Staff at the Dudley Park Swimming Pool have made it their mission to provide every primary school aged child in the North Canterbury region with the opportunity to participate in swimming and water safety lessons with qualified instructors, who are passionate about what they are teaching. The staff were tasked with making a difference to the... Keep Reading
Will socio economics significantly impact drownings in a post Covid-19 environment? History tells us NO. WSNZ has run a lens over drowning fatality data to identify whether a depressed economy and unemployment is a significant risk factor for preventable fatal drownings in New Zealand. Keep Reading
Twenty years ago, in 2000, the average rate for Under Fives drowning was 12 children per year. Of these, there were an average of 8 (67%) who drowned around the home environment which includes baths, pools, buckets and other vessels. In 2019, this number is down to four with two of these around the home environment. Keep Reading
Water Safety New Zealand has been on a mission over the past four years to improve the water survival and injury rate of young males through a social marketing campaign which uses the character of the Grim Reaper. Dubbed The Swim Reaper, this character has well and truly become an anti-hero and hard core influencer of water safety. Keep Reading
New research shows teaching water safety in a range of natural open water environments, instead of exclusively in a swimming pool may be more beneficial for learning. In a study conducted by University of Otago researchers, retention of important water safety skills was improved... Keep Reading
Water safety organisations from around the country gathered in Auckland on 31 October 2019 to address the need to innovate and adapt in a changing world in order to address New Zealand’s drowning problem. The water safety sector needs to secure long term support to ensure sustainability, adapt and become smarter and more dynamic if sector... Keep Reading
A child’s ability to stay afloat and safe in the water is something every parent wants. ACC is working with Water Safety New Zealand to ensure children get the opportunity to learn vital water safety skills while they’re at primary school. Water Skills for Life gives children the skills and knowledge they need to assess risk and make wise... Keep Reading
We are blessed to live in a country with some of the best fishing, diving and hunting in the world but every year we lose too many lives in preventable drowning fatalities while people are taking part in what are recreational activities. Keep Reading
New Zealand’s lakes, seas and rivers are often very cold. If you find yourself in the water, this can significantly increase the risk of drowning. As we head into the winter months this will become an increasingly important issue for those spending time in and around New Zealand’s waterways. New Zealand water temperatures range from... Keep Reading
Jetski fishing and water safety just got closer. Water Safety New Zealand is pleased to support Kirk Davis and the Jetski Fishing Show to promote water safety. Whether you’re enjoying a cruise on your Jetski, or are fishing or diving, Kirk is an inspirational water safety advocate who we can all learn from. Keep Reading
The University of Waikato have recently launched a water safety programme with the aim of changing this statistic. Supported by Water Safety New Zealand, The University of Waikato have recruited international students to take part in the programme which will span across both semesters of 2019. The programme aims to empower the students with... Keep Reading
So, your school needs equipment for your pool; your students need help with transportation to and from the local aquatic centre; or your organisation needs a set of lifejackets? Do you turn up each week to turn sausages at your local supermarket sizzles (although this approach does work), or do you try your hand at grant writing for... Keep Reading
Delivered by Surfing New Zealand, Wave Warriors is an organised surfing programme incorporating water safety for primary school children. It aims to increase participation in the sport, provide surfing and water safety skills in a controlled and safe environment, encourage children to take up the sport. Keep Reading
Waka Ama is more than a sport. It’s a way of life for thousands and the Waka Ama community is to many an extended family. The aroha is palpable when you attend a Waka Ama national event. Yes, the competition is fierce but the whānau spirit is stronger. And in 2019, Waka Ama celebrated 30 years of nationals. Congratulations. Keep Reading
Water Safety New Zealand, Swimming New Zealand and The Warehouse are working to address a lag in vital water safety skills as national records show water skills are falling among many primary-school aged children. In 2017, The Warehouse became the naming partner of Water Skills for Life to help lift the levels of aquatic education in schools. Keep Reading
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