Whether splashing around a paddling pool in the backyard, having a family picnic at the beach or taking to your boat, being on or near water is a part of our kiwi summer.

Fun in the sun and water go hand in hand, but we want it to be a safer playground for everyone.

Safe Summer is a collaborative campaign offering simple advice that you can follow to help keep yourself and others safer around water this summer.

• Actively supervise children near water - that means supervision by a competent adult, within arm's reach and focused on the child without distraction
• Swim with others
• Choose to swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags  
• Learning swimming and survival skills 
• Obey safety signs and warnings
• Know your limits 
• Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger
• Learning CPR and being ready to respond in an emergency
• Lifejackets - Take them and wear them
• Skipper responsibility - the skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and safe operation of the boat
• Check the marine weather forecast - if in doubt don't go out 
• Be visible - help us to help you
• Don't add alcohol to the mix
• Know before you go the Water Safety and Boating Safety Codes

Safe Summer is proudly brought to you by WaterSafe Auckland in collaboration with Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, Coastguard Northern Region and Surf Life Saving Northern Region.

For more information on Safe Summer contact Barbara Venville, Regional Promotions Manager - barbara.venville@watersafe.org.nz Ph 0275 233 253

More specific safety advice can be found within the Community Safety pages.