New Zealand is a country surrounding by water; Kiwis grow up in and around oceans, lakes, rivers, streams and pools, which is why it’s important to get our children familiar with swimming and feeling safe around water from a young age.
Silverdale’s Northern Arena, in conjunction with Manuka Doctor’s ApiTherapy range, are offering a term of free swimming lessons to 1200 infants and toddlers under the age of three, for the second year in a row.
In 2012, Manuka Doctor funded a joint initiative with Northern Arena, which allowed 904 infants and toddlers to receive a free term of swimming at Northern Arena Learn to Swim School, Silverdale, Auckland. The response to the sponsored lessons was overwhelming, with all spaces for free lessons being filled within two days of the promotion opening.
“Teaching children to learn to swim is about them being safe around water. Hopefully with the help of Manuka Doctor Water Babies we have educated parents and taught infants the skills to save themselves and potentially other lives in the future.” says Northern Arena Director Matthew Saunders.
What everyone is saying
Sponsors of the initiative Manuka Doctor says, “We are delighted to work alongside Northern Arena, to be proactive in the community, and provide a positive family experience in a safe environment”.
“We have really appreciated the opportunity provided to so many young children under the present scheme and enjoy watching the young ones gaining confidence in the water week by week.” John and Sue Wallace.
“Thank you so much, we have been so happy with the lessons so far, and your facilities are fabulous.” Jessica Down.
“What a generous donation from Manuka Doctor for such a great cause. All babies should learn to be safe in our waters.” Nicola Edser.
“My darling girl loved her first swimming lesson ‐ thank you so much Northern Arena & Manuka Doctor!” Evana Patterson.
2013: Bigger and better!
Northern Arena is delighted to announce that Manuka Doctor have not only agreed to sponsor the initiative again in 2013, but to increase its funding to $125,000, which will allow over 1200 infant and toddlers, under the age of three a term of free swimming lessons.
“We are delighted that Manuka Doctor are continuing their support in 2013 and look forward to working with them again to provide more infants and toddlers with such a valuable life skill” says Saunders.
Knowing that New Zealand is among the worst in the developed world for its drowning statistics, Manuka Doctor and Northern Arena agreed a continuous effort is required to make a change. Marketing Manager Justin Byrne states that
New Zealanders’ ‘she’ll be alright’ attitude is crippling and needs to change.
“Attitudes toward learning to swim need to change. There needs to be a cultural shift and Manuka Doctor Water Babies is a much‐needed move considering our country’s drowning statistics.”
For more information, visit www.northernarena.co.nz or click the banner below to visit the registration page:
