Belgravia Leisure to introduce New Zealand’s first Swim and Survive program

Aquatic and fitness facility operator, Belgravia Leisure, is set to roll out New Zealand’s first updated Swim and Survive program in collaboration with both the Royal Life Saving Society New Zealand and the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA).

Having recently commenced the contract management Auckland City Council’s Franklin Swim, Sports and Fitness Centre and Jubilee, Whiteside and Mt Albert Pools, Auckland residents will be the first to benefit from the program, which was first created by RLSSA.

Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive Nick Cox believes that the Swim and Survive program is a proven water safety initiative of Royal Life Saving that aims to increase the swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills of children.

Cox explains “since its inception 30 years ago, over 15 million Australian children have participated in the Swim and Survive program which has significantly contributed to reducing the rate of drowning among five to 14 year olds by over 75% in Australia.

“We will work closely with New Zealand’s Life Saving Society and AUSTWIM New Zealand to bring these benefits firstly, to Auckland communities, with a view to a national rollout in the future.”

Swim and Survive will be the first learn-to-swim offering in Waiuku at Whiteside Pool.

Cox added “Belgravia Leisure will ensure our Swim and Survive classes are affordable for families at all of our sites because water safety is crucial in protecting our children from drowning.

“Swimming skills also enable young people to become more engaged in fun aquatic activities and potential future sporting opportunities.”

Belgravia Leisure will also work closely with Auckland City Council to tackle youth disengagement in Franklin by providing more options for fun, healthy recreational activities for local children.

Cox concluded “we will be expanding sporting activities on offer, build on the current basketball facility and introduce indoor tennis, soccer and possibly more sports for Franklin families.”

“We will also introduce new before and after school care options for primary school-aged kids at Franklin Swim, Sports and Fitness Centre.”

Belgravia Leisure is also working closely with AUSTSWIM New Zealand and working towards creating new partnerships with other industry bodies such as the Water Safety Council New Zealand.

Belgravia Leisure is Australia’s largest commercial operator of aquatic and leisure facilities. Belgravia Leisure is part of Australian company, Belgravia Group, which also owns Genesis Fitness Clubs and Corporate Health Management (CHM). 

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