An important kaupapa where our pononga can learn and have some fun in the sun!

Beach Education is an important part of our kaupapa. Learning to be safe around water is so important and it is great to see so many tamariki enjoying a day at the beach, learning all about beach safety while having fun.

To start the day, they got to have a tour of the Spencer Park Surf Life Saving Club which included the First Aid Room and Observation Area, which included getting the use of the binoculars and viewing all the first aid gear that they are prepared to use. Then it was down to the boards, they got to see boogie boards, and both racing and rescue boards. They learnt that if you are learning you start on foam and then progress to fibreglass, as you get better, you can also get bigger boards. They also learnt that the rescue board can save up to 12 people at one time! Then it was on to the boats, IRB or Inflatable Rescue Boat. These were fully equipped with helmets, life jackets, rescue floats and even a knife. After a quick paramanawa break, it was time to head to the beach, playing games in the sand, and having a building, digging and maunga competition kept them busy and engaged.

Then it was back to the club house to learn the rules of the beach, like:

• Always swim between the flags,

• Never go swimming alone,

• If in doubt, stay out,

• If you see someone in trouble, dial 111

• Know your limits?

To reinforce these rules, it was time for a talent show, tamariki picked some teams and had to demonstrate one of these rules, what a great way to show their understanding and have fun. Extra points were awarded for getting adults to participate and the use of a special word ‘spatula’. Through all the giggles and laughter, the boys team came out on top. After a quick lunch, they were ready for the water. 

After a quick lesson on rips and how to find them, we were ready. Rips are always around wharfs, rocks and rivers as this is where the water is flowing back out. Rips can be recognised by the colour of the water and also there are normally no waves. This is because when the waves come in, the rip is taking the water back out, this is why it is deep and the water is often stirred up. If we ever get stuck in a rip, just remember the three R’s, Relax, Raise your arm, and Ride the rip. Once free, you can use the waves to come back to shore. In the water, tamariki had the opportunity to learn how to run in the ocean, dolphin dive under the waves, and even learnt to body surf and catch waves on the boogie board.

Even though the water was cold, the tamariki thoroughly embraced it all and were sad to leave. What a day. A huge thanks to whānau that supported this kaupapa, as you make these things possible for our tamariki.