This New Zealand 'Swim Reaper' Will Freak You Out For The Rest Of The Day

Swimming safety is NOT to be trifled with.

Even though what your mum said about not swimming for an hour after lunch ‘to let your food digest’ isn’t true, everybody from toddlers to grannies should be careful about not running beside the pool.

There’s now an extra incentive for those who might get overexcited at the sight of water and dive right in without a second thought, however. Enter The Swim Reaper.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQj2okXBWoE/?taken-by=iamtheswimreaper

The social media-savvy wraith, whom one can only assume is a relative of The Grim Reaper, hails from New Zealand. He can be seen on Instagram hanging out on picturesque beaches, eating ice cream and floating around flamingos like any self-respecting millennial influencer would.

The difference is that his goals are to reap the souls of the living rather than reaping Instagram likes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BObNwv3hdcZ/?taken-by=iamtheswimreaper

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOL1UWlBuLC/?taken-by=iamtheswimreaper

The Swim Reaper actually works for the New Zealand government to promote water safety.

By scaring the foolhardy into taking more care around the country’s ample beaches and lakes, it’s hoped that they’ll be fewer injuries and serious incidents in the water.

Water Safety New Zealand say that around 105 people die each year from water-related deaths, with 56 having died already this year. A large majority of those were young men swimming while drunk.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOLkfaMh9Co/?taken-by=iamtheswimreaper

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOL1UWlBuLC/?taken-by=iamtheswimreaper

His Instagram bio makes his goals abundantly clear, reading: ‘Just lovin life. lol. Nah, jokes. Lookin to reap some peeps this summer. If ur gonna make dumb decisions in the water, I’ll be waiting.’

His messages include ‘TLC are all like “don’t go chasing waterfalls” but I’m like “Jump off them! Don’t check under the water first!” and ‘Make a dumb move in the water and I’ll come in like a wrecking ball. #mileyforpresident2020’.

Watch out in the water. If you’re not careful, The Swim Reaper will scoop you on that Instagram post and then scoop the soul from your body when you fall off your pool float in anger.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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