Staying water safe in our district this summer
Published on 21 December 2021
Whanganui District Council is reminding people to stay safe in the water this summer.
The council’s community wellbeing manager, Lauren Tamehana, says each year Whanganui District Council works with New Zealand Police Nga Pirihimana O Aotearoa to provide Whanganui schools with water safety messages to share with pupils and whānau.
“Hot weather is on the way and we want to remind people of all ages of the importance of understanding the risks and making careful decisions when swimming or engaging in water activities.
“Many of our beautiful swim spots can change from day to day so it’s important to assess an area each time you visit.”
Lauren Tamehana says it’s crucial that children are supervised around water and that the water is checked for hazards.
“Make sure you look for hidden logs and debris when diving and swimming and also check the water’s depth, as water levels can change dramatically.”
Safety around vessels
She says swimming around vessels – often situated at the Town Wharf and Taupo Quay – is not advised.
“Be aware that when boats are launched there’s a high risk of serious injury because they can’t stop suddenly and swimmers risk being caught in a boat’s wash and struck by a propeller.
“It’s also particularly hazardous when boats are turning around and tying up. The best policy for swimmers is to keep clear of boats altogether.”
Using rowing pontoons
Most rowing clubs are okay with swimmers using their pontoons as long as they respect rowers getting boats in and out of the water.
“Give rowers carrying boats a wide berth in case they drop their heavy boat and damage it or injure a swimmer or themselves,” Lauren Tamehana says.
City Bridge
Lauren Tamehana says the council does not actively encourage jumping off the City Bridge into the awa and if people are going to do this they need to carefully check the water for not only logs and debris but also rowers and other river users.
“Checking for vehicles as you come up onto the bridge is essential for safety as well.”
Castlecliff wharf
Swimming at the Castlecliff wharf area is prohibited as it can be very dangerous. Public access is not allowed to the port and wharf area.
Beaches
Two beaches are patrolled by surf lifeguards in Whanganui – Castlecliff and Kai Iwi (Mowhanau). Lifeguards are on site from 12 noon to 6.00pm each day over summer.
“The lifeguards are there to keep people safe,” Lauren Tamehana says, “so listen to their advice and swim between the flags.”
Rips (outgoing currents that can quickly carry people away from shore) are a common occurrence on Whanganui coastlines and they can be very dangerous. Swimmers are advised to avoid swimming in or near a rip. A rip is identified by:
- discoloured or murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
- a smoother surface with much smaller waves, with waves breaking either side
- debris floating out to sea
- a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm.
Lauren Tamehana says Whanganui District Council wishes everyone a safe summer.
“Enjoy cooling off in the water this summer and as you do be water safety smart, checking for hazards and changes in conditions.”