The Government has proposed a radical reform of the Vocational Education sector which will dismantle the industry training structure which delivers the qualification for all lifeguard training for community swimming pools.

The proposed reform will give the responsibility for industry training to a centralised body in Wellington which will place all on-the-job training in with polytech training with no specific plan for how the lifeguarding sector will achieve a professional qualification.

We believe this is a backward step for aquatic facilities and swimming pools in NZ and we need your support to:

Urge the government to give more time for consultation (submissions close on 5 April)

Communicate to Education Minister Chris Hipkins the adverse impact the proposed reform will have on the health and safety of the community in terms of water safety.

You can download the Recreation Aotearoa submission here

Click here to to learn more, give your feedback on the proposed reform and ensure that communities like yours continue to have access to qualified lifeguards to keep swimmers and children safe in your Council swimming facilities.