Swimming programme to run for third year

7 December 2012

Swimming programme to run for third year

The KiwiSport Fundamentals Learn to Swim Programme will run again next year – helping Year 3-6 students in decile 1-5 schools across Christchurch become more confident in the water.

The programme, which first started in 2010, is a joint project between the Christchurch City Council, Sport Canterbury and Water Safety New Zealand with support from Swimming New Zealand. Eligible schools city-wide can now apply for subsidies to contribute towards next year’s transport costs for getting students to and from swimming lessons.

The aim of the programme is to increase water confidence, swimming abilities and water safety awareness. Research shows that swimming skills in New Zealand are declining, with only one in five 10-year-olds able to swim 200 metres, which is the Water Safety New Zealand benchmark for swimming and surviving.

Mayor Bob Parker says water safety skills are essential for Christchurch children.

“We live on an island, so swimming is an essential skill for our young people to develop. We are pleased to be able to offer funding to schools for the third year running.”

There have been some changes to the funding criteria from last year. This year the subsidies are aimed at Year 3-6 students from eligible decile 1-5 schools across the city.

For more information and eligibility criteria visit www.ccc.govt.nz/swimeducation

ENDS

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