We expect all of our children to participate - no excuses!

Aquatic education is based on the combined development of physical skills, critical thinking and building experience to ensure safer participation in a range of aquatic environments. Learning is based on developing skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in line with personal developmental stages. Aquatic education is not purely physical or just about thinking; students need to understand all elements of learning to swim, water safety, survival and beach safety skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments.

New Zealand is an island nation and it is aquatically orientated, both socially and recreationally. All major towns and cities are located near lakes, rivers or the sea. These physical settings provide outstanding opportunities for aquatic activities, but also create hazards which people must be suitably skilled to enjoy safely. Seventy four New Zealanders drowned in 2021 despite lockdowns. WSNZ’s Chief Executive, Daniel Gerrard, said: “Every preventable death is devastating to a family/whanau and the community.

Hobsonville School undertakes a swimming programme, involving learning to swim, water safety, and survival safety skills. This programme will take place during school hours Monday – Friday. Each year level has been allocated a scheduled time for the term. The classroom teachers will teach the lessons. Please ensure your child brings a clearly named towel and togs for swimming. A swimming cap and goggles are optional.