Score a beach
Enter beach details.
What this solves
New Zealand has some of the most beautiful swimming beaches in the world and some of the deadliest. The country's coastline is long, often remote, with cold water and strong rips. Drowning is one of the top three causes of tourist death in NZ. This score applies the Surf Life Saving NZ safety rubric to give you a quick read on whether to go in.
How to read the result
- 0–3 — generally safe. Swim between the flags.
- 4–6 — manageable but watch the conditions; consider limits on children.
- 7–8 — high-risk beach or conditions. Strong swimmers only.
- 9–10 — do not swim.
Limitations
- Conditions change fast — re-check the lifeguard board and weather.
- Submerged rocks and cliffs are not modelled.
FAQ
Q: What do I do if caught in a rip?
A: Don't fight it. Float, raise one arm to signal, and swim parallel to shore to escape the current.
A: Don't fight it. Float, raise one arm to signal, and swim parallel to shore to escape the current.
Q: Are NZ beaches warmer than they look?
A: Often not — water temperature is typically 14–18°C even in summer. A wetsuit is sensible.
A: Often not — water temperature is typically 14–18°C even in summer. A wetsuit is sensible.
Q: Where can I find a patrolled beach?
A: Surf Life Saving NZ posts daily patrolled beach reports at surflifesaving.org.nz.
A: Surf Life Saving NZ posts daily patrolled beach reports at surflifesaving.org.nz.
Sources
- Surf Life Saving NZ beach safety
- NIWA sea-surface temperature averages