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It was recently reported that 130,000 New Zealand children had never had a swimming lesson in their lives.
Taylor Harvey, regional manager of Franklin Pool and Leisure, oversees the Jubilee Pools in Pukekohe and Whiteside Pools in Waiuku.
He said people underestimate the danger that water can represent.
“That’s the biggest thing there, a lot of people not understanding how dangerous our aquatic space, whether that’s a pool, an ocean or a lake.”
A major issue is that schools lack the proper funding to keep their pools open to teach water safety. Most schools struggle not just with the financial burden but with the proper safety precautions as well.
This included ensuring water quality, the price of plant rooms (a specialised room for a swimming pool’s filtration, sanitation, and circulation systems), and paying someone to manage the chemical and water management.
Harvey said there was a lot of improvement as well when it came to water safety and the reduction in water-related accidents.
“I feel like in the last few years you can see a lot of improvements in the reduction of drownings in New Zealand, predominantly in males.”
“In terms of Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Water Safety New Zealand, there is a big push to promote more water safety and education. We need more education than there already is; there’s a higher amount than what there used to be, but there must be more.
“I think it’s about promoting the sport of swimming, the benefits of swimming within New Zealand, and who we are as Kiwis in terms of our oceans and surf beaches as well as pushing how important water confidence is.”
Arvid Ditchburn, general manager of pools and leisure (Auckland Council), said that the council was a strong advocate of New Zealand children learning the essential water safety life skills to be able to confidently and safely enjoy the water.
“Through the council’s partnership with Sir John Walker’s Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation and AKtive, many schools can access subsidised water safety lessons through Water Safety New Zealand’s Water Skills for Life programme, which include basic swimming and water survival skills.
“These programmes are well-utilised and delivered from a few pools across the city including some of the pools owned by Auckland Council.
“The Community Swim programme, led by the Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation, recently achieved the significant milestone of delivering its 2 millionth lesson.
“The council’s Swimming Pool Pricing Policy provides free access to all children aged 16 years and younger, to enable them to become water aware and practice their swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment.”
“The council is currently completing an assessment of public swimming pool provision to inform a 10-year partnership-based investment programme to address priority needs in public pool space, indoor sports courts and sports fields.
“The council’s Learn to Swim Lessons are a great way for children and adults to gain confidence in the water and ultimately learn to swim.”
