We all play a part: Supporting water safety across Aotearoa
November is Water Safety Month in Aotearoa New Zealand, with this year’s theme reminding us that “We All Play a Part.” While Kinetic isn’t typically linked to water safety, we’re proud to back Kiwi kids through our Moving Communities Fund, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to stay safe in and around the water.
In Aotearoa, you’re rarely more than 8km from a river, lake or the ocean. It’s part of what makes a New Zealand summer so iconic, but it also means understanding water risks is essential. Confidence and the ability to recognise and respond to hazards can make a life-saving difference.
Yet the gap in skills is significant. Water Safety New Zealand reports that 82% of Kiwi adults don’t consider themselves competent in open water, and 70% of tamariki (children) cannot float or tread water for three minutes.
Across Aotearoa, organisations are stepping up to ensure every child has the skills they need to come home safely from a swim. Among them are Kinetic Moving Community Funds recipients Taradale Community Pool Trust and the Springlands Sea Scout Group.
Taradale Community Pool Trust
The Green Family Taradale Pool in Napier, governed and maintained by the Taradale Community Pool Trust, welcomes hundreds of local school students to take part in the Water Safety New Zealand’s ‘Water Skills for Life’ programme each year.
Delivered by Operator, Dolphin Academy, Water Skills for Life ensures children leave school not only enjoying the water but truly prepared to survive when the unexpected happens.
Dolphin Academy Manager, Vicky Rope, says the importance of water safety skills can’t be overstated.
“We live on an island; you don’t have to go far to find water which is why it is so important for our kids to learn the skills that will equip them to survive in different water environments.”
But the rising cost of living is stretching family budgets, making extracurricular activities less accessible for many.
“For some kids, school swimming is the only ‘formal’ swimming instruction they may have access to, so this programme delivers some of these basic survival skills. Learning to swim isn’t a sport it’s a life skill.
“Creating opportunities for schools to access a pool, with trained, professional instructors who can deliver a quality programme is a great step to ensuring our tamariki know how to stay safe around water.”
The Taradale Community Pool Trust aims to help remove barriers for access by local schools and says Kinetic’s support has provided a tremendous boost. By removing transportation barriers, Kinetic is helping ensure local schools can continue to take part in the Water Skills for Life programme in Term 1, 2026.
Springlands Sea Scouts
Springlands Sea Scout Group creates a welcoming and safe environment where Marlborough youth can learn new life skills, experience the outdoors, and gain confidence in a wide range of activities – particularly on or in the water.
Encompassing the principles of the Scout Law and Promise, as the region’s only Sea Scout group, members are offered unique opportunities in sailing, rowing, kayaking and water safety.
All members start their water safety journey in the den, learning the basics to staying safe before heading to the pool to put their knowledge into practice while leaders assess their abilities.
Ensuring safety requires more than just supervision, especially when water is involved. A properly fitted lifejacket is non-negotiable and Springlands leaders complete training through Scouts Aotearoa, along with additional water-specific courses that fall outside the funding of the national body.
Funding from the Moving Communities Fund will be used to upskill several leaders, supporting them to achieve Day Skipper, Maritime VHF Operator, and Mental Health First Aid certifications.
Jason Walker, Group Leader of Springlands Sea Scouts, says Kinetic’s support will have a lasting impact on the group.
“This grant will benefit Marlborough youth by ensuring our leaders are trained to pass on vital water safety and boating skills that will positively impact them and their families. We’re grateful for this support, which helps us continue building skills and resilience within our community."
Funding for Springlands Sea Scout Group was awarded in honour of South-Island based Kinetic Driver Trainer, Jim Lilley, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
Jim was a dedicated volunteer, recognised in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to conservation and community. Jim was part of the Canterbury Coastguard team for 17 years, helping to rescue over 500 people from difficult situations on the water.
To learn more about staying safe around the water this summer, visit https://www.watersafetynz.org/.