Local heroes recognised for Making a Difference

Their work for the local swimming community has seen Megan Wheeler and Claire Baylis named as medal recipients in the Local Hero category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.

Rotorua Lakes Swim School Manager Megan and Swim Rotorua’s School Liaison Claire have been recognised at tonight’s regional ceremony for their role in developing the Making a Difference Programme launched at the start of this year. The primary schools programme was created after the pair saw a need to improve the water safety skills of local children.

Claire Baylis said they are really glad they have been able to reach so many children in such a short space of time.

“We can really see the difference in skills of the children we have worked with. In one school none of the children could swim more than 25 metres in the beginning. By the end of the programme all of the children could swim 100 metres or more.

“Our goal is to get every child in Rotorua swimming and feeling safe and confident in the water.”

In just under a year Megan and Claire have worked with more than 2000 primary school children from 20 local schools. The programme focusses on water safety education and swimming skills.

It also includes skill workshops for teachers and volunteers, and custom-made swimming programmes that suit the needs of individual schools.
Rotorua Aquatic Centre Manager David Pearce says it is brilliant to have Claire and Megan acknowledged with the award.

“The programme has really lived up to its name of ‘Making a difference’. The positive impact on the children who have been part of the programme is a reflection of Megan and Claire’s personal dedication and shared vision,” Mr Pearce says.

“No change or new initiative takes place without some dedicated leadership and we are proud of them both for achieving such great results.”

Rotorua Lakes Swim School and Swim Rotorua are working to secure funding to continue the programme on a long-term basis.

Swim coach Megan Wheeler said they are honoured to be receiving the award.

“We really want to thank Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, Bay Trust and Rotorua Lakes Council for their help in funding the programme. Without their support the programme would not be possible.”

Visit nzawards.org.nz to see the other recipients in the Rotorua and Taupo region.

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