Water Skills for Life

Since its inception in 2011, over 1.38 million lessons have been delivered impacting over 100,000 school-aged tamariki across Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Aktive coordinates Water Skills for Life funding for:  

• Equity Index 420 and greater, Years 0-8 students 
• Kura Kaupapa Māori, all year level students 
• Specialist (Disability) Schools (Equity Index 420 and greater), all year level students. 

For eligible schools/kura, this covers eight professionally delivered Water Skills for Life lessons to help tamariki keep themselves safe in, on and around water. 

Available funds will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis to schools and kura within the greater Auckland area with an EQI of 420 and greater, excluding those within the Old Manukau City Council boundaries which are supported by The John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation. 

Note: Expressions of Interests will be reviewed with allocation of funding being distributed on a first-in, first-served basis with a confirmation of funding for Term 3 and subsequently a Funding Agreement being sent out week commencing Monday 9 June 2025. Term 4 funding confirmation and agreements will be sent out week commencing Monday 16 June 2025.

A signed Funding Agreement must be completed prior to lessons commencing. Funding will not be provided if lessons are provided without a signed Funding Agreement. 

Water Skills for Life lessons can also be taught in a classroom. To give teachers confidence and the necessary knowledge about aquatic education, free professional development is available through Drowning Prevention Auckland. 

Ministry of Education school pool guidelines

Kia Maanu Kia Ora lessons

Online education