On-site water safety staff will be stationed at the Hunua Falls over summer to help prevent drownings.
Huge numbers visit the waterfall every summer and there have been three drownings over the last three years.
Now a Water Safety New Zealand, Auckland Council and Drowning Prevention Auckland programme will help educate people about the dangers involved with swimming at the popular site.
Data will also be gathered to gain better insights into visits and activity at the site.
The area needs special attention because it has the highest number of preventable drownings for waterfalls in New Zealand since records began, and despite onsite warnings, people continue to lose their lives.
“The Hunua Falls, while beautiful, are also dangerous,” Water Safety NZ head Jonty Mills says.
"Everyone needs to be aware of the risks. It’s our hope this work will help us better target important safety messages to those who come to the falls and prevent further drownings.”
Auckland Councillor and Parks, Arts, Community and Events chair Alf Filipaina says the number of deaths is alarming.
“We want people to come and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall, but people need to realise the area is unsuitable for swimming.”
Cr Filipaina says education is important and having the on-site water safety advisors shows how serious the situation has become. “Too many people have died here in the past. We want to do what we can so that no more families suffer the loss of a loved one.”
Franklin Local Board chair Andy Baker says the safety advisers are a great way of spreading the word about the dangers. “We want people to visit, to enjoy what the area has to offer, and to experience the beauty of the Hunua Falls, but we want people to get home safely even more”
“It’s critical that people don’t underestimate the risks.”
