Youngest swimmer
A Warkworth student is currently the youngest registered participant in the final event of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, taking place this weekend.
Seven year-old Ahuroa Primary School student, Tiia Cooke will be taking part in the Banana Boat 200m OceanKids event at the King of the Bays swim on Takapuna Beach on April 8.
No stranger to swimming, Tiia has been a member of the Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club for the past four seasons and attends swimming lessons at the Northern Arena Swim School in Silverdale.
In preparation for her big debut, Tiia has been participating in various swimming events.
On the day Tiia will be joined by her sister, Siina (9), who will also be swimming in the 200m Banana Boat race.
Tiia’s father, Gareth Cooke says Tiia has loved swimming and being in the water from the age of 6 months old.
‘‘She loves following in her sister’s footsteps so she is really excited to be able to swim and compete alongside her.’’
Event director, Scott Rice, says it is great to see young kids getting excited about taking part.
‘‘So many youngsters have pool swimming lessons, but the ocean can be quite a different and unpredictable environment, so it’s important for children to also gain confidence swimming in the ocean given so much of our Kiwi summer holidays tend to revolve around the beach.’’
‘‘With Banana Boat’s support, we have tailored the OceanKids event to be safe whilst also ensuring everyone on the day is having fun in the sun.’’
King of the Bays offers a range of distances to suit all ages.