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SUPPORT WATER SKILLS FOR LIFE

Please support The Warehouse as they support Water Skills for Life.

You can help kids learn Water Skills by making a $2 donation next time you shop at the The Warehouse.

Water Skills for Life is all about kids having fun while they learn water safety, it teaches them water safety skills like floating to reduce their risk of drowning. It teaches them the knowledge they need to assess risk and make smart decisions around water.



Water Skills for Life

A new approach to teaching young people water safety and swimming skills.


Following an extensive review of current aquatic survival skills programme delivery in New Zealand and a close look at international best practice, Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) and its members including Swimming New Zealand has developed Water Skills for Life.

Water Skills for Life is aimed at teaching 5 – 13-year-old Kiwis the skills they need to help keep themselves safe in, on and around water. The new skills are the building blocks for the safe enjoyment of the many aquatic pursuits our country has to offer and are also the essential basis for participating in all aquatic sports.

Water Skills for Life is the national standard for aquatic education in New Zealand primary schools (children in years 1 to 8). 

Water Skills for Life is made up of seven skill sets that contain 27 core skills, it establishes broad fundamental competencies for life-long water safety.


It gives children the skills and knowledge they need to assess risk and make smart decisions around water so they can stay out of trouble and survive should they get into trouble.

Children are taught Water Skills for Life at their school, either by their school teacher or by a swim teacher at a community pool. Schools can decide how they teach their students Water Skills for Life. Swimming New Zealand Education advisers provide training and support for schools and their teachers and swim schools and their swim teachers to ensure Kiwi children receive quality Water Skills for Life Education.

Swimming New Zealand delivers this free professional development opportunities to school teachers and swim teachers across New Zealand, with sponsorship from The Warehouse and funding support from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board and ACC.