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Home Explore Kāpiti Recreation Beaches Swimming at the beach

Swimming at the beach

The beaches of the Kāpiti Coast are usually safe for swimming, but always check surf patrols and recreational water quality before heading out. With golden sands and gentle surf, our beaches are perfect for a whānau day out. 

Paekākāriki and Ōtaki beaches have surf life guards on duty at times, and it's safest to follow their directions.

Swimming and bodysurfing are the only activities allowed between the flags.

For patrol info, check the Facebook pages for Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards, and Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club.

Recreational water quality | Swim well clear of boat launching zones | General tips 

Recreational water quality

We regularly monitor the water quality at our beaches, with Greater Wellington. 

Kāpiti water is usually safe for swimming and other activities, but it's smart to check the interactive map on LAWA's website. 

After heavy rain, wait 48 hours before swimming. For more details, visit Recreational water quality.

Swim well clear of boat launching zones

Boaties can have trouble seeing swimmers in the waves, so swim well away from boat launching zones. 

Greater Wellington's Wellington Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws 2021 say swimmers need to stay at least 50 metres from any boat ramp or launching area (see 2.2.1b of the bylaws).

You can find these zones are on our Accessways and driving zones map. 

Stay safe and be aware of boats and vehicles using these areas! 

Advice for swimmers

When swimming at our beaches, keep these tips in mind:

  • check www.lawa.org.nz for the latest water quality updates
  • wait 48 hours after heavy rain before swimming – heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into our waterways, making water quality unsafe for swimming.
  • avoid swimming in streams – we don’t recommend swimming in urban streams and rivers or where streams and rivers come out at the beach, in summer there is less water flow and rain to flush rivers, so the risk of poor water quality (and so getting sick) can increase. 
  • stay out of any water that looks murky or smells bad
  • avoid swimming near stormwater outlets, or other places that might be dirty
  • watch out for hazards like strong currents, tidal rips, or steep drop offs
  • know your limits, and never swim alone
  • always keep small children close – within arm’s length.

Updated 7 January 2025