Oscar Kightley to Learn to Swim

Oscar Kightley ready to learn to swim.

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For immediate release
Thursday 15 November 2012

Oscar Kightley to Learn to Swim

Celebrated comedian, actor and writer Oscar Kightley has teamed up with Water Safety New Zealand to learn how to swim this summer, in the hope he will inspire other New Zealanders to do the same.

Mr Kightley, 43, begins swimming lessons this week and will share his experiences through a new blog watersafety.org.nz/oscarkightleyswims.

“I’ve never learnt how to swim even though I’ve spent my whole life around water. And I’ve missed out because of that,” he says.

Mr Kightley, who nearly drowned in his 20s when he was swept out to sea while swimming, is excited about having the ability to be able to swim with his mates but also hopes to motivate others to do the same.

“When I heard from Water Safety New Zealand about our horrific drowning toll, and the number of children that aren’t learning to swim - I wanted to be involved. Too many young New Zealanders are not learning how to swim and survive and too many are drowning.”

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Matt Claridge says Oscar’s willingness to share his journey from non-swimmer to swimmer, is an exciting opportunity to reach some important audiences.

“Oscar is a great role model to help communicate our water safety messages and inspire other New Zealanders to take up the challenge to learn to swim. Men – and Pacific Island men in particular – are over represented in the drowning statistics. And Oscar’s huge following with youth will support our ongoing efforts to address a national decline in the swim ability of our young people.”

“We’re also really delighted to be able to help change Oscar’s life by introducing new skills that will enable him to achieve his dreams of boating, being able to surf and swimming in the sea safely, Matt Claridge says.”

Water Safety New Zealand is the national organisation responsible for water safety education. Formed in 1949, WSNZ’s objective is to prevent drowning through water safety.

ENDS

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