World Drowning Prevention Day - 25 July
Today is World Drowning Prevention Day. With schools commencing term three this week, it is crucial to recognise the importance of learning to swim. Swimming is one of the most important life skills you can learn. Not only does it give you the ability to save your life in the water, but it also opens up a world of opportunities for recreational activities.
No matter which activity you want to try out on the water — whether it be one of the many water sports or simply spending a day on the rocks fishing — it is crucial to learn to swim. Doing so gives you the best chance of survival if you're in trouble in the water.
As we prepare to watch our Olympic and Paralympic heroes dive in to race in Paris, it is another reminder of the many opportunities that being active in the water may bring. Many people will be inspired by watching our Kiwis perform on the big stage, and each of their journeys with the sport began with learning to swim.
In partnership with Drowning Prevention Auckland, today, we will offer a 90-second float at the start of the 2024 NZ Secondary School Swimming Championships to promote 'float first' as one of the critical steps in learning to swim and drowning prevention.
Swimming NZ's Head of Participation, Competitions & Engagement, Dale Johnson, believes there is no time like the present to learn how to swim.
"Everyone has the right to learn to swim and have a lifelong love of and connection with the water. We know that there are unlimited benefits associated with being active in the water, and the key to unlocking your greatness is to learn to swim."
Johnson urges everyone to unlock their greatness and spread the message.
"Kiwis have a strong affiliation to the water - being in and around it is one of our favourite pastimes and part of our culture. By learning to swim, you are opening doors to enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits for a lifetime. Help us spread the message today that learning to swim is the most important life skill."
There are many swim schools around the country and plenty of reasons to learn to swim. Check out our Get Involved webpage to learn more, and Unlock Your Greatness by learning to swim today.
While we reflect on World Drowning Prevention Day, it's also a great opportunity to remember the benefits of being active in the water. If you haven't been for a swim or been active in the water for a while, we encourage you to re-discover the water as we get closer to summer. You can do so with a group of friends, set yourself a personal challenge, or join one of the many social groups that swim in pools and open water locations across the country.
Unlock Your Greatness in the water today by exploring ways to get involved below or finding an open water swim to set a goal for this summer.
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