Swimsmart programme aims to reduce drowning rates in New Zealand

A Christchurch City Council Swimsmart survey has revealed that learning water survival skills at a young age is the main motivation for parents when booking swimming lessons.

Although nearly 90 % per cent of respondents to the survey cite water safety and learning to survive as the most important reasons for lessons, only 43% of the parents surveyed through schools currently have children undertaking lessons.

Several parents have cited concerns over cost and time pressures.

Nearly 50% also believe that a child’s interest is the most important factor in booking recreational and sporting activities.

Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox points out that New Zealand has one of the worst drowning rates in the developed world, advising "drowning remains the third-highest cause of accidental death in this country after road accidents and falls."

Of the 105 drownings (either recreationally or caused by a car accident or other act) in New Zealand in 2017, 92 have been deemed 'preventable'.

Cox adds “we all need to be aware of the risks around water and learn to swim as a fundamental skill so that we can safely enjoy a range of situations.

“The survey underlines that parents recognise the need, and also highlights the importance of providing easy-to-access, affordable swimming lessons.

“We want to help more youngsters learn to swim and gain confidence by regularly swimming at one of the city’s lifeguarded pools so that they can stay safe in the water.”

The Council-run learn to swim programme offers flexible options for up to 48 weeks of lessons per year at Graham Condon, Jellie Park, Pioneer or Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centres, along with unlimited access to Council pools during the term.

The Council also provides free swimming at the Recreation and Sport Centres for preschool children with a parent or caregiver during the school term (from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday). 

For more information on Christchurch City Council learn to swim programme visit ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/learn-to-swim/

For more information on Christchurch City Council Swimsmart programme go to ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/learn-to-swim/swimsmart/