A Bay of Plenty-based water safety organisation is keen to get the “aquatic survival starts with you” message across today, July 25, with a fun, blue-themed event at Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.
“Everyone who comes dressed in blue will receive a discounted pool entry, and the first 100 kids through the doors will get a free slushy,” said operations manager Kent Horner of the Aquatic Survival Skills Trust, which provides life-saving water safety education to children by sending educators into local schools.
Horner said during today’s special event from 4pm-8pm, Baywave’s favourite giant duck, Bluey, will be roaming the venue with lollies. “There will also be small inflatables in the learner pool, an opportunity to walk the plank on Baywave’s pirate ship, and the wave pool will be on.”
Aquatic Survival Skills operations manager Kent Horner. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Spot prizes, giveaways, water safety activities and demonstrations are all part of the Baywave collaboration between Tauranga swimming school BaySwim and the Aquatic Survival Skills Trust, which had also brought together other organisations committed to water safety and drowning prevention.
“We’ve collaborated on this event to amplify awareness for World Drowning Prevention Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring our strongest aquatic survival advocates together and remind the community that drowning is preventable,” said Horner.
There will be demonstrations and educational activities run by Surf Life Saving New Zealand, the harbourmaster team, Waimarino, and Coastguard.
Come dressed in blue to Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre from 4-8pm, Friday July 25 for a pool party with spot prizes and giveaways, inflatables, water safety activities, demonstrations, and wave pool fun.
“Come along and take part in this community event and help us increase awareness and engagement around water safety in the Tauranga region,” said Bay Venues head of aquatics Matthew Strange.
“The goal is to equip whānau with knowledge, confidence, and practical strategies to stay safe in, on, and around the water – whether it’s the ocean, rivers, pools, or lakes.”
Olympian Moss Burmester would also attend to spread his passion for water safety and swimming.
“Aquatic survival skills should be a fundamental life skill for every Kiwi, so everyone can enjoy the water safely and prevent drownings,” said the Commonwealth Games gold medalist.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council maritime officer II, Jules Taylor, said the harbourmaster team ensures everyone using the region’s lakes, rivers and harbours remains safe, through education and enforcement.
“We’re proud to support World Drowning Prevention Day and share advice on some of the water-related hints and tips that could ultimately save your life. Come and meet some of the Harbourmaster team at Baywave on Friday.”
Surf Life Saving NZ’s Eastern Region community education coordinator, Alana Pearce, said the organisation’s purpose is to save lives and ensure the safety of communities at beaches and in the water.
“Education is a vital preventative measure to reducing the drowning toll and events like this are an important way to raise awareness for water safety and remind our community on the best ways to keep themselves safe at or in the water.”
Horner said there will be blue McLeod cranes parked on Truman Lane, outside Farmer Autovillage on Hewletts Rd, and outside Baywave on Friday, carrying banners with the aquatic survival message. He encouraged businesses and schools to dress up blue on the day for a gold coin donation to help create awareness.
“The funds will help ensure every primary school child in our region can access a pool to learn the practical components of aquatic survival skills and keep themselves safe in the water.”
Come dressed in blue to Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre from 4pm-8pm, today, July 25 for a pool party with spot prizes and giveaways, inflatables, water safety activities, demonstrations, and wave pool fun.
Find out more at: www.aquaticsurvivalskills.nz