Free swim classes for Owhata Primary School

The Wai-Swim pilot programme is launched at Owhata School pool. Photo/Supplied

A new swim programme aimed at reducing drownings and building fitness and health has started at Owhata Primary School.

The Wai-Swim pilot programme was launched at the school this week and will provide free swimming lessons for up to 60 Owhata pupils.

It was launched through a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Owhata Primary School and Swim Rotorua.

Funding has been provided by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust. The programme aims to reverse drowning statistics, build health and fitness, and provide learning in a fun environment.

Swim Rotorua head coach Alastair Johnson will oversee the programme, with the teaching carried out by new coaches Emma Gainsford and Georgia Stiles.

Mr Johnson said it was about taking swimming to the community, removing barriers to participation and having fun.

The swimming lessons will be held three times a week after school at the Owhata School pool during terms one and four.

It is hoped the programme will extend to other schools in Rotorua in the future.

Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust chairman Grahame Hall said it was a good programme for Rotorua. "The trust was very pleased to be involved with this initiative ... it was essential that all young people in Rotorua had an equal opportunity to access swimming and survival lessons because of the large amount of water around Rotorua in the form of lakes and rivers."

Owhata School principal Bob Stiles was delighted with the new programme and said it provided a wonderful opportunity for his students.

Sanitarium has also come on-board to support Wai-Swim, donating a crate of Marmite to sustain the young swimmers.