BaySwim recognised nationally for its innovative approach to learn to swim programmes

Tauranga swim school BaySwim has been recognised at the national Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Awards.

BaySwim received a Merit Award for Aquatic Innovation – Programmes.

“Our innovation isn’t built on flashy tech, it’s grounded in something much more powerful: meeting people where they are,” BaySwim Manager Claire Horner said.

“Our innovative and inclusive approach to programming is all about breaking down barriers for people of all ages and abilities and making sure we can reach members of the community who would otherwise find it difficult to get into a pool and learn to swim,” she said.

“Each programme BaySwim creates is in response to real community needs and is designed to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. This national award recognises the power and potential of that human-first approach."

BaySwim teaches people of all ages and abilities, from babies and children all the way up to adults, offering both private and group lessons. 

New sign language-supported swimming lessons is a recent initiative launched last year.

BaySwim also has specialist lessons and programmes for people with sensory sensitivities, and for children living in foster care.

There are also dedicated culturally appropriate swimming classes for ethnic women, swimming lessons for Tauranga's Korean and Chinese communities in their own language, and a “teach the teacher” programme that empowers kaiako to deliver swimming lessons to their own ākonga in te reo Māori.

To register for any of these initiatives, please email bayswim@bayvenues.co.nz or visit www.bayswim.co.nz