Mount Maunganui’s Baywave pools facility will become a hub for water safety education and family fun tomorrow when a community event is held to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.

BaySwim, Baywave and the Aquatic Survival Skills Trust will host the July 25 event, from 11am to 3pm, in partnership with Tauranga City Council to raise awareness that drowning is preventable through education, water confidence and community action.

While standard Baywave entry prices apply, the first 100 people through the doors between 11am and 3pm will receive a free blue slushie with their pool entry.

Organisers also encourage attendees to arrive dressed up in blue to show their support for water safety awareness.

Participation in the event is free, including interactive water safety activities, practical demonstrations, educational displays, giveaways and the chance to meet local organisations dedicated to keeping people safe in, on and around the water.

Knowledge, confidence

BaySwim manager Claire Horner said the day is about giving families the knowledge and confidence to stay safe while enjoying the region’s waterways.

“World Drowning Prevention Day is an opportunity to start important conversations about water safety and ensure families have access to practical knowledge and skills that can help keep them safe in, on and around the water,” she said.

“As a city and region surrounded by water, this message is especially relevant for our community.”

Horner said bringing local water safety organisations together in one place allows them to share expertise while engaging families in a fun and meaningful way.

“We want people to leave this event not only having had a great day out with their whānau and friends but also feeling more confident and informed about staying safe around water.”

BaySwim manager Claire Horner, Aquatic Survival Skills Trust operations manager Kent Horner, Aquatic Survival Skills Trust/Bayswim senior education instructor Zack Taylor and Baywave Aquatic supervisor Michael Van Buuren. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Aquatic Survival Skills Trust founder and director Anne McLeod said World Drowning Prevention Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in reducing preventable drownings.

“Living in the Bay of Plenty, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and pools,” she said.

“These environments provide endless opportunities for recreation, but they also demand respect, knowledge and preparation.”

Essential skills

McLeod said the trust’s free school-based programme equips children with essential aquatic survival skills and water safety knowledge, helping them to develop the confidence to make safer decisions around water.

She believed every member of the community could contribute to preventing drowning, learn to recognise potential hazards and develop the skills to respond safely.

Aquatic Survival Skills Trust operations manager Kent Horner said education remained the most effective tool for preventing drownings.

“Every lesson delivered, every conversation started and every child who gains aquatic survival skills creates a ripple effect that reaches families, friends and future generations,” Horner said.

Trust educator Zack Taylor said “aquatic survival starts with every one of us”.

“Drowning prevention isn’t just the responsibility of emergency services or educators – it’s something every parent, grandparent, teacher, employer and community member can influence, Taylor said.

“Small actions and good decisions save lives.”