Celebrating safety first

By ROBIN BAILEY

A lunch cruise aboard Golden Eagle proved an appropriate way for WaterSafe Auckland to thank major support organisations for their assistance during the past year. It was also a chance to debrief WAI staff and the agencies involved with this year's Water Safety Week, which ran from November 22 to 29.

Welcoming guests aboard for the Tuesday cruise, WAI chairman Kevin Moran said the association had just completed the most successful year since its formation in 1994 as the regional strategic partner of Water Safety New Zealand.

"We made huge advances during the two major Safe Summer campaigns operated during the America's Cup regattas and this year have launched major initiatives for our region," Moran said.

"These have covered safety initiatives surrounding pool fencing, water safety messages to new migrants, and a comprehensive water safety policy for schools as well as continuing our day-to-day work towards building a water safety culture for the Auckland region.

"Working in close co-operation with aquatic groups, including Coastguard Boating Education, Auckland Volunteer Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving Northern, the Maritime Safety Authority, WSNZ and other agencies, has made it possible to deliver our various messages more effectively."

Moran also acknowledged the association's major supporters, ASB Trusts, ACC, the Auckland Regional Council and all seven territorial local authorities, particularly Auckland City and Waitakere.

For the next four months WAI will be concentrating on ensuring that this 2003/2004 summer is again a safe one.