Our lifejacket hubs are a product of collaboration with a number of key water safety agencies, all with a shared vision of reducing drownings by empowering our local communities and reducing barriers to accessing lifejackets and key water safety information. We want to equip people with a lifejacket and the knowledge of how to fit properly, before going out onto the water, to reduce the risk and bring down the drowning toll.

With the support of Maritime NZ’s FED Fund, Drowning Prevention Auckland, and Hamilton City Council, the first Waikato Community Lifejacket Hub has opened at Gallagher’s Aquatic Centre in Hamilton.

Drowning Prevention Auckland and Swimming Waikato are now expanding the Lifejacket Hubs to other communities across the Waikato region. These lifejacket hubs will be located at boat clubs, surf clubs and community venues which also provide social services to get these key water safety messages known to all. By having the lifejacket hubs operated by locals for locals, we hope everyone will feel free to make use of the lifejackets, so they stay safe in, on and around our magnificent waterways.