You don’t need a beach or a river to teach real-world water safety — you just need a bit of creativity and purpose.
The goal of Water Skills for Life isn’t to teach perfect strokes. It’s to prepare tamariki to survive and make good decisions in unpredictable environments like lakes, rivers, or floodwaters. That’s why we’re helping teachers and instructors bring open water thinkinginto the pool.
Here’s how:
💧 Simulate Visibility ChallengesUse goggles filled with water or have kids swim while wearing a blindfold (with supervision) to mimic murky water.
🌊 Create Current and FlowUse kickboards, noodles, or teamwork to create gentle movement in the water — kids will learn to stay calm and move efficiently in moving water.
🌱 Introduce Obstacle NavigationPlace ropes, hoops, or floating items in the pool. This teaches kids how to move safely through aquatic vegetation or debris.
🧠 Practice Decision-MakingSet up simple scenario games: “What would you do if your friend was struggling?” or “If the current pulls you, what should you do first?” These build confidence and calm thinking.
👣 Work on Energy ConservationEncourage floating, gliding, and survival backstroke. In open water, staying calm and conserving energy can save lives.
By using controlled simulations, we give tamariki the chance to experience, reflect, and respond in safe, supportive environments — without waiting until a real emergency.
Every small change brings us closer to our goal: helping kids stay safer where it matters most.