Aquatic education really does save lives!

OUR PROGRAM

SwimSafe is a water safety program that delivers professional development to Year 0-8 teachers.

The focus here is not to teach students, but to support teachers, so that they have the capability and knowledge to teach aquatic education effectively.

Since 2021, we have expanded into all districts reaching across Mokau, Taupo to the Coromandel and Port Waikato!

Schools
Supported

Teachers received Water Safety Skills development

Individual Water Safety Lessons provided

Students
Participated

BENEFITS OF SWIMMING

Boosts ability to learn

Boosts your memory

Helps children to become confident

Essential life saving skills

Boosts your mood

Keeps heart & lungs healthy

Empower Yourself, Empower Your Students!

Tired of feeling overwhelmed by water safety instruction?

SwimSafe isn’t just about teaching students – it’s about giving YOU the tools and confidence to deliver exceptional aquatic education.

Our targeted support program equips you with the knowledge and resources

Meet the Health and Physical Education Curriculum standards with ease while ensuring your students gain critical water survival skills.

Imagine confident, capable students thriving in any aquatic environment

SwimSafe empowers you to foster a love of swimming and prioritizes the transfer of skills to real world context.

Regular, effective pool sessions become a reality

SwimSafe equips you with engaging, engaging age-appropriate progressive lessons that keep students motivated and learning.

APPLY NOW!

what we offer

Learn to Survive / Swim

Focus on water safety and stroke development
Open to all schools with and without pools
Comprehensive professional development for teachers prior to SwimSafe commencing
Accredited educators mentors teachers during five 30-minute one-to-one sessions
Targeted comprehensive teacher professional development
Transport may be partially or fully funded
Funded programs includes lessons, transport (if required) and admin
Four-stage Learn to Survive pack with Water Safety NZ endorsed resources
Eight-stage Learn to Swim pack with easy-to-use lesson plans
Coastguard Safe Boating and life jacket experiences

what our SCHOOLs are saying

bookings now open!

Thames-Coromandel

South Waikato

Waikato District

Hamilton City

Otorohanga-Waitomo

Taupō

Matamata-Piako

Waipa

APPLY NOW!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the cost of the SwimSafe Program?

The cost of the program is based on one staff development session with resources, five one-to-one mentoring sessions per teacher, SwimSafe Lesson Pack and an IRD travel rate from Swimming Waikato’s office for sessions.

What funding is available?

SwimSafe has been generously funded by WEL Energy Trust, Lotteries Grants Board, Water Safety New Zealand and Sport New Zealand’s Tu Manawa fund (distributed by Sport Waikato).

Are transport costs covered?

Transport costs will be considered based on individual application and are included in the total funding available.

How does payment work?

Funded:

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 agreed 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 agreed balance (if any).

Non-Funded:

Ahead of the booking confirmation, schools will receive a quote for the total cost. Once approved, a 25% non-refundable deposit will be invoiced and must be paid within 10 working days. The remainder of the payment will be invoiced once the lessons are complete.

When should I book?

Book as early as possible as spaces fill quickly – for any term, any time!

Booking SwimSafe is a two-part process:

Step 1 – Group training session with teachers scheduled at least 3 weeks prior to in pool lessons commencing

Step 2 – Poolside mentoring will depend on total numbers of teachers as each has five 30-minute sessions

Who will be delivering the programme?

Swimming Waikato will deliver the teacher PLD session. Then, our trained educators will work with students and teachers on poolside 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 are the school's responsibilties?

Schools are required to provide completed student data within two weeks post programme. Schools are required to actively supervise their students at all times.

What if we need to cancel our lessons?

If you wish to cancel your booking, 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.