InterAktive December 2016 - Issue 3
Aktive's eMag showcasing Aktive in action
Aktive's eMag showcasing Aktive in action
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Water Skills for Life<br />
Traditionally, there has been a focus on learn to swim programmes<br />
in New Zealand. The assumption has been that if you learn to swim,<br />
you have the necessary basic skills to survive in the water. We now<br />
know that this is not enough.<br />
In the <strong>2016</strong>-2017 year, Water Safety New Zealand<br />
(WSNZ) is rolling out a new approach to teaching<br />
young New Zealanders water safety: Water Skills<br />
for Life.<br />
WSNZ developed Water Skills for Life to teach<br />
5-13 year old Kiwis the skills they need to help keep<br />
themselves safe in, on and around water. The new<br />
skills are the building blocks for the safe enjoyment<br />
of the many aquatic pursuits our country has to offer<br />
and are also the essential basis for participating in all<br />
aquatic sports.<br />
Following an extensive review of current aquatic survival<br />
skills programme delivery in New Zealand and a close<br />
look at international best practice, WSNZ found that<br />
there is a need for a greater emphasis on teaching<br />
water safety skills prior to stroke and distance focused<br />
swimming skills, and that offering exposure to a range<br />
of aquatic environments (such as rivers and cold open<br />
water) is a crucial part of water safety skills learning.<br />
WSNZ expects that most swim teachers will be able to<br />
incorporate the new Water Skills for Life approach,<br />
with only minor changes, into their current programmes.<br />
There will be a need for some creative thinking and<br />
innovative solutions in the delivery of the Water<br />
Skills for Life, and WSNZ has developed an online<br />
resource kit to provide help, tips and tricks. There<br />
is also professional development available if you<br />
require further help incorporating the skills into your<br />
programmes.<br />
If you would like to know more<br />
about receiving professional<br />
development, contact:<br />
Jacqui Johnston<br />
Email: jacqui.johnston@aktive.org.nz<br />
If you’re interested in more details around<br />
the skills involved in Water Skills for Life, or in<br />
reading any of the background information<br />
that influenced the decision to make the shift<br />
towards Water Skills for Life, please check out<br />
the WSNZ website at<br />
www.watersafety.org.nz<br />
or contact wsnz@watersafety.org.nz<br />
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