Safety First
New Zealand’s plentiful coastal regions and subtropical climate provides visitors and natives plenty of opportunity to relish the water and beaches. Despite the fact there are no dangerous animals in the wild, there are several things to take into consideration when it comes to safety.
The Weather
The climate in New Zealand is rather mild during both summers and winters. Unlike the Northern Hemisphere, the hottest month of the year is January and the coldest is July. The weather patterns in the country can change rapidly and become dangerous. There is a constant wind which blows across the country. It may begin as a cool breeze but it can transform into a powerful storming wind without warning.
The low latitudes and untainted, clear skies over New Zealand provide a stronger sunlight than many visitors may be used to and protective clothing, such as hats, and the use of sunscreen is essential for outdoor activities regardless of the season.
The Water
The waters of New Zealand can be dangerous in two ways. First, there is a possibility of contracting Giardia by drinking water found in New Zealand’s wilderness ponds, rivers, or lakes. Giardia is a parasite born in water that can lead to severe cases of diarrhea. Water that has not been sterilized or chemically treated should not be ingested.
Secondly, with the miles of beaches and the sub-tropical weather, swimming and water sports are two very popular past times where drowning can quickly occur. Children should be supervised at all times when near sources of water. There is always the potential for strong rip currents to occur, which are powerful currents of ocean water that flow in directions away from the shore. Any beach that has breaking waves has the potential to produce rip currents. Even the most experienced swimmer can get exhausted fighting a rip current. Swimmers should always swim in between the posted red and yellow flags in the event a lifeguard’s assistance is needed. The colored flags generally indicate the safest places for swimmers.
Drowning is the third leading cause of death in New Zealand and more people drown in its rivers than in any other body of water in the country. River waters are constantly moving. Even though at times the waters appear calm, there is a good possibility of a strong undercurrent. People often underestimate the powers of the river’s water and the results can be fatal.
Alcohol, hot weather, and a body of cold water do not mix! Consuming any amount of alcohol while swimming, drastically lessens the swimmers chances of survival. Loss of coordination, lower concentrations of blood in the brain and muscles, lowered ability to hold one’s breath are just some of the dangers of adding alcohol to water activities. It is also important to note, many lifesaving and resuscitation methods used to revive drowning victims, are not effective on people who have alcohol in their system.
Hypothermia is also a potential danger around bodies of water. During the non-summer New Zealand months, there is the potential for becoming hypothermic while snorkeling or diving. Proper use of gear, such as wetsuits, will help protect the body’s temperature from falling below its core temperature. Even wearing a hat during outdoor activities on land prevents up to one-third of the body’s heat from escaping, reducing the risk of hypothermia.
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