Tamariki from Years 0-6 enjoyed their day at the beach learning about water safety and what to do if they get into trouble.

Groups of excited tamariki set off to Lyall or Worser Bay in Weeks 9 and 10 to take part in the Beach Education Programme delivered by Surf Life Saving New Zealand. Luckily the weather was suitable for five out of six groups to enter the water and those who were brave enough even dipped their heads under!

Each day was broken into three sections; theory (completed in the club house), beach activities and water activities. Tamariki were lucky to have been shown around the clubhouse checking out all the different types of rescue equipment including the IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat). First aid was also covered in the programme with kids getting a chance to use the spinal board, the different breathing apparatus and temporary casts.

Excitement levels peaked as the kids got to enter the cold water to do some essential water skills under the watchful eyes of the life guards. Parent volunteers were on hand to keep everyone safe before the tamariki had some free time to enjoy splashing around. The school wishes to thank those parents who so kindly volunteered their time to help make these trips possible.

A selection of photos from the trip can be viewed here.