Austswim training launches in New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has announced the introduction of the AUSTSWIM Training Programme in New Zealand.

AUSTSWIM is the Australian Council for the Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety. The AUSTSWIM Teacher Licence is the industry standard for swimming and water safety teachers in Australia and is recognised internationally as the premier range of qualifications for teaching water safety and learn to swim.

Matt Claridge, General Manager, WSNZ is delighted to be able to offer AUSTSWIM training in New Zealand, stating "there is no comparable quality of training or qualifications in New Zealand or the world. The learn to swim industry in our country has long been envious of the range of accredited training programmes offered through AUSTSWIM. We are aware of considerable demand for access to these programmes and due to the close working relationship and goodwill that exists between the two organisations WSNZ has been granted the licence for AUSTSWIM delivery in New Zealand."

AUSTSWIM Chief Executive Gordon Mallett is also pleased at the new partnership, adding "AUSTSWIM has developed strategic partnerships with other international organisations in the provision of swimming and water safety training and accreditation. Working with WSNZ now provides for AUSTSWIM

Training Programme delivery to our New Zealand colleagues, this is a natural extension and one that we will provide full support for."

Learn to swim and survival skills are at crisis point among New Zealand youths and research indicates swimming ability continues to decline at an alarming rate. Under the Sealord Swim For Life banner WSNZ is developing strategies to arrest this decline and views the services provided by swim school operators as integral in efforts to improve swimming ability.

Claridge continues, "traditionally the school system has been the primary venue for learn to swim activity but the failure of the national educational system in this area puts all youth at risk. This inevitably brings more focus and importance to the essential services provided by swim schools. WSNZ will continue to work with the industry to foster and improve these services."

The first AUSTSWIM Presenter Training Courses are scheduled for 1st to 3rd April 2011 in Auckland and 29 April to 2nd May 2011 in Christchurch.

For more on AUSTSWIM in New Zealand visit www.watersafety.org.nz

21st December 2009 - NZ’S INAUGURAL WATER SAFETY AWARDS