17 August 2009
Joint Media Release: WaterSafe Auckland and Surf Life Saving Northern Region  
For immediate release

Water safety education for Pasifika - not just learn to swim

The release of the Coroner’s findings into Warrior Sonny Fai’s drowning highlights the need for more than just learning to swim in meeting the water safety needs of Pacific peoples.

Following the inquest, Sonny’s sister Lalelei Fai told reporters that she felt education about understanding the water was very important and the family would like to help promote that to prevent the same thing happening to others.

“While learning to swim is fundamental to aquatic safety, knowing about water safety principles is vital, especially in surf safety, fishing and small boat safety,” says Dr Kevin Moran, Chairman of WaterSafe Auckland. Research by Dr Moran has indicated a need for surf safety knowledge for Pacific youth, especially in regard to rips and other dangers. (NZ Youth Water Safety Survey 2003www.watersafe.org.nz/page.asp?page=442)

“We are delighted to hear that Sonny’s family are keen to help promote water safety education for Pacific people,” says Sandy Harrop, CEO WaterSafe Auckland, “we have programmes, partnerships and initiatives in place across schools and community that research tells us are making a difference, achieving safer outcomes and developing critical thinking, however further work needs to be done.”

Sonny tragically lost his life while saving family members caught in a rip at Bethells Beach on Auckland’s west coast, in January 2009.

WaterSafe Auckland and Surf Life Saving Northern together with the Auckland Regional Council continue to work with stakeholders from within the education, aquatic, local body, health and community sectors to ensure long term sustainable programmes that meet the needs of the region’s Pacific peoples and other at-risk groups. 

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