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With 159,240 free lessons provided in 2024, the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Community Swim Programme is enabling tamariki across South and East Auckland to learn to swim and thrive in the water. The Howick Local Board has backed the initiative with a $5,000 grant from its 2023/2024 community grant. |
Launched in 2008, the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Community Swim Programme was created to overcome barriers schools face in offering swimming lessons. Fully funded by the Lion Foundation, Auckland Council, Water Safety New Zealand, Foundation North and others, it is making a significant impact by providing vital swim education to those who need it most.
The Howick Local Board has backed the initiative with a $5,000 grant from its 2023/2024 community grant.
Chair Damian Light says, “We’re fortunate that we have amazing access to water surrounded by a beautiful coastline and beaches, together with our swimming facility at Lloyd Elsmore. It’s vital that locals have access to affordable swimming lessons, especially tamariki.”
In Howick, the programme is delivered at Lloyd Elsmore for four local schools:
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Botany Downs
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Mellons Bay
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Our Lady Star of the Sea
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and St Marks.
All community swim lessons are delivered by SwimGym, offering programmes for all ages and stages – from babies to adults, and holiday programmes.
SwimGym is a Swim School recognised by Swimming New Zealand, teaching swimmers since 1987. The programme focuses on three key goals - Swim Well, Swim Fast, and Swim Safe, while helping participants build skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the water.
The Community Swim programme reached over 19,900 pupils in 2024, with each receiving 8 lessons, totalling 159,240 free lessons delivered.
Rick Pickard, General Manager of the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation, shares, “We truly value the support of Howick Local Board (one of three local boards) who fund this initiative in their areas. Thanks to this support, kids in Auckland's areas of greatest need are benefiting. SwimGym is on track to deliver its 2 millionth free swimming lesson later this year in 2025, marking a major milestone in the programme's success. This achievement will be celebrated as a testament to the positive impact within the communities.”
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Lloyd Elsmore: Full SwimGym programme available, covering all levels from Waterbabies to Adults
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Howick (SwimGym-owned facility): Offers a full range of classes, from Waterbabies to Mini Squads.
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Waterbabies classes are for infants aged 3 to 6 months
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Preschool classes cater to children aged 3 to 5 years
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Mini Squads focus on reinforcing skills learned in school-age lessons and preparing swimmers for more advanced stages.
The programme also runs community swim lessons in Māngere, Manurewa, Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Waiheke.
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