Jaws has been sighted at Te Papa today!

Media release
For release Monday 13 August 2007

Watch out for JAWS!

Da na, da na, da na…… did you hear the news? Media release
For release Monday 13 August 2007

Watch out for JAWS!

Da na, da na, da na…… did you hear the news? Jaws has been sighted at Te Papa today!

Don’t panic, not the man eating shark ‘Jaws’ –but something equally water-related – around 200 of New Zealand’s swimming pool managers and lifeguards are hitting the capital today to soak up advice and information at the annual JAWS (Just Add Water) aquatics conference.

During the next two days, these keen pool professionals will absorb enough information to make their heads swim.

Not only is the winner of the inaugural National Lifeguard of the Year being announced, but international experts from Scotland, Canada and Australia will share information and give advice about overseas trends in water play and facility management.

Hosted by New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), the conference will also see the unveiling of the Government’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy.

“This is a significant commitment by government to reduce New Zealand’s drowning toll,” says Brendon Ward, NZRA chief executive.

“Water plays a part in most Kiwis’ recreational activities – whether it’s swimming, sailing, fishing, or water sports. But New Zealand has twice as many water-related deaths as Australia. This new plan will set up strategies and allocate resources where they are needed, so we can tackle this problem,” says Mr Ward.

“In spite of the seriousness of some of the conference topics, we are really excited about the enthusiasm of our speakers and delegates. NZRA’s mission is to promote recreation and provide professional services to the recreation sector, and JAWS does that by informing and up-skilling those working in the aquatic industry.

“Pool managers and lifeguards are often unsung heroes. You only notice them if something goes wrong. The fact is they are committed to saving lives and preventing dangerous situations – every day their focus is on public safety,” says Mr Ward.

Delegates will visit four of Wellington’s top aquatic facilities (the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, Freyberg Pool & Fitness Centre, Huia Pool and H2O Xtream), they’ll participate in workshops and hear from Scottish leisure facilities expert Keith Jackson.

Keith heads Edinburgh Leisure, which manages an extensive portfolio of sports and leisure facilities – ranging from swimming pools, to sailing schools and golf courses. Edinburgh Leisure has a turnover of £24 million, 700 employees and over 4 million customers a year. He will offer valuable insights and advice to New Zealand’s aquatic professionals.

ENDS

Don’t panic, not the man eating shark ‘Jaws’ –but something equally water-related – around 200 of New Zealand’s swimming pool managers and lifeguards are hitting the capital today to soak up advice and information at the annual JAWS (Just Add Water) aquatics conference.

During the next two days, these keen pool professionals will absorb enough information to make their heads swim.

Not only is the winner of the inaugural National Lifeguard of the Year being announced, but international experts from Scotland, Canada and Australia will share information and give advice about overseas trends in water play and facility management.

Hosted by New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), the conference will also see the unveiling of the Government’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy.

“This is a significant commitment by government to reduce New Zealand’s drowning toll,” says Brendon Ward, NZRA chief executive.

“Water plays a part in most Kiwis’ recreational activities – whether it’s swimming, sailing, fishing, or water sports. But New Zealand has twice as many water-related deaths as Australia. This new plan will set up strategies and allocate resources where they are needed, so we can tackle this problem,” says Mr Ward.

“In spite of the seriousness of some of the conference topics, we are really excited about the enthusiasm of our speakers and delegates. NZRA’s mission is to promote recreation and provide professional services to the recreation sector, and JAWS does that by informing and up-skilling those working in the aquatic industry.

“Pool managers and lifeguards are often unsung heroes. You only notice them if something goes wrong. The fact is they are committed to saving lives and preventing dangerous situations – every day their focus is on public safety,” says Mr Ward.

Delegates will visit four of Wellington’s top aquatic facilities (the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, Freyberg Pool & Fitness Centre, Huia Pool and H2O Xtream), they’ll participate in workshops and hear from Scottish leisure facilities expert Keith Jackson.

Keith heads Edinburgh Leisure, which manages an extensive portfolio of sports and leisure facilities – ranging from swimming pools, to sailing schools and golf courses. Edinburgh Leisure has a turnover of £24 million, 700 employees and over 4 million customers a year. He will offer valuable insights and advice to New Zealand’s aquatic professionals.

ENDS

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