Jonty Mills, CEO of Water Safety New Zealand
This week we had a vigorous and informative talk by Jonty Mills, CEO of Water Safety New Zealand. Its title was ‘The Evolution of Drowning Prevention’.
Jonty was raised in Plimmerton, where he was active in water sports. He went to work for BP, and there he connected with Surf Lifesaving, through BP’s sponsorship. He has been at Water Safety NZ for 4 years.
Water Safety NZ is a charity and is the umbrella organisation for the water safety sector, which comprises 40 partner organisations, notably Surf Lifesaving and the Coastguard.
It is not a government agency, a regulator, or a legislator. Its prime role is education and awareness and as a funder of partner organisations. Its funds come largely from ACC, Lotteries, and Sport NZ.
At the operational end, ie rescue work, water safety depends almost entirely on volunteers, who in turn are supported by sponsorships and donations.
Death by drowning has long been a problem in New Zealand. We have a long coastline, cold and changeable waters, a population that travels often to remote places around the country, and very high participation in water activities. In earlier times river crossings were particularly dangerous.
Added to this we now have new migrants and overseas students who lack awareness of the dangers, and a macho attitude to the water among young males. People drown, in the main, because they lack survival skills and make bad decisions.
There are about 80 preventable drownings each year, and 20 unpreventable ones (suicides, car accidents, and the like). Drowning is the No1 cause of recreational death and the No3 cause of accidental death. 1400 people are rescued each year by Surf Lifesaving and the NZ Coastguard.
Looking to the future, many school pools have closed, and water skills are not explicitly in the school curriculum, which is a problem since participation in water sports continues to rise. However, young people are more responsible than their elders; for example, they are more amenable to wearing life jackets.
Volunteering is changing, and technology is impacting both on water sports (eg foiling) and rescue techniques.
This was a most engaging talk by someone who really knew his subject.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
28.6% With a city-wide public fireworks display
-
19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
-
8% Keep it as is
-
32.9% We shouldn't celebrate it!
-
10.4% Anything but fireworks
-
0.4% Other - I'll share below
New World Khandallah parking warning and appeal to nearby business owners
For very valid reasons (local commuters abuse) the New World has allowed the draconian Smartcomply company to police their carpark on their behalf.
Smartcomply will hit you with an $85 'fine' if you stay one second beyond the 60 minutes allowed.
Can I appeal to all nearby business's (especially eateries) to display a clearly visible "ARE YOU PARKED IN THE NEW WORD CARPARK' notice so customers can be warned about the possibility of an unpleasant post dining experience surprise.
A local eatery, and New World itself, could lose future custom due Smartcomply's excessive actions, as is likely our case.
Indeed I would urge any business local to a Smartcomply operation to implement a "ARE YOU PARKED IN ..........." notice if they wanted to avoid a lose in trade.
Here is the link to their Terms and Conditions that all entrants to a carpark under their control are expected to notice and read.
smartcomply.co.nz...
Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
