Splash Palace is set to get behind Coastguard Tautiaki Moana’s The Big Swim initiative – supporting those fundraising with free access to the Invercargill pool during June.

The Big Swim encourages Kiwis to get fit, have fun, and raise much-needed funds for Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, to help ensure the country’s waters can be enjoyed safely by everybody. Participants can choose what distance they think they can swim in the month of June, and ask their whānau, friends, and colleagues to sponsor their efforts.

The first-ever The Big Swim event was held last year.

Invercargill City Council Manager Aquatic Services Stephen Cook said supporting the national fundraising drive was a no-brainer.

Coastguard Tautiaki Moana was Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary maritime water safety, rescue, and education organisation. As a charity, it depended on the generosity of the public to ensure it could continue to rescue people in danger and save lives, he said.

Splash Palace had signed up to be a partner pool during The Big Swim, which meant the facility could support Coastguard Tautiaki Moana by providing free access to event participants throughout June.

“The team here at Splash Palace shares many of the same values as those within Coastguard,” Cook said.

“We all know how crucial it is for Kiwis to be equipped with the skills and confidence needed to enjoy the water safely, and we are more than happy to welcome those fundraising to our facility.”

“We think The Big Swim is a fantastic initiative, which not only encourages Kiwis to chip in and support the organisation financially, but raises awareness about the vital work their 2000-odd volunteers do for the benefit of us all. We would love to encourage our community to get behind The Big Swim, either by taking part themselves or by supporting somebody who is,” Cook said.

Splash Palace had a longstanding relationship with Coastguard Tautiaki Moana. Earlier this year, Swim School instructors had taken their skills to the next level by completing a Safe Boating Course with the organisation, he said.

“While already experts at teaching water confidence and stroke techniques, this training gave our coaches hands-on experience in essential boating safety. The whole team gained invaluable knowledge to keep themselves, and others, safe while enjoying the water,” Cook said.

Splash Palace was also keen to support Coastguard’s recently-launched Little Skippers programme, for tamariki aged between 3 and 6 years old. Staff were keen to gauge the community’s interest in supporting the programme, he said.

“Splash Palace is committed to continuing to support Coastguard’s efforts, and encourage our whole community to do the same.”

Click here for more information regarding The Big Swim.