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December 19, 2023
Waikato principal warns of river swim risk
Gideon Porter
Posted On December 19, 2023
Download AudioThe principal of a Hamilton kura is warning it’s not just beaches that will be dangerous for swimmers these summer holidays.
In the decade between 2011 and 2021 there were 35 drownings in rivers in the Waikato region.
Hone Waudby, whose Bankwood School-Te Kura Tuatahi o Kūkūtāruhe is near the Waikato River, says he tries to make sure his pupils are aware of the dangers of river swimming anywhere in the country.
“There are these little whirlpools that can happen. There are the currents in some parts are quite dangerous – where you can actually get pulled under and if you’re not skilled enough or experienced enough you’re going to get into a bit of trouble,” he says.
Safety training at his kura delivered by Swimsafe and Sport Waikato has already led to at least one potential drowning being avoided.
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