Splashing around, learning important safety tips

Year 1 and year 2 pupils from North East Valley School enjoy a warm day at St Clair Beach yesterday learning about beach and water safety as part of the New Zealand Surf Life Saving programme.

North East Valley School junior syndicate leader and new entrant teacher Michael Andrew said it was an "absolutely fantastic" way for the children to spend the start of the school year.

One of the children’s favourite activities of the day was attempting to "splash the teachers" and some brave pupils even managed to put their head under the water while they enjoyed swimming safely between the flags, he said.

The trip was planned as part of a school-wide water safety programme.