The latest World Health Organisation statistics show that children aged between five and 14-years-old in the Western Pacific Region are more likely to die from drowning than any other cause.

This is a statistic which is shocking to Tauranga Swim School owner Andrea Sinden.

Andrea Sinden is doing everything she can to raise awareness around learning to swim and water safety.

'There have been some very sad and unfortunate drownings here in the Bay in recent weeks which has been devastating to our community.

'As a swim school owner I am doing everything I can to raise awareness around learning to swim and water safety.”

WHO released the global report on drowning: preventing a leading killer in November.

The report points out that drowning has been highly overlooked to date, and that a great deal more should be done by governments and the research and policy communities to prioritise drowning prevention and its integration with other public health agendas, says Andrea.

'Age is one of the major risk factors for drowning. This relationship is often associated with a lapse in supervision. Globally, the highest drowning rates are among children 1-4 years, followed by children 5-9 years. In the WHO Western Pacific Region children aged 5-14 years die more frequently from drowning than any other cause.”

Increased access to water is another risk factor for drowning. Individuals with occupations such as commercial fishing or fishing for subsistence, using small boats in low-income countries are more prone to drowning. Children who live near open water sources, such as ditches, ponds, irrigation channels, or pools are especially at risk.

'Here at Tauranga Swim School we take news like this very seriously. We have a grant available each term throughout the year for a term's worth of free, high quality swimming lessons which is open to anyone to apply for - no strings attached,” says Andrea.

'As shown in the stats above, one of the risk factors is children coming from a lower income family, and we are committed to making swimming lessons accessible and affordable to as many families as we can.”

The school teaches all year round in a heated pool and work with families to meet their needs, and has specialised water safety programs available.

Andrea adds: 'We teach babies/toddlers, school aged children, adults, squad, people with disabilities and people who suffer from aquaphobia - all ages and all abilities.

'We are committed and absolutely passionate about helping people to achieve their swimming goals.”