Youth Leadership
Youth Leadership and Water Competency Training
Drowning Prevention Auckland offers three core programmes for youth, who typically participate in water-related activities but do not always possess the skills and knowledge to keep themselves safer while doing so.
- Wai Turama – Introduction to Water Competence
- Wai Wise – Developing Water Competence
- Wai Wise – Comprehensive Water Competence
These programmes are designed to develop safer attitudes and behaviours when in, on and around water, achieved through the development of water competency skills, water safety knowledge and critical thinking around decision- making around the aquatic environment. The three core programmes outlined below can also be tailored to suit the requirements of your group.

- Delivered through the following practical components to increase knowledge, skills and confidence.
- Three sessions, including:
- 1x Theory session covering lifejackets, survival positions, first aid, supervision, beach safety, river safety, boating and fishing safety.
- 2x Practical pool sessions: water safety and survival skills in the pool environment.

- Core programme, delivered through the following practical components to increase knowledge, skills and confidence.
- Maximum of five sessions: This includes:
- 1x Theory session covering lifejackets, survival positions, first aid, supervision, beach safety, river safety, boating and fishing safety.
- 2x Practical pool sessions covering water safety and survival skills.
- 1x Introduction to an aquatic activity, opportunity to participate in a new aquatic activity to suit the group, e.g. waka ama.
- 1x Open water beach experience hosted by a local Surf Lifesaving Club, participants can practice all the skills they have learned, e.g. identifying rips and understanding surf conditions.
- Leadership development is a core element to Wai Wise, with the aim of giving participants the confidence and skills to become water safety advocates, delivering, promoting and encouraging safety messages within their wider community.

- Includes option for additional components, such as swimming lessons or aquatic sports. Delivered through the following practical components to increase knowledge, skills and confidence.
- Maximum of nine sessions: This includes:
- 2x Theory sessions covering lifejackets, survival positions, first aid, supervision, beach safety, river safety, boating and fishing safety.
- 5x Practical pool sessions covering water safety and survival skills.
- 1x Introduction to an aquatic activity, opportunity to participate in a new aquatic activity to suit the group, e.g. waka ama.
- 1x Open water beach experience hosted by a local Surf Lifesaving Club, participants can practice the skills they have learned, e.g. identifying rips and understanding surf conditions.
- Leadership development is a core element to Wai Wise, giving participants the confidence and skills to become water safety advocates, delivering, promoting and encouraging safety messages within their wider community.