The Weekend Sun is running a series of eight ‘Summer Smart’ stories with our good friend Elfie the Circus Elf helping us out to keep safe and healthy these Christmas holidays. Today’s Summer Smart #5 is on staying safe around water.

There’s nothing more Kiwi than cooling off in the water – and with the Bay of Plenty’s beautiful beaches, rivers, and backyard pools, it’s the go-to way to beat the heat.

But water can be unforgiving, and each year New Zealanders drown – often within metres of safety. Many of these tragedies are preventable with a few simple rules.

Do you have a pool at home? Ensure gates are self-closing and fences meet legal height and latch rules.

Drownings can happen in under 30 seconds, especially in toddlers and young children, so remember to always watch kids around water.

Elfie the Circus Elf is reminding everyone to stay safe around water, whether it’s by the pool or at the beach. Photo / David Hall

Actively supervising young ones means your eyes must be on the children, not scrolling your phone. Designate a water watcher at parties or barbecues, use lifejackets near rivers, lakes, and boats, and teach children to swim and float early.

Remember to save the drinks for dry land. Alcohol and swimming don’t mix – it affects your balance, reaction time and decision-making, even more so in the sun. People underestimate how tired they are after a few drinks and a swim, and that’s when accidents happen.

Lifeguards patrol beaches like Mount Main Beach, Tay St, Ōmanu and Pāpāmoa during summer, with times varying by location and day. Swimming between the flags is not just a suggestion – it’s your safest zone on a surf beach.

The patrol areas are set up based on daily conditions, so if you’re outside them, lifeguards can’t see you easily, and rips can catch you out fast.

It’s important to know the signs of a rip because rips are responsible for many beach rescues. Watch out for calm-looking patches with few breaking waves, rippling water or darker channels, and sand being pulled back out to sea.

If you get caught in a rip, stay calm, float, raise your hand and don’t try to swim against it. Although the rip will take you away from the shore, you can then swim sideways as it slows down or stops.

Are you going boating or paddling? Prepare first before heading out on kayaks, paddleboards or boats – always wear a lifejacket, check the marine forecast, log your trip with Coastguard or tell someone your plan, and bring a means of communication such as a waterproof phone pouch or VHF.

The best rescue is the one Surf Life Saving New Zealand never has to do. Whether you’re heading for a swim, surf, soak or splash, stay alert, be prepared and respect the water.

*The Weekend Sun gives special thanks to Circus in a Flash Ltd – We bring the Circus to you for bringing this series to life.