Top Energy Swimming Sponsorship Leads NZ

Top Energy Swimming Sponsorship Leads NZ

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) says Northland electricity company Top Energy’s promotion of swimming education is a model for the rest of New Zealand. Wellington-based WSNZ project manager Brendon Ward says after a recent visit to Northland he is convinced that the Top Energy sponsorship is the best of its type in the country.

“Top Energy’s investment in water safety education through the Lotto SwimSafe programme has proved to be a leader in terms of learn to swim delivery across the community which is a model that could be followed throughout the country in our new Swim For Life initiative.”

Top Energy has sponsored the Far North WaterSafe learn-to-swim programme, which was developed and is now managed and delivered by Sport Northland, for seven years. During that time the joint venture has helped more than 6000 primary school pupils a year learn how to have safe fun around water using the Lotto SwimSafe programme.

Mr Ward says Top Energy’s WaterSafe programme is well funded, well organised and well supported.

“Top Energy and Sport Northland have established a learn-to-swim regime that is second to none, and should be looked at by other regions.”

Top Energy chief executive Roger de Bray says the company, in partnership with Sport Northland, set out to support an educational objective relevant to the Far North.

“Northland and swimming are synonymous. Children growing up here deserve the opportunity to safely enjoy the wonderful beaches, and the freedom they provide. The WaterSafe programme is helping them do that,” Mr De Bray says.

“We also hope that some parents listen to their WaterSafe educated children, because Northland’s drowning statistics suggest that adults – particularly those involved in boating – are now most at risk.”

Sport Northland’s Chief Executive Brent Eastwood adds that from the Trust’s point of view, the WaterSafe Programme has been extremely successful.

“It has certainly made a huge impact in the Far North District, and Sport Northland congratulates Top Energy for their ongoing sponsorship of the programme, which, for a region with so much coastline, is vitally important” says Mr Eastwood. “If this type of programme could be replicated in other regions in New Zealand, there would be massive benefits for both schools and families”.

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