WHANAU/NUI SWIM LESSONS 

For several years now the Whanau Nui / Family Swim Lessons have been running in the Manukau Region with great success.

Through a simple, positive and fun approach to learning the families (the programme is for children, who must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver) are taught important survival and swimming skills that will aid their enjoyment and safety in the water.

The free lessons is a collaborative intitiative between Manukau City Council, Injury Free Counties Manukau and WaterSafe Auckland and delivered by swimschools across Manukau.

Enrolments have more than doubled, from 200 in 2006 to 450 in January 2007 and the positive feedback reinforced the need for Whanau Nui to continue. Over half of those who took part in the January 2006 programme enjoyed them so much they enrolled in further (paid) swimming lessons.

2008 Whanau Nui Update

Registrations increased again this year with 503 children accompanied by 230 parents/caregivers.

This years programme was brought about by Manukau City Council, Injury Free Counties Manukau and WaterSafe Auckland in conjunction with East Health Trust, Manukau Leisure Services and Water Safety New Zealand.

Lessons were run by Sandra Blewett Swim School, Swimgym and Swimsation at aquatic centres in Mangere, Manurewa, Papatoetoe, Otara, Pakuranga, Papakura and Franklin.