Hibiscus Coast Schools Waterwise Society Inc.

A $6,265 grant to Hibiscus Coast Schools Waterwise Society Inc. will be used to purchase a replacement rigid hull inflatable boat and outboard to accompany children taking part in sailing lessons.

Over 400 children participate in the schools’ training programme every year, learning self confidence, water safety, basic sailing and kayaking skills. Safety reasons mean every four sailing boats used require one patrol boat.

However, the current patrol boat is beyond repair and not compliant with full safety requirements. In addition, the outboard is hard to start and unreliable.

Hibiscus Coast Schools Waterwise Society Inc. is run by volunteers, is an affiliate of New Zealand Waterwise and works to teach children of all abilities basic water safety in a safe and controlled environment.

The organisation aims to provide a Waterwise experience to all children on the Hibiscus Coast by the time they finish intermediate school. Local schools in Whangaparaoa, Orewa, Dairy Flat and Wainui currently attend Waterwise sessions.