NZ Aquatics Professionals Awarded at JAWS

NZ Aquatics Professionals Awarded at JAWS

A Papakura lifeguard and a lifeguard team from Community Leisure Management have scooped up two of this year’s top New Zealand aquatics awards. The third award, for innovation, went to Belgravia Leisure.

The annual Aquatics Industry Awards are organised by the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) to encourage development and recognition within the industry.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said this year’s winners demonstrated the best of what New Zealand had to offer in terms of community and team spirit, as well as innovation.

“This year’s winners are inspiring examples of what can be achieved in aquatics by individuals and organisations, for the benefit of our communities.”

The Lifeguard of the Year award went to Luisa Denton from Papakura’s Massey Park Pool, who her co-workers say has always exceeded the role of a lifeguard with her professionalism, leadership and can-do attitude and integrity. The award is given to the lifeguard who has made the most significant contribution to their facility and to the aquatics industry.

“Luisa deserves the Lifeguard of the Year award as she represents everything this award stands for. She has made an overwhelming contribution to her facility, the community of Papakura and the industry,” Mr Leslie said.

The Lifeguard Team of the Year award was presented to the Community Leisure Management team, champions of the Lifeguard Sports Competition, which took place at Jellie Park Recreation & Sport Centre in Christchurch earlier this week.

This year’s Aquatic Innovation Award went to Belgravia Leisure for their Aqua Artist Chinese Swimming Lessons programme. It has opened up swimming as a great activity to a whole culture and group of people who normally would not have participated in swimming.

The 2017 awards were presented last night at a Gala Awards Dinner at the Rydges Latimer, Christchurch during the Just Add Water Seminar.

ENDS

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