aquatic education really does save lives!
Swimming Waikato has partnered with local funders, swimming clubs and facilities to deliver tens of thousands of fully funded water safety and survival swimming lessons annually. Our goal is to increase awareness and support for the delivery of aquatic skills that focus on drowning prevention, as well as empowering teachers by providing water safety resources and mentoring.
Our program began in 2021, and since then we have expanded our support into Hamilton City and Waikato District, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, South Waikato, Matamata-Piako and Taupo with hopes to expand this even further in 2024.
To date we have provided almost 50,000 individual water safety opportunities for tamariki, supporting over 1000 teachers in 121 primary and intermediate schools. We of course could not do this without the amazing support we receive from our water safety partners: Sport New Zealand, Sport Waikato, Water Safety New Zealand, NZ Lottery, WEL Energy Trust and Coastguard Safe Boating.
What We Offer
- Approved educators to deliver up to five 30-40 minute in-pool and poolside sessions
- Professional development for teachers prior to SwimSafe commencing
- One-to-one teacher mentoring sessions on poolside
- Available for primary and intermediate schools with an Equity Index 446 or higher
- Transport may be partially or fully funded
- $6,500 total funding per school annually, incl lessons, transport (if required) and admin
- Up to date curriculum resources to build knowledge and create safer attitudes
- Water Skills for Life resource for in-pool physical skill development
- Year 0-4 shallow water skills in school pools
- Year 5-8 deep water experiences at local facilities
- Coastguard Safe Boating activities
bookings now open
The following regions are now open for terms 2-4:
Thames/Coromandel
South Waikato
Otorohanga/Waitomo
Hamilton City
Waikato District
Taupō
Apply now as spaces fill quickly!
Swim Safe faq's
Which schools can apply?
Current funding is available to schools with EQI 446 or higher in Hamilton City, Waikato, South Waikato, Otorohanga/Waitomo, Thames Coromandel Districts and Taupō.
What funding is available?
The programme has been generously funded by WEL Energy Trust, Lotteries Grants Board and Sport New Zealand’s Tu Manawa fund (distributed by Sport Waikato). The maximum funding available per school is $6,500 excl GST annually.
Are transport costs covered?
Transport costs will be considered based on individual application and are included in the maximum funding available.
How does payment work?
School Pool – Swimming Waikato will pay the Educators direct. Council Pool – Swimming Waikato will pay the pool facility direct up to the maximum funding available, the school will pay the balance (if any) direct to the facility. Transport – Swimming Waikato will pay the transport provider direct, up to the maximum funding available across both lessons and transport. The school will pay the transport company the balance.
Who will be delivering the programme?
Swimming Waikato will deliver the initial teacher PLD session. Then, our trained educators will work with students and teachers on pool side to ensure maximum effect for students and teachers. If attending an aquatic facility, the trained aquatic instructors at the facility will work with teachers poolside and students in the water to deliver the programme.
What if we need to cancel our lessons?
If you wish to cancel your booking then you must give at least 1 weeks’ notice in writing. If a cancellation is made within one week of your proposed booking date you will be invoiced 50% of the total cost.
What if my school doesn’t fit the criteria or I have further questions?
Please get in touch at [email protected] as we would love to discuss how we can help.
How can a school sign-up?
feedback
“Thanks so much for the swim safety programme we had last week …
The impact of the lessons have saved a life or serious injury of a child. I can’t thank you enough!”
“The Water Safety lessons not only upskilled our Kaiako around how to teach water safety, but also enabled our tamariki to see what they needed to do if they got into trouble around water, and pass this information on to their whaanau. The Kaiako and tamariki thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
“The boat part was especially important as we are next to the sea and many students have opportunities to go on a boat and we do not have life jackets or a boat to teach these important skills.”
“Just wanted to touch base with you after our awesome day at Waterworld for our ‘Give it a Go day’. After speaking to the staff and the principal about how successful and important the day was, we have decided as a school to make this an annual event.”
“I loved the way it has made me focus on teaching survival skills in the water before teaching swimming skills. The programme was well set out.”
“Awesome programme and the people that deliver it!”
“The swimming coaches were fantastic with our kids and we all learnt so much. This programme should be a must for all kiwi kids and teachers.“
“Some of our tamariki went from being very nervous and anxious in the water to practicing falling into the deepest end of the deepest pool, which was amazing to see. I loved seeing our students gain confidence and have fun!”
useful links
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Address
Sport Waikato Office
Brian Perry Sports House
Wintec Rotokauri Campus
51 Akoranga Road, Hamilton 3200
PO Box 46, Hamilton 3240
Call Us
(+64) 27 776 6684
Phone Hours 9am - 3pm