International Aquatic Leaders Converge on Capital

5 October 2007

Media Release
For immediate release

International Aquatic Leaders Converge on Wellington

From Saturday 6 to Monday 8 October 2007 Wellington will be the venue for the World Aquatic Babies Congress (WABC) at Te Papa.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) state that children under five years are the age group with the highest drowning risk.  The International Life Saving Federation considers children under the age of five of high importance in terms of drowning prevention initiatives.

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is the host organisation for the congress which carries the theme of He Oranga tō te Wai - Water is Life. This means that water in all its shapes and forms has the potential to give life or healthy qualities.

WSNZ advocates and promotes specific supervision messages to parents and caregivers of small children, in addition, water familiarisation classes form a valuable layer of support to reduce drowning incidents over time in New Zealand.

WSNZ General Manager, Matt Claridge is excited by the opportunities the Congress will provide the 230 attending delegates. 

“Planning for this event began in 2005 when WSNZ successfully pitched to host the Congress. Since that time we have worked extensively to ensure the programme offered is action packed, challenging and designed to inspire.”

Claridge continues “We are confident the congress will provide one of the greatest professional development opportunities for swim instructors ever held in this country. There are 27 International Speakers who will combine over three days of lectures, workshops and panel discussions, all world leaders in their field of knowledge.

One of the components of WABC 2007 New Zealand will be the inclusion of Panel Discussions on two topical subjects; The Business of Infant Swimming along with Submersion. Both of these Panel’s will be chaired by world renowned baby swimming leader Dave Dubois.

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