9 November 2011

Forum to address Auckland drownings

The recent spate of net-fishing drownings is top of the agenda for concerned Pacific representatives attending WaterSafe Auckland’s Aquatic Education and Drowning Prevention Forum on Friday [Nov 11] at the Marine Rescue Centre, to be opened by Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye.

“This is a call to action from our communities,” says WaterSafe Auckland (WAI) CEO Sandy Harrop, “all of whom have identified that something really needs to be done to prevent further tragedy.”

This is not just about learning to swim, she says, but having the knowledge to identify risk and to make safer decisions.

Nikki Kaye will launch Safe Summer, a region-wide public awareness campaign led by WAI in partnership with Surf Life Saving Northern Region, Coastguard Northern Region, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and Swimming New Zealand.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand will also present their Coastal Audit Tool around aquatic risk and safety assessment, and New Zealand Search and Rescue their Water Safety and Boating Safety Codes, both proactive approaches to reducing risk.

Discussion is sure to be lively and forward thinking with attendees including Auckland Councillors together with representatives from Local Boards, the Pacific Peoples Advisory Council, Te Puni Kōkiri, Pasifika Injury Prevention Aukilana (PIPA), North Shore Pasefika Forum and the Ministries of Social Development and Education as well as committed stakeholders and partners.

“There isn’t a single fix-it tool, but importantly we have the Mayor’s full support,” Sandy says. “Increased policy around aquatic education and local government investment will contribute to helping us, collectively, deliver on our regional priorities.”

Auckland Aquatic Education and Drowning Prevention Forum 2011
Marine Rescue Centre, Solent St, Mechanics Bay, Auckland
9.15 – 11.30am, Friday 11 November 2011

Keynote Address: ‘Auckland – A safer playground for everyone’ Nikki Kaye, MP Auckland Central

Guest Speakers:

- Nick Mulcahy (Coastal Public Safety Officer, Surf Life Saving New Zealand)
- Duncan Ferner (Secretariat Manager, New Zealand Search and Rescue Council)
- Dr Michael Shepherd (Clinical Director, Paediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist, Starship Children’s Hospital)
- Dr Kevin Moran (Faculty of Education, University of Auckland and Co-Chair of the International Task Force on Open Water Drowning)

Background
WaterSafe Auckland Inc. is the acknowledged lead agency for water safety coordination and education in the Auckland region. As one of the four service delivery amenities under the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008, WaterSafe Auckland is mandated by the ratepayers of Auckland to deliver water safety education to meet the needs of those living in and visiting the region.

The four service delivery amenities under the Act are: WaterSafe Auckland Inc., Surf Life Saving Northern Region, Coastguard Northern Region and Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Pasifika Injury Prevention Aukilana (PIPA) is a Pasifika focussed injury prevention group. Membership is drawn from health and safety professionals working within the community and includes Pasifika representation from Safekids NZ, Auckland Council, district health boards, ACC and specialist injury prevention organisations.

ENDS

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