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Surf Life Saving New Zealand is expanding its nationwide rollout of Public Rescue Equipment as beaches head into winter and surf lifeguard patrols come to an end, with rescue gear at beaches including Ōmaha Beach, Mangawhai Heads Beach and Waipu Cove.
The initiative aims to help members of the public safely respond to water emergencies before lifeguards arrive, with several successful rescues already linked to the equipment in recent months.
SLSNZ says more than 150 sites nationwide now have Public Rescue Equipment installed, including 72 surf lifesaving clubs.
The initiative, designed to empower bystanders to safely assist in water emergencies, is already proving its value, with multiple successful rescues recorded in recent months.
SLSNZ’s general manager – Lifesaving, Andy Kent, says the rollout reflects a proactive approach to preventing drowning and improving outcomes before lifeguards arrive.
“Every summer, we see situations where members of the public attempt rescues without the right equipment, putting themselves at significant risk,” he says.
“Public Rescue Equipment provides a simple, effective way for people to help others in trouble while keeping themselves safe. It’s about giving everyday New Zealanders the tools and confidence to make a difference in those critical first moments.”
SLSNZ has now installed PRE units, including rescue buoys, at 72 of its surf lifesaving clubs nationwide, and across approximately 150 locations across the country in total.
These are available to the public at all times – including when beaches are unpatrolled outside of the summer patrol season.
Installations are rapidly expanding beyond surf clubs to high-risk coastal and inland locations around the country, backed by councils, community groups and regional partners.
Working alongside Drowning Prevention Aotearoa, Surf Life Saving New Zealand is targeting unpatrolled beaches and inland waterways as part of the growing rollout of Public Rescue Equipment units.
SLSNZ says it is continuing to work with councils and local communities to identify priority sites for future Public Rescue Equipment installations, guided by Coastal Hazard Assessments carried out across regions including Northland, Whangārei, Wellington, Tauranga and Christchurch.
SLSNZ is encouraging communities to consider PRE as a critical part of local water safety infrastructure, particularly in areas identified as high risk.
The growing network of PRE is already making a tangible difference, with several successful rescues highlighting the importance of accessible equipment in emergency situations.
SLSNZ’s national coastal safety manager, Tom Kearney, says the incidents reinforce the importance of equipping the public with the right tools, particularly in locations where lifeguards may not be immediately present.
“Bystander rescues are a common factor in water‑related incidents,” he says. “About 13 percent of New Zealand adults have rescued someone, with almost half not using flotation — despite flotation being one of the simplest ways to reduce risk when helping others.
“Having PRE available means people can act quickly, without putting themselves in unnecessary danger. It’s a simple intervention that can have a life-saving impact and empower members of the public to provide immediate, potentially life-saving assistance.”
PRE units typically include rescue buoys and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, enabling anyone to assist a person in trouble in the water.
SLSNZ has also expanded its online resources, including video guidance, to support public understanding of how and when to use the equipment safely.
As installations continue to expand nationwide, SLSNZ is encouraging councils, community groups and coastal stakeholders to consider PRE as a critical part of local water safety infrastructure.
