25 September 2008
Media Release
For immediate release
Water safety and drowning prevention: The Auckland perspective
The Auckland region is defined by its aquatic focus – every brochure, tourist video or promotion highlights our
beautiful harbours, tranquil waterways and challenging aquatic activities.
It is little wonder then that water safety and drowning prevention is a key issue for the region and hot topic for
debate at the WaterSafe Auckland (WAI) Regional Water Safety Education and Drowning Prevention Forum at Auckland’s
Marine Rescue Centre, Friday 26 September.
This is the first forum since passing of the Regional Amenities Funding Act providing secure and sustainable funding for
10 essential service and arts organisations, says Sandy Harrop, WAI CEO.
“We are delighted to be one these entities,” she says, “WAI is tasked with coordinating and delivering water safety
education to meet the needs of our diverse populations and visitors alike and this forum will assist in ensuring that
our planning continues to meet the regional mandate that the Act has provided.”
“The passing of the Act marks a new milestone in the journey towards building a water safety culture for residents and
visitors alike”, says Sandy. “Together with Coastguard Northern and Surf Life Saving Northern, also party to this Act,
we will continue to work on the business of preventing drownings.”
Other items to be discussed, debated and prioritised at the forum include drafting water safety regional strategic
action plans, examining key at-risk demographics, communities, environments and activities, and capturing statistical
data around drownings and hospitalisations for water related injuries and non-fatal drownings.
This will result in the further prioritising and endorsing of our regional and local body initiatives, setting further
stakeholder partnership opportunities and reporting on successes to date.
WaterSafe Auckland Regional Water Safety Education and Drowning Prevention Forum, Marine Rescue Centre, 3 Solent St,
Mechanics Bay, Auckland, from 9.15am to 2.00pm.
ENDS