Tina and Tane the pollution detectives are back and from next week will be appearing at 44 North Shore schools spreading the word about water pollution.

The Tina and Tane Show is based on two virtual comic book characters that come to life using music, dance and comedy to teach children about urban environments, water quality and health.

This year the key message is that outside drains only drain rain because anything that goes down them ends up in our streams, lake or on our beaches and people could end up swimming in it.

That includes anything from paint, detergent from washing the car, cigarette butts, dirt, animal faeces and litter.

Tina and Tane say to stay safe, there are four important things to remember about beach water quality:

• Don’t swim for 24 hours after heavy rain

• If you see a warning sign on a red post – don’t swim

• Don’t tip anything down outside drains

• Never swim in streams, stormwater outlets or ponds on beaches

For information about the Tina and Tane Show, contact Kids 4 Drama on 0800 BE A STAR (0800 227 827).

To report a pollution incident call Actionline on 486 8600 or ARC’s pollution hotline on 377 3107.

For the latest water quality results call 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 72 33 79) or visit our website www.northshorecity.govt.nz