Swimming New Zealand homepage

The start of something extraordinary

Programme Information

What is the Kiwi Swim Safe Programme?

Kiwi Swim Safe is a comprehensive programme designed to meet our vision and to give school teachers the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver a programme that reflects the aquatic requirements of the New Zealand Curriculum.

The programme is designed in three sections; in the classroom, at the pool and at the beach:


In the classroom – Module 1


• Becoming safer in, on and around water – school, home and community.
• Developing safer behaviours and practices towards water safety through problem solving and critical thinking.
• Classroom based material from WaterSafe Auckland and Aquatic Education New Zealand that supports practical learning.


At the pool – Modules 2-7

• A sequential pool based programme that provides progressions through all stages of learning swimming and survival skills.
• These modules are supported by visiting your school and supporting the practical application of swimming and survival skills during your pool sessions, which can be followed up by further visits to your school.


At the beach –Module 8

• Safety at the beach. Participation in one of Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s experiential programmes.
• Beach Ed and Surf to School are theoretical and experiential based programmes where students learn about surf and beach safety from experienced Surf Lifeguards.


Swimming New Zealand can provide your school with:

• Programme resources to help you teach your children,
• Kiwi Swim Safe national achievement certificates,
• Ongoing professional development and support for your teachers,
• All support and resources are free for all primary schools.