The great outdoors and safety go hand in hand

Get Outdoors Week
(15-22nd February 2019)

The inaugural Get Outdoors Week (GO Week) led by the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is about encouraging families to get out and enjoy the great outdoors well prepared and informed.

While concerns around safety may put some parents off heading out on an adventure, GO Week is about making sure people get the information they need so they can get out and enjoy the natural beauty of Aotearoa safely and with confidence.

GO Week is an annual week-long initiative jointly developed by New Zealand’s outdoor recreation, outdoor safety and tourism community. We are truly blessed in this country with stunning natural landscapes and waterways and GO Week is about encouraging families to get out and see their country.

When it comes to enjoying the outdoors with your children around our beaches, lakes and rivers Water Safety New Zealand’s key water safety message is - constant active adult supervision at all times. If you are in or near the water always keep your little ones within arms reach.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio, mother, Central Pulse and Silver Fern netballer and WSNZ ambassador is an advocate of getting outside and enjoying the water with your children.

“The number one thing is just being present. Always being alongside your child enjoying each other’s company, enjoying these experiences together. That is the best way to keep them safe” says Ameliaranne.

https://watersafety.org.nz/Under%20Fives

CEO Jonty Mills says while the focus of WSNZ is drowning prevention people should be encouraged to get out and enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful waterways safely.

“New Zealand has such stunning outdoor environments. It’s about being aware of the risks and being well informed and prepared so that you make smart safe decisions.”

Mike Daisley, CEO of MSC says it’s all about enabling the best outdoors experience for the participant. “At the heart of the week is ensuring participants explore the great outdoors, especially those who might have been a bit unsure how to go about planning for an outdoor adventure.”

There are Go Week events being held around the country to educate and inform people about how to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Go Week has a s big social media element so you can share your adventures using the hashtag #GOWeekNZ and using GOWeekNZ stickers, gifs and you can also earn badges.

Head to www.goweek.org.nz for all the detail.

@GetOutdoorsWeek on Facebook

@getoutdoorsweek on Instagram

@GetOutdoorsWeek on Twitter

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