Survival skills for school children

Can the children at your school swim? Would the children at your school survive?

That's the question being asked in local schools embarking on a Swim For Life event at Manukau Leisure Services Ltd’s Manurewa Aquatic Centre on 17 June at 9.30am.

This is part of ten Swim For Life events being held throughout New Zealand during June. The event series aims to provide a free-and-fun introductory session for children, said Matt Claridge, General Manager of Water Safety New Zealand.

“The events will provide students with important learn-to-swim-and-survive knowledge, as well as skills that will help their decision making and enjoyment of water based activities. They will also promote on-going learn to swim and water safety sessions to the students”.

This year, Water Safety Ambassador Rob Hewitt, will share safety tips with over 170 children from three local schools expected to attend the event at Manurewa Aquatic Centre. Since the dive incident that saw him lost at sea for 75 hours, Rob is in high demand to share his extensive experience with other divers and to promote water safe behaviour.

Last year 110 people drowned in New Zealand, but many of them wouldn’t have if they knew how to swim says Brendon Ward, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Recreation Association.

“For too long, too many New Zealand children haven’t had the opportunity or motivation to learn swimming and other necessary water safety skills. Swim For Life is attempting to reverse this situation for the sake of future generations.”

Manager of Manukau Leisure Services Limited, Brett Jude, says “We are pleased to have the opportunity to host Swim For Life. Events such as this provide a wonderful opportunity for us to develop a relationship with our local schools.

“After this event, the school children who participate might be able to swim a bit better, they might have a greater chance of survival and they just might enjoy swimming and water based activities a whole lot more”, says Mr Jude.

Teachers will attend a briefing session and are also encouraged to develop their own learn to swim knowledge and skills.

-ENDS-

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