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Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) announced today that in excess of 25,000 Year 5 – Year 10 students are currently participating in the Swim For Life Schools Challenge.

Swim For Life is a marketing campaign which seeks to promote action across all New Zealand communities through increasing awareness of the importance of being able to swim and survive.

Read Media Release >> (19K)

Matt Claridge, Water Safety New Zealand General Manager appeared on the TV3 Campbell Live programme.

To view the story on TV3's website please click here

Today Matt Claridge, Water Safety New Zealand General Manager appeared on TV3 Sunrise programme.

To view the interview on TV3's website please click here

Book Recalls Story of Survival

Nelsonians thinking of going for a dive in the sea this summer would be well advised to listen to the advice of Rob Hewitt.

Mr Hewitt famously survived 75 hours in the sea off the Kapiti Coast in February 2006 after becoming separated from his dive boat.

He has since filmed a documentary about his experience, and a nationwide tour promoting his book Treading Water brought him to Nelson on Thursday.

Mr Hewitt told the Nelson Mail that the process of writing the book and speaking to those involved in his rescue gave him an insight into their thoughts and feelings during the three night ordeal, and a sense of closure.

``I now know exactly what my family, mother and father, wife, whanau, extended whanau were doing - not just sitting at home having a cup of tea.''

Mr Hewitt has been back in the water since, but said he had developed some idiosyncrasies, especially when near the scene of the event.

When driving by the coast near Pukerua Bay, north of Wellington, he finds himself searching the sea for lost divers, and insists on having window seats on aeroplanes so he can do the same.

He said divers should respect the ocean as ``as at the end of the day life is always at the next breath of air''.

``At 14 metres (under the surface) you can't just rip out your regulator and start breathing.''

He was especially keen to point out people who learnt to dive in places like Fiji would not be adequately prepared for New Zealand conditions, and stressed the importance of not diving alone and being familiar with the equipment.

Most of all however, Mr Hewitt felt like he had been given a new lease on life, and had a chance to dedicate time to his family after 20 years in the navy.

``The mistakes I made in the first half of my life, I can rectify.

``I feel humbled because not many people get that chance.''

Author - Josh Reich

Reproduced with permission from NELSON MAIL

WEET-BIX Partnership

WEET-BIX are the newest partner to the Swim For Life family through an association with the WEET-BIX Tryathlon. As swimming is a key component of the Tryathlon the WEET-BIX team have first hand knowledge of the level of swimming ability among NZ children and want to help improve the situation. WSNZ, the New Zealand Recreation Association and the New Zealand Swim Coaches and teachers Association are thrilled that Weet-Bix have recognised the value of Swim For Life and put their support behind the initiative.

RFD NZ Ltd, are a recognised world leader for the supply of marine and aviation safety and survival equipment. RFD has also come on board as a supporter of WSNZ and the Swim For Life initiative. RFD’s extremely generous support means we are able to offer a heavily discounted selection of quality lifejackets and buoyancy aids to WSNZ member organisations and other water safety education providers including schools, aquatic facilities and swim schools that are aligned with WSNZ initiatives.

Click on the RFD Logo for more information.

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