August 09, 2021
Tamariki targeted in water safety push
Water Safety New Zealand and SplashSave are looking for influencers including kōhanga reo kaiako to teach water safety in their communities.
Last year there were 74 preventable fatal drownings, including four aged under five.
Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death in New Zealand and the third highest cause of accidental death.
Water Safety kaihautu Rob Hewitt says the new programme, including a parent pack developed by SplashSave, is an opportunity to give whānau the skills and knowledge they need to educate tamariki about staying safe in the water.
SplashSave spokesperson Phil Waggott says the key safety message for under fives is constant active adult supervision around water.
The programme also helps parents teach their children basic water safety skills such as floating, which lay the foundation for them confidently tackle more complex skills.
A pilot community day is being held in South Auckland on Friday including kōhanga reo leaders and around 250 children from five local Kōhanaga Reo.
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