Posts by ashley bowes


"In it for life": The Culture of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand
Ashley Bowes, Waterkeeper Swim Guide

Posted: June 22, 2023

“In it for life”, the slogan of New Zealand’s national lifeguard service Surf Life Saving, truly represents the commitment to lifeguarding in Kiwi culture, and the ubiquity of it across the nation. Founded in Australia in 1906, Surf LifeSaving made the short journey to New Zealand by 1910. The program was first established in Wellington, at Lyall Bay, and Christ church at New BrightonBeach on theSouth Island.The organization quickly spread across the country with new clubs opening every year.


Being a Community Scientist for Swim Drink Fish - Testing
Ashley Bowes, Waterkeeper Swim Guide

Posted: June 7, 2023

Picture this. It’s finally summer and you’re excited to hit the beach to cool off from the sun’s hot rays. You eagerly jump into the water only to find that it’s bitterly cold! While a crisp, cool dip in the lake or ocean can be refreshing and give a boost to our physical and mental health, most people cannot withstand cool water temperatures for more than a few minutes. In fact, water that is too cold can be rather dangerous to our delicate human bodies.


How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Clean Up Our Florida Beaches
Ashley Bowes, Waterkeeper Swim Guide

Posted: June 7, 2023

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Clean Up Our Florida BeachesOn any given day, we all emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. We do this by operating gas-powered vehicles, or by purchasing products and services that cause a release of carbon compounds.


How to Safely Take Your Dog Swimming in Cold Water
Ashley Bowes, Waterkeeper Swim Guide

Posted: June 7, 2023

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6 Deep-Sea Creatures Named After Monsters
Ashley Bowes, Waterkeeper Swim Guide

Posted: June 7, 2023

Fantastic beasts exist outside of our imaginations and television screens. But most of these spooky real-life monsters can’t be found in the shallow, local waters we swim in everyday. They are lurking in the deep sea. The deep sea is absent of sunlight, with crushing pressures, and near-freezing temperatures. It’s a harsh environment in which to live. To survive, these deep-sea creatures have adapted monster-like physical characteristics that help them cope with the unique conditions. 

Have you noticed pollution at your local beach? Let us know.