Drownings†a timely reminder for all New Zealanders

The announcement of the official drowning toll by Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is a reminder for all New Zealanders to be vigilant and ensure they and their families and whanua are learning the life skill of swimming.

There were 110 drownings in New Zealand last year, the third highest in the world, in addition the summer months of January (15), February (16) and December (17) contributed to 44 percent of the total drowning toll for the calendar year

“Enjoying all of the wonderful activities that take place in and around the water is very much part of our special lifestyle in this country,” said Ally Todd, Swimming New Zealand’s National Education Manager. “We can take pleasure from the water and avoid many of these tragedies at the same time if we ensure that we can all swim.”

There are now 90 “Quality Swim Schools” throughout New Zealand who have completed an independent review and maintain industry agreed standards who can be contacted to meet individual or groups learn to swim needs.

Becoming a Learn to Swim Teacher is also a viable career option for young and old who enjoy the water and training and resources are available for anyone interested. Whether as a career option or passing on skills to your own friends, family and whanau the skill of teaching others to be comfortable, relaxed and ‘at home’ in the water is a rewarding one.

The National Learn to Swim programme supporting the ‘Swim for Life’ Message has resources training and professional development at all levels and abilities and there are four Regional Education Managers available with this full time responsibility.

Although the drowning toll has been decreasing, New Zealand loses over one hundred lives each year to drowning and New Zealand is the third highest country in the world for drowning deaths.

Swimming New Zealand’s National Education Manager Ally Todd says “from early childhood through to grandparents we all have a role to play. We should seek help from the professionals at Quality Swim Schools but in addition we can all be vigilant and also learn the basic skills to be safe and happy in on and under water. Details of all resources and education opportunities regarding learning to swim can be found by visiting the Swimming New Zealand web site www.swimmingnz.org.nz