Water skills for life: assessing population-level coverage of a school-based aquatic program in Aotearoa, New Zealand

In Aotearoa, New Zealand, Water Skills for Life (WSFL) is a national school-based water survival program. The program, which has been in operation in New Zealand schools since 2018, teaches children broad fundamental competencies for lifelong water safety. This study investigated program participation and coverage by schools, socioeconomic areas, and geographies.

Using WSFL data from July 2018 to July 2023, we examined program coverage (number and rate of children and schools participating) by regional council area, school year (1-8), school socioeconomic status (deciles 1-10), and year of program delivery.

A total of 256,511 children participated in the WSFL program from 2018 to 2023. Participation was highest in 2019 (30% of all public schools) and declined to 22% in 2022. Children in the lowest socioeconomic decile had the highest participation rate (17% of children on the school roll). Participation by region ranged from 2 to 25% of children on the school roll. Participation was highest at 18% of year 6 students.

School-based aquatic programs can increase participation in areas with challenges accessing commercial programs. Providing school-based programs in low socioeconomic areas can reduce inequalities. The decline in program participation by schools in recent years is concerning and requires further research to understand the drivers.

Continued investment and participation in population-level water survival programs that are available to all societal groups will increase water safety and reduce drowning rates. There is a need to ensure investment keeps pace with changing demographics including population growth.