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Keeping Kiwi Kids Safe
The Safe Boating Programme by Coastguard Education has been running for the past 5 years and educates around 85,000 children a year. The programme offers children practical boating and water safety experience, regardless of the child’s confidence level. The program covers in water survival techniques, safety equipment usage, communication importance, and personal safety responsibility, all taught in a fun and controlled pool environment.
The programme is run by Sarah Psaila who is a visionary when it comes to children’s safety on the water. She is an active Coastguard volunteer and has seen first hand what can happen without any water safety knowledge. Her passion is evident in the way the course is taught and is not only fun but more importantly memorable, ensuring the kids retain the knowledge for years to come.
Here is what one Mum had to say about her child after attending the Little Skippers programme:
“We had no idea just how much he had learnt until we went away overseas recently. We were heading off on a small boat, and Nate reminded me that I need to put my life jacket on before his.
He knew to wait for an adult to be on the boat for getting in, and for someone to be on the bank before he got out. He remembered perfectly the correct way to get in and out of the boat. He also knew he wasn’t allowed to take his life jacket off himself. He told us how he should lie if he did fall into the water.
All of this was unprompted by us, he just knew it and told us”.
Active LEARNING
The best way to learn is to do!
The safe water programmes are taught in a pool environment with highly qualifued instructors. The kids are expected to wear lifejackets and to be active in the pool during the whole session. They will work together as a team and learn the importance of staying warm, calling for help and surviving.
Know how to float
If you get into trouble, float on your back with your ears in the water – this will increase your chances of survival. Relax and breathe normally. If you don’t know how to float, get some lessons and practice before you enter the water.
Find the safest place
Take a moment to assess the conditions and look for dangers like strong currents. Find the safest place to get in and out of the water. Places with lifeguards on duty are safest. Listen to the lifeguards and pay attention to warning signs and flags.
If in doubt, don’t go out
Check the weather before leaving home. If you’re unsure about your skill level, the weather, or the water conditions, it’s better to wait for another day. The weather and water conditions can change quickly.
Take care of yourself and others and
tell someone where you are going
Always go with a buddy and tell someone your plans. When wearing a lifejacket, make sure it’s the correct size and it fits properly. When children are in or near the water, a responsible adult should be within arm’s reach and watching them carefully.
Know how to get help
If you get into trouble, raise your arm and call out for help if you are in the water. If you see someone who needs help, call 111 and ask for Police. If you have a radio, call for help on channel 16.