Drowning Prevention Auckland
Preventing drowning through education, research and advocacy
Drowning Prevention Auckland was formed in 1994 with a vision of an Auckland free from drowning achieved through the development of our water competence and changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.
Our connection with wai (water) is because we have some of the most beautiful water environments in Tāmaki Makaurau. We have the Waitemāta, Manukau, and Kaipara harbours; 411 km of rivers; 128 km of lake edge; and 3700 km of coastlines.
Wai is the source of life, but it can also be the cause of death through drowning. We need to respect and understand wai. Drowning Prevention education, research, and advocacy is paramount for Tāmaki Makaurau’s wellbeing and safety in, on and around water environments.
Our approach is across three channels of engagement and delivery – where we live (community), where we work (workplace), and where we learn (education). Through a range of innovative, evaluated and enjoyable learning opportunities we help individuals, families, communities and workplaces to be safe from drowning.
Drowning Prevention Aotearoa
DPA now works across Aotearoa New Zealand under our sister organisation, Drowning Prevention Aotearoa.
Since 1994, the team have been serving Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as the lead agency for drowning prevention education, research, and advocacy, providing life-long learning initiatives and Drowning Prevention Aotearoa offers this to other areas of the country.
What do we offer?
Drowning Prevention Aotearoa provides water safety learning opportunities around New Zealand, with programmes tailored for workplace, community and education. Check out our Workplace Water Competency training sessions, or if you’re new Aotearoa, discover our New to New Zealand programmes.
Lifejacket Hubs
SPLASH Holiday Programme
Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau
Workplace Training
Float first
Aquatic Education for Schools - PLD
Latest News
Lobbying for Lifejacket Bylaw Change
Navigating Towards Safer Waters: Push for changes to Auckland's Lifejacket Bylaw In the past quarter, we have been advocating for a crucial update to Auckland's Navigational Bylaw. Currently, skippers of vessels under 6 metres have the choice of whether those on board...
DPA boosts water safety for ACC Have a hmm campaign
'Have a hmmm' is a constructive wero (challenge) from ACC to Aotearoa: Take action to avoid injury and keep yourself, your whānau, friends and community safe and well. DPA joined forces with ACC and sector partners to offer expertise for a series of water safety...
Kai Gathering with Te Ara a Hape
The youth group from Makaurau Marae recently completed our Kai Gathering programme which ended on a high with two open water dives at Te Kohuroa/Matheson Bay. The conditions on the day were perfect for the dive with some serious excitement levels! Prior to reaching...