New Zealand Setting the Standard for Aquatic Recreation

The 2018 Aquatics Awards were held last night at the Waves Conference in Rotorua, and the quality of the nominations was so high that merit awards were introduced for the first time.
The annual Aquatics Industry Awards are organised by NZRA to encourage development and recognition within the industry.

The Lifeguard of the Year award is given to the lifeguard who has made the most significant contribution to their facility and to the aquatics industry, and this year’s winner was Victor Thompson.

His colleague Mark Blake, who nominated him, said “In my 35 years working in the aquatics industry Victor simply stands out as the most energetic, supportive and dynamic lifeguard I have come across. It is difficult to explain in simple terms how superior his customer service and work ethic is in comparison to every other lifeguard I have met.”

The Aquatic Innovation Award went to Belgravia Leisure for their Access and Inclusion Initiative. They have developed programmes specifically aimed at supporting minority groups who, for many reasons, have difficulty accessing their facilities. The reasons can range from disability, to economic issues, to transport issues. One customer said “The facility staff have built an environment that is based on support and acceptance. My disabled daughter is welcomed and included which is, sadly, extremely rare.”

“We were overwhelmed by the quality of nominations this year and saw no choice but to introduce merit awards to congratulate more of our nominees,” said NZRA Aquatics Programme Manager, Tracey Prince-Puketapu.

“I am incredibly proud of the work that is taking place across New Zealand in the Aquatics Sector, we are really setting the standard for high-quality aquatic recreation.”

Merit awards were given to Agnes Figota and Kanae Atsumi in the Lifeguard of the Year competition and to Kāpiti Coast District Council, Hanmer Spring Thermal Pools & Spa, YMCA, Plunket and Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 for the Aquatic Innovation Award.

The Lifeguard Team of the Year was decided at the NZ Lifeguard Championships on Monday. After a very close competition Community Leisure Management were declared the winners.

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