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About Northcote Birkenhead Schools Waterwise |
 What is Waterwise |
The programme differs from that offered by yacht clubs under their junior sailing programme in that the emphasis is placed on water safety and confidence rather than learn to sail. Students are required to learn and demonstrate basic survival techniques including knowledge of dangers such as hypothermia. Basic swimming tests with and without bouyancy aids, survival huddles, etc are also part of the programme.
Instruction is given in Optimist sailing dinghies (also fitted out for rowing), canoes (kayaks), and is conducted by trained instuctors (usually parents or teachers). These instructors are tested and certificated by examiners from the New Zealand Combined Waterwise Association which is associated with Yachting New Zealand. The program is goverened by a strict set a safety ratios of qualified instructors to pupils. Additional adult help is neccessary to operate a Waterwise session. These helpers are needed to assist with launching and retrieving sailing craft, provide secondary crew in the patrol craft (captained by a qualified instructor), and to supervise land and classroom activities.
The progress of each student is carefully monitored and recorded in the handbook provided. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining the highest safety standards at all times.
| Origins |
The program was originally developed by Yachting New Zealand in conjuction with the Department of Education. Whist still operating in assocation with these organisations, the Waterwise movement has now substancially grown in size and has its own national governing body made up of qualified instructors and examiners from particpating centers.
The programme at each Waterwise centre is administered by a committee of teachers and parents from contributing schools. Most of these are qualified Waterwise instructors themselves.
| Volunteers |
Most of the human resource to run the Waterwise programmes comes from volunter help. This includes the majority of qualified instructors. As Waterwise is stricly a schools program there is aways a teacher in charge. In most cases the teacher is also a qualified waterwise instructor.
You can contribute at a number of levels without having to undergo formal training or examinations. Whist water skills would be a great advantage they are not essential. The instructors and duty teacher provide all the organisation and instructions required.
Helping at a Waterwise session is a great deal of fun... for free. It will only cost you your time. The children have a great time and is a real confidence booster and character building experience for them. Helping them do so is a very rewarding experience.
Even if you do not wish to go afloat, most activities occur within viewing distance of the shore facilities. We are always in need of help on the boat ramp launching and retrieving boats. Also for classroom activities.
For those of you that can demonstrate competency in a kayak the opportunity sometimes exists (depending on numbers) to kayak with the children.
| Become an Instructor |
Four years is a significant span of the childs education and becoming an instructor provides a unique opportunity to participate in the children's education.
There is no charge to train as a Waterwise Instructor, only your time and a commitment to help the program for a year or two. Your tutors and examiner are also volunteers. The minimum post-qualification hours to retain qualified status is 10 hours per year. You must be aged 18 or over to qualify.
All essential equipment is provided although you may wish to aquire a wetsuit. You will be instructed in operating motorised patrol craft and to sail an Optimist dinghy. By the time you qualify you will be able to competently sail around a trialuglar course, drive a patrol craft (usually an inflatable) including performing rescues such as towing craft back to the ramp. More importantly you will be able to instruct children with confidence. Like most things, you will continue to gain experience and confidenceafter you qualify.
Training can take upwards of 6-8 early evening sessions of approximately 2-3 hours each. There is sometimes the opportunity to also train will full day courses. Three full days will usually see trainees approaching a standard suitable for examination.
There is some theory and classroom content to the course and a manual is provided. This covers the basics of "rules of the road at sea" plus saftey information including equipment checks and safety ratios. A short written test is given on this information. You will likely find this material a "no brainer" as is largely common sence.
So you are still not sure. Then why not volunteer as a helper at a few Waterwise sessions to see what it is all about. Waterwise operates almost every school day during Terms 4 and 1 (ie summer season). Just contact your local participating school. They will be very appreciative.
| Waterwise Groups in New Zealand |
| Waterwise International |