Otago children are excelling in the pool, for their own good.
Nearly 9000 primary school-aged children in the region have learned, or are learning, to swim through the Sealord Swim for Life initiative.
More than half (56%) of Otago participants achieved the target of being able to competently swim 200m, which was above the national average.
All children involved advanc-ed their swim and survive skills, gaining ability in a range of strokes and distances, those behind the programme said.
Otago Sealord Swim for Life partners included the Otago Community Trust, Central Lakes Trust, Sport Otago, the Otago Regional Council and district councils.
It was estimated a further 6000 Otago children will participate in the scheme by the end of next year.
Nationwide, only one in five 10-year-olds can swim 200m, which is the benchmark for being able to swim to survive.
It means 80% of New Zealand children cannot swim well enough to save themselves.
Sealord Swim for Life is a partnership between Sealord and Water Safety New Zealand, and was established to address the issue by facilitating swimming lessons for children.
To date, 8895 Otago children have been taught, or are being taught, to swim by certified swim and survive instructors.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Matt Claridge said the initiative was crucial if the nationwide decline in the swimming ability of children was to be reversed.
''This year already, three people have lost their lives in drowning incidents in Otago. Reaching almost 9000 kids is a significant milestone for the initiative and as the scheme grows we're confident that we will see it impact positively on our swimming ability as a nation,'' he said.
Sealord general manager Stuart Yorston said the company was committed to continuing to develop the initiative.
''Water and aquatic-based activities are a favourite pastime for New Zealanders, so it's essential that our kids know how to swim. Our Sealord Swim For Life scheme gives them a great start on that journey,'' he said.
To date, more than 195,000 children nationwide have participated in the programme, and the number is expected to reach 250,000 by the end of 2014.
