Issue 1.4

December 2006 

Don't risk your life for your tackle or a fish

 Water Safety New Zealand & RFD Partnership Agreement

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) and RFD are pleased to announce the signing of a partnering agreement.

The agreement will allow for member organisations and other education providers including schools, that are aligned with WSNZ initiatives, to source quality buoyancy aids and life jackets at extremely generous discounted prices.

At the signing Alan Muir, Executive Director, WSNZ commented that ‘RFD is recognised as a world leader for the supply of marine safety and survival equipment. To be able to work with an organisation of such stature and who are prepared to offer this type of support will help to achieve the types of changes in our community needed to develop an improved safety culture in and around aquatic environments’.

Eamonn Bicknell, General Manager, RFD New Zealand Ltd is similarly excited by the partnership ‘The opportunity to support the work of WSNZ is another way our organisation can have a positive impact on the community and ultimately save lives’.

WSNZ are currently developing promotional material containing full details of the range of products and eligibility to source at the discounted prices.  Click on the RFD logo for more details.
 

ACC RiverSafe Senior

The original version of the ACC RiverSafe programme designed for years 9 and 10 has been reviewed and updated. The new format for the ACC RiverSafe Senior resource will see it available as an online resource much as the ACC RiverSafe Junior programme (years 6-8)  is available at Resources.

 

 

Professional Development for Teachers

The recently developed ‘Guidelines for Schools on ACC RiverSafe® Activities’ provides WSNZ with a new platform to promote the programme, and its relevance directly to the school market. In the new year WSNZ will be offering professional development for teachers in charge of the Health and Physical Education component of their respective schools. The objective is to increase awareness of the availability of the programme and acceptance of it as a leading EOTC programme. Content will focus on the requirements for delivery and the benefits to students from involvement. For 2007 WSNZ will target the Waikato and Eastern Bay of Plenty which are 2 geographical areas with strong links to river use including historical and spiritual ties and are leading recreational site. Plans are still being developed but it we are looking to get this initiative underway in April.

If this sounds like something of interest to you and you are located in the areas mentioned above please register your interest with our office. 04 801 9600 or info@riversafe.org.nz.
 

ACC RiverSafe Providers Forum

Following the successful Forum of 05-06 WSNZ will again bring together ACC RiverSafe® providers. The objective of the Forum will be to evaluate the programme from a delivers perspective and general discussion as part of a continuous improvement process.

The two day forum aims to enhance the relationship Water Safety New Zealand has with its preferred RiverSafe® providers. Following the excellent feedback received we will look to replicate the successful format for the 2007 forum. Activities to be and discussions will include:

  • Provider guidelines

  • Injury prevention

  • Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC)

  • ACC RiverSafe Supervisory System

  • RiverSafe marketing and promotion

  • Some form of practical qualification related to river education.

WSNZ will firm up plans early in the new year and communicate our intentions to all preferred providers as soon as have a confirmed agenda and dates.
 

Safe Fishing

It looks like the weather has finally turned and a lot of us will take the opportunity to go fishing. Listed below are a few simple reminders for those of us who don’t have a flash boat and will target fish from the rocks this summer.

  • Always check the weather before going rock fishing, especially swell forecasts. A rising swell with an incoming tide is to be avoided.

  • Assess the sea conditions before climbing down onto a ledge to fish. Spend at least a few minutes watching the wave pattern and if looks even slightly dicey move to somewhere safer.

  • Fish with a mate because if the proverbial S#*T hits the fan for whatever reason you will be thankful to have someone with you.

  • If you’re even a little uneasy about the fishing spot, find a safer place.

  • NEVER turn your back to the sea.

  • Don’t risk your life for your tackle or a fish. If you

  • Take notice of warning signs and seek local advice – in many popular places around the country if the locals aren't fishing it is because they know it’s unsafe – follow their lead.

 

Hey Teachers,

Looking for Water Safety education resources online?

 

BOB can help!

Click the Big Orange Button...

 

PROVISIONAL DROWNING STATISTICS

(as at 15 December 2006)

Year to date: 77       Same time last year: 109

 Safe Fishing, RiverSafe, and BoatSafe are ® registered trademarks of Water Safety New Zealand Incorporated.

For further information visit www.acc.co.nz, www.riversafe.org.nz, or www.boatsafe.org.nz. 

We gratefully acknowledge the support of ACC in delivering RiverSafe and BoatSafe.  

 

 Water Safety New Zealand is primarily funded by the New Zealand Lotteries Grants Board

 

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