Beach visit teaches important lessons

Titahi Bay North School kids took to the beach last week – but there were important messages learnt during the water play.

The school, with funding from State Insurance and Water Safety New Zealand, has been running a water safety programme over summer to ensure students are comfortable in swimming pools and at the beach. Teacher Tim Brewer says water is such a focal point for young people in Porirua but many families cannot afford swimming lessons.

Last Thursday 50 kids, aged 5 to 8, made the walk to the Titahi Bay Surf Club. There, they learned what to do should they get in trouble in the surf – raise an arm – how to use the lifeguards’ safety tubes and how to recognise a rip.

‘‘These kids had been waiting for this day to come, they were really excited about coming down to the beach,’’ says Mr Brewer.

‘‘In saying that, they listened very, very well to the lifeguards, who were just great with everyone, really engaging. We really appreciate their help and help from the sponsors to enable us to do this – it’s a classic piece of education that all kids should have.’’