Water Safety Education for Secondary School Teachers

One fifth of New Zealand drowning deaths are youth aged 15-24 years. Evidence shows youth, especially males, are more likely to over-estimate their swimming and rescue competencies, confident youth are exposed to riskier aquatic environments, and despite greater exposure to water, are more likely to under-estimate the risk in open water. Schools have an opportunity to teach life-long water safety practices to their students, before or when they reach this vulnerable age group, to address drowning
amongst our youth.

During the day: 

• Teachers will gain understanding, awareness and knowledge around aquatic education
• Teachers will be provided with the tools needed to provide aquatic education to their students
• It will involve a full day of hands on interactive PLD consisting of classroom and in water elements. Ideal for any staff who are involved with physical education, health, sports teams or EOTC
• Includes developing water safety competencies for teachers and students
• Access to DPA resources that will support aquatic education learning and teaching
• Supporting teachers to implement aquatic education in the classroom and in the water with their class.

It will cover the following topics:

• What drowning looks like
• Safety for EOTC trips/ water activities – including identifying and managing risks
• 15 water competencies to be competent in water
• Beach safety
• Safer boating
• Aquatic education in the curriculum, including NCEA
• e-Learning.

What you will need:

• Computer or device that can connect to the internet
• Togs
• Towel
• Wetsuits can be provided.

($5 Koha)