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October 14, 2025
Rob Hewitt Urges Kiwi Men to Rethink Water Safety This Summer
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On October 14, 2025
Download AudioAs summer approaches, water safety advocates are urging New Zealanders – especially men – to rethink their attitudes on the water.
Recent data shows that over 76% of boating-related drowning victims in the past decade weren’t wearing life jackets.
Water Safety New Zealand spokesperson Rob Hewitt relates these statistics to his own experience.
“My story, is that we are often experienced, capable, confident blokes heading out without wearing life jackets, I was confident in the water, thinking that it would never happen to me, but it can happen to anyone. 20 years in the Navy, and it still happened to me,” says Hewitt.
A former Navy diver and long-time water safety ambassador, Hewitt survived 75 hours alone in cold ocean waters after being swept away during a dive near Mana Island.
He says cultural bravado and a reluctance to take precautions are putting lives at risk.
“So when we’re talking about cultural change and cultural behavior, these are the things that we need to, need to target. Many times I’ve been out on the boat and I’ll see kids wearing life jackets, but Dad’s not wearing the life jacket,” says Hewitt.
Hewitt’s advice is simple: always wear a fitted life jacket, have two waterproof ways to call for help, check the marine weather, avoid alcohol, and be a responsible skipper.
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