Beaches around Auckland are not as safe or clean as they once were. While the problem of water pollution is a significant concern to New Zealand’s scientists, it’s difficult to effectively communicate these issues to the public.
Safeswim provides the public with real-time data on health and safety hazards at almost 100 beaches and fresh water sites, including shark risks, ocean rip tides and water contamination, plus information about facilities and tide times. By checking Safeswim, people can stay out of unsafe water and keep tabs on Auckland’s water quality.
Safeswim has been instrumental in raising awareness of water quality issues at Auckland’s beaches. This led to increased public and political support for improvements and aided a successful mayoral bid in 2018 for additional funding to address water safety.
Auckland Council, Surf Lifesaving Northern Region, Watercare, Auckland Regional Public Health Service