Autumn Awareness: Staying safe in and on the water

Easter weekend is always a great time for water lovers. A calm start this long weekend will see many of us grab our gear and head out for a spot of diving, snorkeling, spearfishing, freediving and fishing - perfect for catching a Good Friday feed, or simply just taking a minute to enjoy our beautiful backyard.

It's also a good time to check all your gear, and to refresh your knowledge. Cooler temperatures, shorter days and the chance of unpredictable weather changes can mean lightning-quick changes to your environment, and increase your risk of hypothermia. Being confident means you're less likely to panic.

Follow these few basic rules and come home safe so you can do it all again soon.

Plan ahead. Even if you know the area well, check the weather, check for changes, and check your gear.

Bring a buddy. Your most valuable piece of equipment in an emergency is a buddy. Don't dive alone. Reduced visibility, colder waters and just being in the water all add to the risk - and it's one not worth taking. Two heads are always better than one when it comes to checking your BCD, weights, harnesses and straps - and that you've remembered to bring all your equipment too.

Know the dive flag rules.  In New Zealand, there are specific requirements regarding the use of dive flags to ensure the safety of both divers and boat operators.

Here are the main rules:

• A dive flag must be displayed whenever divers are in the water.
• The flag must be clearly visible from all directions to alert approaching vessels.
• Other vessels must keep a distance of at least 200 metres from the dive flag or reduce their speed to below 5 knots.

Know the fishing rules. April 1 2026 makes the start of the closure of Northland's east coast, from Pārengarenga Harbour to Cape Rodney. The map below shows where you can and can't collect.

Alcohol, drugs, fatigue and diving don't mix. Dive first, drink later. And get a good night's sleep before you dive. This one's pretty simple.

We have a beautiful back yard, and diving here gives us the opportunity to see some incredible marine life, coral reefs, fish species, and even encounters with creatures like dolphins and seals. Give wildlife their space - if you're lucky enough to encounter some of our beautiful marine animals, enjoy them from a distance.