Floating for 74 Lives – Join Us

This year, I’m taking on a personal challenge: floating for 74 minutes. Each minute represents one of the 74 people who tragically lost their lives in New Zealand’s beautiful aquatic environments over the past year. These are not just numbers, they are friends, whānau, and colleagues who never made it home. Joining me in this challenge is Dr Mick Kearney, a dedicated drowning prevention advocate and researcher. Together, we will begin our float on Friday 25th July at midday at Karanga Plaza Tidal Steps.

Come float with us!
Everyone is welcome, for just a gold coin donation on the day. You don’t have to float for the full 74 minutes. It’s a “do what you want, do what you’re competent in doing” type of event. Whether you float for 5 minutes or 74, your presence supports a powerful message:

Why floating?

Research shows that even among confident, competent young adults, fewer than one-third could float motionless for just two minutes (Moran, 2019). Nearly half could only manage 30 seconds or less, barely enough time to call for help in an emergency. What’s more, most participants underestimated the effort needed. After attempting a motionless float, 83% rated it as moderately to extremely hard, despite predicting it would be easy (Moran, 2019). 

Floating for 74 minutes is more than symbolic, it’s going to be a physically and mentally demanding act that honours those lost and shines a light on the critical yet underestimated skill of flotation. 

Donate to enter the draw to win a dinner valued at $1240

Donate today
Click the ‘Donate’ button to contribute directly.

I am also thrilled to have the generous support of Paris Butter, who have partnered with me to help raise funds for drowning prevention.  As a thank you, anyone who donates and comments ‘Paris Butter’ will go in the draw to win an unforgettable dining experience: a table for four enjoying the six-course Evolution menu with wine match at Paris Butter, valued at $1,240.

Your donations will directly support drowning prevention education and programmes across Aotearoa, so everyone can enjoy the water and return home safely.

We are a registered charity, and our work is only possible thanks to your generosity. Thank you for supporting this kaupapa.

For more information, visit:
dpanz.org.nz/float-first-fundraiser