We all follow at least one person on Instagram who seems to spend their entire life on the beach, but you probably aren't following 'The Swim Reaper' yet. He's basically the Grim Reaper's beach-loving cousin who can always be found snapping lit summer pics and waiting for dimwitted swimmers to make fatal mistakes in the water. It may sound morbid, but it's meant to send a pretty important message.

'The Swim Reaper' is actually an interactive public service announcement launched by the government of New Zealand to promote water safety. Water Safety New Zealand estimates that about 105 people die from drowning each year in the island nation, with 56 lives already claimed this year. The worst part? These deaths are totally preventable, and most of them tend to befall young males who swim drunk.

If you're currently in a place where beach weather is a thing (lucky you), always be sure to swim with caution, so the only time you'll see the Swim Reaper is on your phone screen.

More info: The Swim Reaper, Instagram

#6

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

Kirsten Preston
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this, reminds me of a drift wood sculpture

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#11

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

Mama Panda
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if he is playing Stairway to Heaven or Highway to Hell?

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#15

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

Miriam L
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would make such a good book cover... There's something amazing about the composition that makes the subject pop even more than the other ones

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#21

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

BoredBirgit
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The girl in the background - is he waiting for her?

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#22

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

ptm45
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"near, far...wherever you are..."

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#24

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

CelSlade
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha... awesome take on the 'hot dog' legs!

#25

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

Jessica Owen
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I spy with my little eye, someone's about to die

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#28

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

Kirsten Preston
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a moment I thought he was hanging out his glad rags to dry...

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#29

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

Jilltdcatlady
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would Not swing-jump into that part of the river. The logs to the right and the grassy patch on the left just screams Shallow Water!

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#30

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

David Ross
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Vacation, Day one. ' Fond a nice beach. Wonder why all the stares. I hope I like my room. At least the beach goers move away so I have plenty of space to catch some rays.'

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#31

The Swim Reaper Instagram

The Swim Reaper Report

ptm45
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet the folks up at the pier are kinda freaked out lol!

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