Learning to Swim Fundamental To Prevent Drowning

International Authorities State Learning to Swim Fundamental to Drowning Prevention

Recently released policy statements from two internationally recognized authorities, the International Life Saving Federation and the American Academy of Pediatrics, assert the need for all children to learn to swim.

Drowning is recognized as a leading cause of injury related death in children both in New Zealand and globally.

Matt Claridge, General Manager, Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) views the statements as high level international endorsement for his organisations focus on children learning to swim and survive. The provision of quality opportunities is vital to addressing our nation’s high annual drowning toll now and in the future.

“It must be a priority for all New Zealand children to have the opportunity to learn to swim and survive. Without the ability to swim and survive, our New Zealand children are lacking in the basic skills and knowledge that will enable them to use and enjoy the water safely.”

“That these two highly respected international bodies have expressly communicated this message is encouraging Their position supports WSNZ’s stance that learning to swim and survive is the most effective and important strategy we can pursue in our attempts to keep our people safe in and around the water.”

Disturbingly research commissioned by WSNZ indicates a reduction in opportunities to learn as well as a decline in skill ability.

Claridge continues “the catalyst for WSNZ’s Swim For Life initiative was poor skill ability. Through Swim For Life awareness has been raised of the importance of swim and survive as a core life skill. We are now witnessing the development of proactive and innovative initiatives by community leaders that recognise the relevance of the issue to their communities and who are working in partnerships to effect change. The Northland and Otago regions are excellent examples of what can be achieved by a focused and coordinated approach to swim and survive delivery. They are the regional models that WSNZ believe should be replicated nationwide and working towards”.

WSNZ’s position is that quality swim and survive provision should be an essential component within the New Zealand Education Curriculum. This will require government support and resourcing. Claridge acknowledges this is an issue that will continue to escalate in the short term and have major long term repercussions.

“WSNZ will continue to advocate for Central Government involvement in this issue, but we can’t afford to wait and hope. We will continue with our efforts at regional and community level and work towards a situation where all primary school aged children are provided with the necessary opportunities to learn to swim and survive.”

ENDS

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