Last week, the library hosted a special Beach Safety Presentation led by two of our very own Waitākere College students - Caitlyn King and Maddie Harvey - who are active surf lifesavers!

With summer approaching and more of us heading out to enjoy New Zealand's beautiful beaches, Caitlyn and Maddie shared essential safety advice to help keep everyone safe in and around the water.

Here are the key takeaways from their presentation:

1. Always Swim Between the Flags

Before heading out, make sure you know where it’s safe to swim.

• Always look for the red and yellow flags set up by surf lifeguards.

• Check beach conditions ahead of time by visiting Safeswim.org.nz or downloading the Safeswim app, which works in partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand to provide real-time advice on safety, tides, and hazards.

2. Know What to Do in a Rip Current: The 3 Rs

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, remember the 3 Rs Rip Survival Plan:

• RELAX & Float: Keep calm and float to conserve your energy. Avoid fighting or swimming directly against the current - this will quickly tire you out and increase the risk of drowning.

• RAISE Your Hand: Raise your hand high in the air to signal for help so lifeguards or bystanders can spot you quickly.

• RIDE the Rip: Let the rip current carry you until it stops pulling out (rips naturally lose force once past the initial shore breaks).

How to get back to shore: Once the pull stops, the most efficient way to exit a rip is to swim parallel to the shore before making your way back to the beach, or simply wait for help to arrive. Even if you are at an unpatrolled beach, following the 3 Rs gives bystanders the best chance to see your signal and call for help.

A big thank you to Caitlyn and Maddie for sharing their expertise and helping keep our school community safe this summer! Have fun, stay vigilant, and always swim smart.

Find a Lifeguarded beach:

During the summer, Surf Lifeguards patrol 93 locations across Aotearoa - from Ahipara in Northland to Oreti in Southland. Surf Lifeguards will place the red and yellow flags in the safest place to swim at a beach and keep a watchful eye on you, your family and friends when you are swimming between the flags.  

🌊click here to find a Lifeguarded beach