Learn About The Aquatic Survival Skills Trust
Aquatic Survival Skills Education
The Aquatic Survival Skills education is a combination of fun interactive classrooms lessons and pool sessions either at the school or community pool. Our comprehensive aquatic survival training is available to year 5/6 primary school students, and covers a variety of scenarios, providing your children with the tools they need to handle any water-related situation. We focus on not just teaching, but instilling a deep understanding of water safety in every child.
Water Skills For Life Education
Water Skills for Life is a programme offered to year 0-8 students in primary schools with pools and an equity index of 446 and above. It is linked into the national education curriculum and gives children the skills and knowledge they need to assess risks and make smart decisions around water. Water Safety New Zealand, alongside Ministry of Education, is making water safety and Water Skills for Life an integral part of a child’s learning through the Health & PE Curriculum review in 2024.
Our Impact
Aquatic Survival education offers numerous benefits, ranging from life-saving skills and increased confidence to improved physical fitness and lifelong enjoyment of water activities. It plays a critical role in shaping responsible and safety-conscious individuals who are well-prepared to navigate aquatic environments throughout their lives.
Increased Confidence
Learning how to survive in water instills confidence in children. They develop a sense of self-assurance and competence, knowing they possess the skills to handle various water environments. This confidence extends beyond the water, positively impacting their overall self-esteem and resilience.
Lifelong Survival Skills
The skills acquired through an aquatic survival program are not only valuable during childhood but also last a lifetime. Children learn essential survival techniques, such as floating, treading water, and self-rescue, which can be applied in emergencies throughout their lives. These skills become a crucial asset, enhancing their personal safety and potentially enabling them to save others in need.
Fitness and Coordination
Participating in water-based activities improves children's physical fitness and coordination. Swimming, practicing water survival techniques, and engaging in various water sports promote cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and overall body coordination. It encourages an active and healthy lifestyle from an early age
Water Recreation Enjoyment
By equipping children with water safety skills, they can fully enjoy recreational water activities without fear or hesitation. Whether swimming, surfing, boating, or engaging in water sports, they can actively participate and have fun while being aware of potential risks and how to mitigate them. This promotes a lifelong appreciation for aquatic pursuits.
Emergency Preparedness
Our aquatic survival program prepares children to handle unexpected water emergencies. They learn how to respond to potential dangers and assist others in distress. This fosters a sense of responsibility and community-mindedness, empowering them to act as responsible citizens who can contribute to the safety and well-being of others.
Drowning Prevention
The impact of a good aquatic survival program on drowning prevention cannot be overstated. By educating and equipping children with water safety skills, these programs save lives. They create a generation of individuals who are knowledgeable about water risks, act responsibly around water, and can make a difference in reducing drowning incidents in their communities.
Empowering Children, Saving Lives
Aquatic Survival Skills is a practical programme that helps Year 5 and 6 students learn how to stay safe in and around water. Our experienced educators deliver the lessons with support from classroom teachers, using real-life scenarios to build confidence and water safety skills. Created in partnership with Swimming New Zealand, the programme gives tamariki the knowledge they need to enjoy rivers, lakes, beaches, and pools safely and responsibly.
