32
FATAL DROWNING LOCATIONS
AVERAGE FATAL
DROWNINGS PER YEAR
3
AVERAGE FATALITY RATE
PER 100,000 POPULATION
2.49
Fatal Drownings (n)
10
8
6
4
2
0
Female
Male
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Age
91%
MALE
9%
FEMALE
FATAL DROWNINGS BY ACTIVITY
3%
FATAL DROWNINGS BY LOCATION
3%
6%
13%
9%
34%
16%
44%
Swimming/
Wading
22%
44%
113%
16%
34%
Surf Beach
19%
Swimming/Wading
Falls
Watercraft
Boating
Snorkelling
Land-Based Fishing
Surf Beach
0-1Km off Shore
Harbour
Rocky Foreshore
Estuary
Calm Water Beach
Marinas
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
108

We must address the high
drowning rates in Pasifika and
Maori communities, along with
those who are newer to New
Zealand and have less knowledge
of the beach environment.
Exposure to Beach and Coastal
Safety education needs to be
greater, more consistent and
communicated in an authentic
manner to a wider range of
communities.
SECTION NINE
109
10 YEAR ETHNICITY OVERVIEW

KEY TERMS
Adult – For this report, adults refer to a person 15 years
of age and over, which aligns with the Stats NZ Tatauranga
Aotearoa classification.
Assist – Where a person requires assistance to return to
shore but would most likely be able to get themselves out of
danger if unaided.
Attempting a Rescue – Trying to retrieve a person in distress
and deliver them to a place of safety.
Beach – A wave-deposited accumulation of sediment –
usually sand, but ranging in size up to boulders – deposited
between the upper tidal limit and the offshore area where
waves first start breaking.
Beach Fatal Drowning – Where the location of the fatality
occurs on a surf beach, calm water beach or rocky foreshore
and the cause of death involves drowning or immersion.
Boating – Using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for
pleasure and/or fishing.
Bystander – A person who is present at an incident but not
part of it initially.
Calm Water Beach – An area of estuarine coastline with
sand, gravel or pebbles that contains a sheltered foreshore,
with no surf zone – e.g. harbour beach.
Coastal – Tidal waters (estuary, harbour, marina and river/
harbour bar); ocean up to 1km offshore; or inland up to five
times the width of the inlet/river.
Category 1 Search and Rescue Operations – Search and
Rescue coordinated at a local level by the New Zealand Police;
including land operations, river, lake and inland waterway
operations and close-to-shore marine operations.
Coastal Fatal Drowning – Where the location of the
fatality is in tidal waters (estuary, harbour, marina and river/
harbour bar), in the ocean up to 1km offshore or inland
up to five times the width of the inlet/river and the cause of
death includes drowning or immersion.
Coastal Risk Assessment - A report that recommends levels
of service provision at a location.
Paid Lifeguard Service – Surf Lifeguard services that are
funded by regional councils and local territorial authorities,
and managed by Surf Life Saving New Zealand or Surf Life
Saving Northern Region
Drowning – The process of experiencing respiratory
impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid; outcomes
are classified as death, morbidity and no morbidity.
DrownBaseTM – Database run by Water Safety New
Zealand that collates all of the deaths from drowning in
New Zealand. The dataset also includes information on
non-fatal drownings.
Search and Rescue Squads (SAR) – These are made up
of several combined clubs and volunteer surf lifeguards
attached to external local rescue/emergency services.
Squad members are qualified and equipped to respond to
any incident within the beach and coastal environment.
Emergency Response – An action taken by an SLS entity
in response to a call for assistance from an emergency
management organisation.
Estuary - A partially enclosed coastal body of water that is
either permanently or periodically open to the sea
Falls (trips/slips) – An event that results in a person tripping/
slipping so they end up accidentally immersed in water.
Fatal Drowning Rate – A comparative rate of drowning (as
the cause of death) to the size of the population in a given
area.
First Aid – First aid is the first and immediate assistance
given to any person suffering from either a minor or serious
illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent
the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery.
Harbour – Large inner body of water surrounded on
several sides by prominences of land
Hazard – A source of potential harm.
Incident – Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving
services intervention.
Intervention – An action performed by a Surf Lifeguard to
prevent a situation from deteriorating, which includes injury
or drowning. Interventions include preventative actions,
assists, rescues, searches, major first aids and minor first
aids.
IRB – Inflatable rescue boat.
Land Based Fishing – Attempting to catch fish from the
shoreline. The locations for such activities are generally
rock platforms, though wharfs, jetties and beaches are also
common.
Major First Aid – Any incident where a victim is administered
some form of advanced medical treatment or requires
hospitalization.
Marina – A boat basin offering dockage and other service
for small craft.
Minor First Aid - Where a victim is administered some form
of minor medical treatment – minor cut, bluebottle sting,
sand in the eye, minor strain or sprains.
Morbidity – Any physical or psychological state considered
to be outside the realm of normal well-being. The term
morbidity is often used to describe illness, impairment, or
degradation of health.
Net Fishing – Using a net to trawl the shallows of a beach/
estuary for fish.
Non-fatal Drowning – A subset of drowning, the process
of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/
immersion in liquid, where the outcome is classified as
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH & COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
110

morbidity and no morbidity.
Patrol – Surf Lifeguard service to monitor activities in/
around an aquatic environment and respond accordingly
through either preventative actions or rescue operations. A
patrol will use the red and yellow patrol flags to assign a
safer swimming area.
Patrol Flags – Red/yellow horizontally divided flags which
are set after performing a risk assessment to determine the
most suitable area for swimming. The flags identify a zone
for swimming and bodyboarding within a patrolled location.
Patrolled Location – A location supervised by a Surf
Lifeguard service.
Preventative Action – Direct action taken to reduce or
eliminate the probability of a specific rescue, first aid or
other reportable incident from occuring.
Rescue – Where a person requires immediate help to return
to shore (or place of safety) and who without intervention
would have suffered distress, injury or drowning.
Risk-Adjusted Water Use Values – Dictates how many
lifeguards are required at patrol location at any given time.
Rock/Cliff – A rock platform that may or may not have a
high steep face.
Rocky Foreshore - The area of coastline with shoreline
rocks, including steep rocky cliffs that is exposed by low
tides and submerged by high tides.
RWC – Rescue water craft or JetSki.
Scuba Diving – Swimming underwater with the aid of
scuba equipment for recreational or commercial purposes.
Searches - Any organised search for a missing person
or group either at sea or on land. Searches include body
recoveries.
Search and Rescue – The search for and provision of aid to
people who are in distress or imminent danger.
Season – For the context of this report, the 2018/19 season
is for the period of July 2018 to June 2019.
Shell Fishing – Collecting shellfish while onshore or
wading/swimming in water.
Snorkelling – Swimming with a snorkel and face mask.
Surf Beach – An area of land with sand, gravel or pebbles
that contains a foreshore and surf zone. Surf beaches
include low energy and exposed coasts.
Surf Lifeguard – An individual who undertakes patrols at a
beach. As a minimum requirement they are qualified in surf
rescue and basic lifeguard support.
Surf Lifeguard Service – A coordinated group that exists to
provide aquatic safety services to the public. This includes
Volunteer Surf Life Saving Clubs, Contract Surf Lifeguards,
RWCs, IRB’s, ATV’s and 4WD units.
Surf Life Saving Club – An affiliated not-for-profit
organisation that has volunteer members who provide
patrols and coastal safety services to the community.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand – The leading beach and
coastal safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority in
New Zealand. The purpose of the organisation is to reduce
injury and drowning on our beaches with a vision of zero
preventable drownings.
Surveillance Patrols – Surf Lifeguard services that monitor
beach and water users without designating a red and yellow
flagged area. This approach is effective for extending
patrolling hours or season length, where resources are
limited.
Swimming – Moving through water by moving the body or
parts of the body.
Wading – Walking through water while partially immersed.
Water Safety New Zealand – Water Safety New Zealand
works with water safety sector organisations, individuals
and the public to reduce the incidence of drowning and
injury in New Zealand. The purpose is to lead a step change
in New Zealand so people don’t drown with a vision that by
2025 more people in New Zealand respect the water and
have the skills, knowledge and awareness to enjoy it safely.
Watercraft – A piece of non-powered recreational
equipment used in water. Examples include surfboards,
stand-up paddleboards, body boards, windsurfers or
kayaks.
SYMBOL KEY
Male and
Female
Rescue
First Aid
Swimming /
Wading
Net/Shell
Fishing
Marina
Calm Water
Beach
Fatal
Drownings
Search &
Rescue
Squad
Major First
Aid
Fall
Watercraft
River/
Harbour Bar
Surf Beach
Rescue
Tube
IRB
Minor First
Aid
Land-Based
Fishing
Boating
Harbour
Cat 1 SAR
Operations
Preventative
Action
Searches
SLS Club Snorkelling Attempting
a Rescue
Rock
Fishing
Jet Ski/
PWC
Estuary
SLSNZ SAR
Callouts
Assist
Patrol Hours
Dive
Kai
Gathering
Rocky
Foreshore
Female
and Male
Lifeguards
Patrol Sites
Surfing
Scuba
Diving
0-1Km
Off Shore
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND
111
KEY TERMS

REFERENCES
METHODOLOGY
The National Beach and Coastal Safety Report 2021
contains information on SLS capability and membership
capacity; rescues and emergency response; and fatal and
non-fatal drownings for the period of 1 July 2011 to 30 June
2021. This information is correct as of 1 November 2021.
All care has been taken to ensure the statistical information
included within this report is correct. However, pending the
outcome of ongoing coronial investigations, this data may
be amended. Data in figures may not always add up to
100% due to rounding.
The National Beach and Coastal Safety Report only
documents incidents that have occurred within the coastal
zone. The coastal zone is defined as “Tidal waters (estuary,
harbour, marina and river/harbour bar); ocean up to 1km
offshore; or inland up to five times the width of the inlet/
river”.
LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE
RESEARCH
The regional fatal drowning rates per 100,000 population
use regional population estimates obtained from Stats NZ.
However, these regional estimates do not include visitors
from elsewhere in New Zealand or visitors from overseas.
Further research is recommended to adjust these figures to
account for the seasonal influx of visitors to each respective
region.
Further research is required to enable Surf Life Saving New
Zealand and water safety stakeholders to gain a greater
understanding of how and why people are recreating on our
coastlines. Additional research is also required to understand
how residents and international tourists use beach and
coastal areas for recreation. Whilst applied psychological
research is also recommended to assess public behaviour
and perception of risk on our beaches. These findings will
be used to inform community engagement and education
strategies nationally.
CAPABILITY ANALYSIS
The Patrols and Memberships (PAM) database is a central
repository for all Surf Life Saving clubs in New Zealand. It
is used to log details of members (contact details, awards,
memberships), patrols and incidents. PAM holds this
information securely, and the data gives us an understanding
of trends across the whole organisation. The database
includes the Customer Relationship Management System
(CRM) which includes operational data such as rescues, first
aids, membership statistics and awards. Information was
extracted from the CRM to identify how many interventions
were performed by volunteers, lifeguards and lifesaving
services during 2020-21; and how many active Surf
Lifeguards and award holders there were during this period.
FATAL DROWNING DATA ANALYSIS
Fatal drownings statistics was recorded in DrownBase TM
and shared for this report by Water Safety New Zealand
(2021). Water Safety New Zealand gives no warranty as to
the correctness of the information or the data provided as it
is supplied to WSNZ by third parties, not under its control.
While WSNZ is satisfied as to its accuracy for the purposes
for which it is supplied to it, WSNZ shall not be liable for any
loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of
any data supplied. All reported statistics are provisional.
The non-fatal drowning data used in this report is based
on hospital stays of at least 24 hours and has been provided
by WSNZ’s as recorded in DrownBaseTM. The data is sorted
by the ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS international coding system.
SUGGESTED CITATION: Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
(2021). National Beach and Coastal Safety Report 2021.
Wellington: Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Surf Life Saving New Zealand would like to thank the
following organisations for their assistance in the production
of the National Beach & Coastal Safety Report. Water Safety
New Zealand; Surf Life Saving Australia; Omnipoll; Statistics
New Zealand; SLSNZ regions and Volunteer Surf Life Saving
clubs; SLSNZ would also like to thank our sponsors for their
continued support and regional councils and local territorial
authorities for their funding towards the cost of providing
the Paid Lifeguard Service.
The report was compiled by Dr Mick Kearney (National
Coastal Safety Manager), Dr Juliana Albertoni de Miranda
(Coastal Safety Officer), Adam Wooler (Chief Operations
Officer) and Rajal Middleton (Head of Commercial and
Marketing).
PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIAL
Cody Keepa: Pages 01, 07-09, 24-25, 36-37, 44-45, 109, 113.
Canvas/Weekend Herald: Pages 60-61
Liam Productions: Pages 102-10
Unsplashed: Pages 46-48
Pixabay: Pages 56-57
SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL BEACH AND COASTAL SAFETY REPORT 2021
112

Road, fire and boating
safety have had significant
investment in public
education strategies and
campaigns, which has not only
dramatically reduced deaths
and injuries but also raised
awareness of the issues. It's
now time to do the same for
beach and coastal safety.
© 2021 SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND
This publication is copyright. Except as expressly provided
in the Copyright Act 1968 and the Copyright Amendment Act
2006, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
any retrieval systems or transmitted by any means (including
electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying,
recording or otherwise) without prior permission from Surf
Life Saving New Zealand. Every attempt has been made to
trace and acknowledge copyright, but in some cases, this
may not have been possible. Surf Life Saving New Zealand
apologises for any accidental infringements and would
welcome any information to redress the situation.
REFERENCES
Omnipoll. (2021). National Coastal and Water Survey in
New Zealand. Unpublished survey.
Statistics New Zealand. (2021, October 10). Population
Estimates-DPE. http://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/
Water Safety New Zealand. (2015). New Zealand Water
Safety Sector Strategy 2020. https://cdnflightdec.userfirst.
co.nz/uploads/sites/watersafety/files/PDFs/Official_
Documents/Sector-Strategy-Published-Version-Aug-2015.
pdf
Water Safety New Zealand. (2021). Coastal drowning
deaths 2011-2021. Retrieved from DrownBaseTM database.
Water Safety New Zealand. (2020). Water Safety New
Zealand Annual Report 2020. https://cdn-flightdec.userfirst.
co.nz/uploads/sites/watersafety/files/Annual_Reports/
WSNZ_20
20-AnnualReport-FINAL_W.pdf

CONTACT INFORMATION
Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 560 0383
E-Mail: communications@surflifesaving.org.nz