Education

Early Childhood Aquatics

Active Movement in Water is a National campaign in partnership with Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) supported by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Early Childhood Education Organisations, Plunket, The National Heart Foundation, New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), WaterSafe Auckland and New Zealand Swim Coaches and Teachers (NZSCAT) to raise awareness of the importance of a holistic approach to Early Childhood Aquatics. 

Extensive research in the area of brain development supports fundamental movement skills as paramount for brain development and critical in the early years. The water offers an environment where movement becomes free, balance is a stimulating challenge and the bonding between babies and young children and their parents is cemented.

The importance of increasing awareness of the critical nature of fundamental movement and foundation aquatic skills, can not be overstated.  The long term development of our children, maximising learning potential, and the opportunity for happy healthy lives in New Zealand starts with fundamental movement skills in the very young.

Early Childhood Centres:

The development of communication networks and resources linking parents/ caregivers and early childhood educators with Sports Trust staff, Swimming pools and Swim Schools will be paramount to the success of the early childhood aquatic development. To download resources for Early Childhoos Centres, click here for Action Songs and here for Activities on a Shoestring.

Scroll down to find more activities and colouring cards.

Active Movement in Water during Pregnancy

This initiative is supporting pregnant women to maintain and/or become active during their pregnancy. The health benefits for Mum pay off in reduced labour times and accelerated recovery and weight loss after the birth of baby. The benefits for baby are a healthy and happy Mum who continues to be active with baby after birth so baby can gain all the developmental benefits of Active Movement. Pilot studies are taking place in several locations around the country in order to gain feedback from expectant Mum’s and gain an insight into some of the barriers to participation for expectant Mums.  An information booklet for pregnant women Active Movement During Pregnancy is being developed and the draft can be viewed here.

Active Movement in Water Pool Coordinators

During 2006 Swimming New Zealand has been contracted by SPARC to develop ‘Active Movement’ to include aquatics.  This project involves a national review of existing resources, structures and pathways, the development of resources and training packages, risk analysis and a national communications strategy, all within a collaborative approach with the other major organisations involved with early childhood health and well being.

What will the role of the Active Movement in Water Coordinator involve?

• Understanding the Active Movement philosophy and becoming familiar with the resources available and how to gain access to them.
• Developing communication strategies with the local Regional Sports Trust’s Active Movement Advisor.
• Ensuring strategies are in place for public access to information regarding Active Movement in Water at the venue.
• Promote the Active Movement in Water resources (as they develop) to the public and staff at the pool.
• Receiving updates, information and training from Swimming New Zealand and the Regional Sports Trusts for personal up-skilling and training of other personnel involved with early childhood aquatics.