Year 7-8 students from Ihutai and Mahaanui recently had an exciting day at Sumner Beach, where they learned valuable skills for enjoying the beach safely. The students took part in surfing and bodyboarding lessons, gaining hands-on experience in the water. They also focused on beach safety, including how to identify dangerous rips and currents, ensuring they can enjoy the ocean while staying safe. The experience was a fun and educational way for students to develop confidence in the water and learn important life skills.

On Tuesday, 11th February, Ihutai Te Kei went to North New Brighton beach to participate in their Beach Ed programme. This unique experience includes a tour of the clubhouse, beach and water activities, an opportunity to check out the rescue equipment and a full day of learning with 3 qualified lifeguards.

Throughout the day, our students learnt how to effectively identify and escape from rip currents, a crucial skill for anyone spending time in the ocean. In addition, participants are taught the fundamentals of safe and enjoyable ocean activities, creating a balance between excitement and safety.

We had a fantastic day out and I feel confident that our tamariki have more knowledge about how to stay safe at the beach that they can share with their whānau.