Keeping safe

This Kāpiti summer, let’s keep ourselves and each other safe – and look after the spaces and things that make Kāpiti such a great place to live and visit.

Man and two dogs walking on the beach

Beaches

We should all feel safe at the beach.

Whether you're swimming, boating, fishing, walking the dog, riding a horse, or lighting a fire, it’s important to know the rules and take simple steps to stay safe. Learn about beach safety, water hazards, and fire regulations, and discover how you can help look after our beaches and the wildlife that call them home.

By following the guidelines and looking out for one another, we can all enjoy these beautiful spaces – making our beaches safe, welcoming, and fun for everyone.

Keep safe at the beach

Boy flicking hair and spitting out water at the beach

Water quality – is it safe to swim?

We monitor our beaches in partnership with Greater Wellington.

Our water in Kāpiti is generally clean and safe for swimming and other water activities, but we recommend you check regularly if it's safe to swim, and it's always a good idea to wait 48 hours after heavy rain before you swim again. 

Another great time to remember to check is when there hasn't been any rain in a while – so get in the habit of checking in each time you're planning water activities!

Check recreational water quality

Camper van parked on beach front

Responsible camping

Did you know there are eight designated responsible camping sites along the Kāpiti Coast for campers with fully self-contained motorhomes to enjoy?

We welcome Responsible Camping, which is all about caring for our spectacular environment as much as we do. We monitor our responsible camping sites and ask campers to follow our rules and be respectful of residents and other campers. Please, leave no trace, and help keep our communities and natural environment free from pollution and waste.

Find designated responsible camping sites

Rubbish bin

Doing my bit to keep Kāpiti beautiful

Our community is lucky to have amazing outdoor spaces – from beaches and dunes to parks and bush reserves. Get out there and enjoy them!

We all play a part in keeping these spaces safe, clean, and welcoming. Simple actions like taking your rubbish home, sticking to tracks, and respecting wildlife help protect our environment for everyone, now and for future generations. Find out how you can help care for these special places.

Top tips for looking after our beaches

Golden labrador dog

Keeping your pooch safe this summer

Summer’s a great time to get out and about with our furry friends, enjoying everything Kāpiti has to offer.

To make sure your dog stays happy and healthy in the sun, we’ve put together some handy tips for keeping them safe this summer. From staying hydrated and avoiding hot sand, to understanding where dogs are allowed off-leash, these simple steps will help you and your four-legged companion enjoy all the fun safely.

Keeping dogs safe in summer

Boy jumping into a swimming pool

Pools and spas

Thinking about buying a portable pool for the summer?

Government legislation requires that filled or partly filled residential pools (including portable pools) must have physical barriers so unsupervised children under five years can't access them. This applies to pools that can be filled with water to 400 millimetres or more.

You can contact us before erecting a pool or spa to check if you need a building consent for a pool barrier.

Safety guidance for pool owners