Council partners with Paekākāriki School to deliver swimming lessons

A partnership to deliver in-school swimming lessons in a recently rejuvenated school pool has been a roaring success, with around 50 Paekākāriki School students boosting their skills this summer.

Kāpiti Coast District Council learn to swim coordinator Kay Nicholls says taking lessons to the school was a great opportunity to boost swimming skills.

“We love teaching people to swim and when Paekākāriki School got in touch to say their pool was opening this summer we were delighted to work together to get lessons going,” Ms Nicholls says.

“We’re passionate about helping swimmers of all ages lift their water skills, so it’s really cool to support schools and provide lessons in their pools. We also work with Waitohu School and Ōtaki College.”

Lessons were voluntary and had a cost attached. Parents provided additional supervising eyes.

Paekākāriki School principal Julia Bevin says the lessons have been a hit with students and parents.

“After the pool being closed for several summers, we were determined to make the most of this valuable resource this summer,” Ms Bevin says.

“Offering swimming lessons has been a great way to do just that.

“The lessons teach our students essential swimming skills while building their confidence and water safety awareness.

“As a beach community, it’s especially important our students understand water safety. The pool provides a safe, controlled space for them to learn about the risks and how to handle themselves in the water.

“Beyond the pool, we've also added beach education with Surf Lifesaving NZ to our curriculum, covering topics like rip currents, beach flags, and other coastal safety tips to prepare them for our unique environment.”

Ms Nicholls says she hopes swimming lessons become a regular feature at Paekākāriki School.

“We know it takes a lot of work to get and keep a school pool up and running, and if lessons make the effort worthwhile we’re happy to come back next season.”

For more information on Kapiti Coast Aquatics swimming lessons visit www.kapiticoastaquatics.co.nz