Family Fun Day to Promote Water Safety

Family Fun Day to Promote Water Safety

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is extending an open invitation to families in the Porirua area to come along to their Our Way of Life Family Fun Day on 28th January at Cannons Creek Pool, Porirua from 1pm to 5pm.

The event is part of the national Our Way of Life campaign, a partnership between WSNZ, New Zealand Post and TVNZ, and has a special focus on community engagement.

Tragically the recent fatal incident of a local man, Albert Alapati, at Titahi Bay gives the water safety educational day so much more immediate relevance for this community. Albert, like many of the local community members, was of Polynesian decent.

Recreational incidents account for two thirds of all Polynesian drowning deaths. Typically activities such as fishing (net fishing and land based) along with boating and swimming are the most common. These usually take place at either popular picnic or family gathering spots, or at locations renowned for gathering seafood.

The programme on offer has therefore been specifically developed to provide essential information in relation to these activities. Those who attend will be exposed to education on rip currents, net fishing, river safety and snorkelling.

Quote:

Cory Sweeney, WSNZ Project Manager, “We want to encourage all people to be involved in aquatic activities – there are a huge number of benefits associated with this – but safety is the priority and that’s the key message. The day is a real community event. It will be fun and we encourage parents to bring their kids along to enjoy a wide range of activities where they’ll learn key skills – skills that ultimately could save their lives.”

Activity commences at 1pm with a karakia by mana whenua iwi Ngati Toa kuia Rihia Kenny prior to Mayor Nick Legget formally opening the event with the support of Mana MP Kris Faafoi. There will also be a minute’s silence in respect for Albert Alapati, who was tragically drowned on 14th January 2012.

Media are invited to attend.

ENDS

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