Float for a Minute. Save a Life.
As the countdown to World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, Makino Aquatic Centre (MAC) is encouraging the community to take part in The Big Float and learn a simple skill that could save a life.
As part of this year's campaign, MAC is highlighting one of the most important survival skills anyone can learn: the ability to float calmly for one minute.
"The ability to float can buy valuable time in an emergency," says Blake Chase, lifeguard. "If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, staying calm, regulating your breathing and floating on your back can help conserve energy while you wait for assistance."
On Saturday, 25 July, MAC staff will wear blue to show their support for the awareness day and the following day, Sunday, 26 July at 11:00am, the MAC team will offer a free "Float on Your Back" water safety lesson for anyone who purchases a general admission entry. This practical session will demonstrate the simple but life-saving skill of floating safely on your back in the water.
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in our country. With our strong connection to water, from beaches and rivers to pools and lakes, it’s crucial that we all take steps to stay safe. An estimated 236,000 people drown globally each year. In New Zealand, 78 people lost their lives to drowning in 2025, with more than half of those incidents involving people who were alone in or around the water.
Water safety isn't just a lesson, it's a lifelong skill that helps people stay safe, confident and enjoy the water.
For more information about water safety at Makino Aquatic Centre, visit Water Safety | Makino Aquatic Centre
Children wearing life jackets float on their backs in a circle during a school holiday survival swim crash course session at the Makino Aquatic Centre.