Unprecedented aquatic partnership allows Surf Life Saving to increase services
Friday 18 June 2010, 5:10PM
By Surf Life Saving New Zealand
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Surf Life Saving is set to significantly increase its safety and education services throughout the country thanks to an unprecedented partnership between three of New Zealand’s leading aquatic partners.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Swimming New Zealand and New Zealand Ocean Swim Series have teamed up to bring about one of the biggest collaborative swim programmes in the aquatic sector.
The combined approach has been made possible by the support of State Insurance. Announcing a $2m million dollar sponsorship this week signifies the commitment State Insurance are putting into aquatic safety – while also highlighting the biggest sponsorship deal in its one hundred year history.
“This is an enormous step forward for New Zealand’s aquatic sector. Surf Life Saving, Swimming New Zealand and Ocean Swim Series all have complimentary services so it makes sense that we utilise our strengths and come together to benefit every New Zealander. The support from State Insurance has created a platform to work collaboratively in New Zealand communities and increase Kiwis aquatic skills and knowledge across the board,” said Grant Florence, Chief Executive, Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
“State’s support allows us to work closely together to increase aquatic safety and participation in water sports in New Zealand. We will deliver new education initiatives, introduce more children to swim and surf environments and increase our commitment to the safety of all New Zealanders on our beaches.” said Florence.
“We’re a nation where recreation in the water is very much part of our life and learning to swim and survive in the water is essential to enjoying so many aquatic pursuits that we love”.
The sponsorship will provide critical resourcing for the swim and swim safety sector responsible for education, lifting swim and survival levels and promoting swimming as a recreational and sporting pursuit. It will help save lives by aiding thousands of kiwis learn to swim, enjoy the water and survive, and support those who go on to develop swimming careers to compete on the national and international stage.