Nominations Open For 2013 Sealord New Zealand Water Safety Awards

New Zealand’s champions of water safety will be celebrated later this year as nominations open for the 2013 Sealord New Zealand Water Safety Awards.

The Awards – in its fifth year – aim to honour the best of water safety programmes, initiatives, campaigns and individuals across a range of categories. Nomination forms are available online via the Water Safety New Zealand website www.watersafety.org.nz.

This year’s categories are:

Education– a programme, initiative or campaign where individuals or specific groups of people develop water safety knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Awareness –a programme, initiative or campaign where the general public, a targeted group or community is provided with information relating to water safety and awareness demonstrated.

Prevention –a programme, initiative or campaign (including an intervention, event, activity or experience) leading to the direct or indirect prevention of injury and/or drowning.

Outstanding contribution to water safety in New Zealand – an individual who has made a significant contribution and positive impact to the water safety sector, a targeted group or community, in terms of their service, leadership, achievement, and/or involvement.

“The awards represent the very best in water safety achievements,” says Water Safety New Zealand Chief Executive Matt Claridge.

“There are some incredible water safety initiatives happening around the country which are making a real difference to our national drowning toll. This is an opportunity to celebrate these successes, while also raising awareness of the importance of water safety every day.”

Sealord spokesperson Stuart Yorston says Sealord’s involvement in the Awards is an extension of its Sealord Swim for Life initiative, which has so far helped more than 195,000 children learn to swim.

“We’re committed to working with Water Safety New Zealand to make water safety a priority for New Zealanders; and celebrating the work that’s being done around the country is an important part of that,” he says.

Finalists will be announced in early September, with winners revealed at the Saturday night gala dinner held during the International Water Safety and Aquatic Education Conference in Queenstown from October 3-5. 

Nominations close on Thursday 1 August 2013.

The judging panel will be made up of Water Safety CEO Matt Claridge, Board Chair Sally Webb and a member representative - Neil Murray from Coastguard Boating Education.

ENDS

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