9 Apr 2013

Water safety workshops for waka ama paddlers

9:05 pm on 9 April 2013

Water Safety New Zealand has launched a programme to keep waka ama paddlers safe in the water.

The campaign, Kia Maanu, Kia Ora (Stay Afloat, Stay Alive), is part of a programme called Active Post.

Water Safety says Waka Ama New Zealand has highlighted a need to develop safety and education for club and recreational paddlers.

Kia Maanu is being launched in Raglan this weekend with a series of workshops for paddlers aged from eight to 16.

The workshops include activities such as throw-rope rescues, lifejacket safety, and tips for treading water and buoyancy.

The campaign aims to operate in clubs in Hawke's Bay, Waikato, Northland and Gisborne before being rolled out elsewhere in the country late this year and into next year.