Swimming lessons

Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Beach & Coastal Safety Report show Pasifika, Māori and Asians are over-represented in fatal drowning figures.

The report stated that on average, 36 people drown every year on New Zealand's coastlines.

Most drownings occurred on non-lifeguarded beaches or outside of patrol hours, and 87 percent of victims were male.

SLSNZ Chief Executive, Paul Dalton, said per capita, although not overall, Māori and Pacific people were over-represented in the figures.

Supported by the Australian Government Pacific Sports Partnerships, it may well uncover a champion; but survival, not sport, is the priority.

ABC reports three women stand in the golden glow of a setting sun at the end of American Wharf in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa. With different ages, interests and backgrounds, they have arrived here via vastly different routes and yet they share a deep devotion to teaching the people of Tonga life-saving swimming skills.

Like many, perhaps most, Tongans, Anaseini "Poli" Faleafa once feared the water.