Skillz 4 Life

24/08/2026

Family of toddler who drowned in pool hope inquest into his death will save lives

River Albert-Wihone died 12 days after he was found in his family pool.

10/08/2026

Our swimming lessons are starting again soon and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back. Spaces are filling quickly, so make sure you book your spot now to secure your place.Skillz 4 Life

23/07/2026

This could be one of our deadliest years in the water in almost a quarter of a century.

New Zealand is on track for its deadliest year in the water in almost a quarter of a century - with El Niño a contributing factor.

Water Safety New Zealand is predicting more than 100 drowning deaths in 2026, with 57 having already happened.

Water Safety NZ chief executive Glen Scanlon spoke with Nathan Rarere at RNZ and highlighted the trend we are seeing of men in particular doing things alone, making the risk of drowning so much higher.

Link is below.

What do you think water safety community? Can we turn the tide?

15/07/2026

🏊‍♀️ TERM 4 SWIMMING BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN! 🏊‍♂️
Don't miss out! Our classes fill quickly every term, and spaces are limited.
✅ Learn essential water safety skills�✅ Build confidence and technique�✅ Small class sizes�✅ Fun, supportive environment
Secure your spot today before classes are full!
📲 Book now: https://enrolmy.com/skillz4life

05/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCR9DkUcr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Every year on 25 July, Aotearoa New Zealand joins the rest of the world in marking World Drowning Prevention Day. 💙

Drowning is preventable, and small actions can save lives.

This year, get involved by Going Blue for drowning prevention, wearing blue to start conversations and learning how to Float first.

Find out more at https://www.dpanz.org.nz/wdpd/.

23/06/2026

Almost every drowning is preventable. Too many people still head out alone, especially men over 45.
Let’s build a stronger water‑safety culture together so more New Zealanders come home safely.

Almost every drowning is preventable. Any life lost is one too many.

We're committed to building a stronger culture of water safety across Aotearoa.

One of the most persistent risk factors we see is people entering the water alone.
Using a buddy system, checking equipment and making safe decisions is second nature for many swimmers, fishers, divers, surfers and boaties.

But too many New Zealanders – particularly men over 45 – continue to overestimate their abilities and head out alone.

We want to change that reality.

Building a culture of water safety takes all of us. Whether you're a community provider, donor, supporter, advocate, or simply someone willing to share our messages with whānau and friends, you can help make a difference.

Together, we can create a future where more New Zealanders return home safely from the water.

19/06/2026

Extremely lucky 🙏
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1463515709147081&id=100064659975037&mibextid=wwXIfr

The RNZAF P-8A Poseidon crew found the man adrift near the northern Cook Islands.

31/05/2026

I’m raising funds for Coastguard to help keep our communities safe on the water.
If you can donate or share this post, it would mean a lot. Every dollar helps keep volunteers trained, equipped, and ready when someone needs them most.Coastguard New Zealand

Together, we can make a real difference.

Why not dive in for Coastguard's Big Swim this June to help save more lives on the water? Or show your support by making a donation.

30/05/2026

🌊 Skillz4Life — King’s Birthday Weekend

Many whānau will be out gathering kai, fishing, and diving this weekend. The moana is beautiful but unforgiving. People don’t get second chances out there.

No kai is worth your life.

Before you go:

• Take a mate
• Wear a lifejacket
• Know your limits
• Check conditions
• Tell someone

Your whānau needs you home more than they need the kai.

Come home safe.

28/05/2026

We are so proud to say we are part of these statistics 💪🏼Paul CurrinSkillz 4 LifeAled ThomasGeorgia BrackebushJasmyn Kettle
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18zCTTnCdC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Numbers just in - and we're very excited to let you know that a record number of tamariki are receiving Water Skills for Life education this year.

👏 Actually - it's likely to reach 115,000 young people!

This is awesome news.

New Zealand's young people continue to lead the way in reducing deaths, reflecting sustained prevention initiatives like our Water Skills for Life programme.

The success in this key demographic (those aged under 25), which accounts for around 31% of our population but only 16% of deaths, reflects the very important role prevention plays.

Only 20 years ago this was the most at risk group.

Lessons learned young will last a lifetime. Well done kids (and wider whānau), we love to see it.

Ka pai!

Find out more about our Water Skills for Life programme and help us build a culture of water safety across Aotearoa on our website. Linked below!