Publication Information
Author(s)
Publication
International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education
Publish Date
Abstract
Little is known about the water safety knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of international tourists holidaying in New Zealand. An online survey was conducted among New Zealand residents (n = 413) and international tourists (n =181) in August 2015. Significantly more New Zealand residents (69%) than tourists (40%) reported swimming at a beach. Tourists were more likely to hold unsafe beliefs related to swimming and boating activity. More tourists agreed that they would swim at a non-patrolled beach. Both residents and visitors had a poor understanding of rip currents at surf beaches. Ways of promoting water safety messaging to address these shortcomings are discussed.
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