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Denise Jones |
Despite our self-perceived image as a water-savvy nation, New Zealand actually has one of the highest drowning rates in the developed world – twice as high as Australia and three times as high as the United Kingdom and the United States.
In a region renowned for beaches and an outdoor lifestyle, it's important children in the Bay of Plenty are taught to swim from a young age.
Sport Bay of Plenty's Go4it programme encourages children to be active year-round and its swimming component ‘Swim it' is no exception – even during cold winter months.
Thanks to the great aquatic facilities in the Bay of Plenty, many schools continue their swimming programmes through winter, learning how to swim to survive while enjoying exercise in a warm environment.
Ella Crichton learning breaststroke.
As part of ‘Swim it', the Sealord ‘Swim for Life' initiative is delivered around the Bay with the vision of all children being able to swim 200 metres by the age of 12.
Currently, 55 per cent of Year 6 children taking part in Swim for Life in the Bay of Plenty are able to swim 200 metres, more than twice the national average of 26 per cent.
Teachers from the participating schools are thrilled with their students' progress and gain a lot by observing the lessons taught by qualified instructors.
There are usually three instructors per class, which enables small class sizes, generally groups of 10 or fewer students.
This has a big impact on learning, with students having more hands on attention and practical instruction, unlike other scenarios with one teacher having to manage classes of up to 30 children.
Te Puna School has been travelling to the Greerton Aquatic Centre each week in term 2 as part of Go4it and have praised the programme, the facilities and staff.
'Swim it is teaching us new strokes and we get the chance to experience swimming in a pool that is deeper than our own school pool” - Liam McGaughran.
'It's a great opportunity for me to learn how to swim with professional instructors” - Amanda Payne.
'Swim it is really good to help my lungs and build up my fitness” - Porsche Mitchell.
For more information on ‘Swim it' email Denise Jones at: denisej@sportbop.co.nz