The sun's out, temperatures are rising and already beaches, lakes, rivers and pools are crowded, so it's the perfect time to reinforce the State Kiwi Swim Safe message: Keep our children safer in, on and around the water at all times!

The programme is a national initiative developed by Swimming New Zealand to provide all primary and intermediate school children with water safety, beach safety and swimming skills.

Recently, Swimming New Zealand ran a national competition for children to name their new State Kiwi Swim Safe mascot. Caitlin Barraball from Isleworth School in Christchurch was the competition winner with 'Koru'. Koru visited Caitlin's school today to present her competition prize pack, as well as State Kiwi Swim Safe certificates to all pupils to recognise their participation.

Isleworth School is the first school in Canterbury to deliver the State Kiwi Swim Safe programme. Isleworth School principal Jeanette Shearer says it's great to be part of such a positive initiative.

"Teachers are enthusiastic about the programme. It is well planned out with real learning outcomes clearly stated."

"Having poolside assistance has been wonderful as it helps teachers identify the instructional stage for the children and introduces lots of fun activities which help children learn the specific skills they are working on."

"All teachers have said that it is great professional development for them and has boosted their confidence in teaching children to swim."

Koru will travel around New Zealand spreading the water safety, survival and swimming messages. For children taking part in the State Kiwi Swim Safe programme, swimming, water safety and beach safety skills allows them to grow, strengthen, increase their knowledge, and most importantly to value and respect the water.

State Insurance has come on board as Swimming New Zealand's principal sponsor providing dedicated support to primary and intermediate schools at no cost.

Being able to swim, doesn't ensure children are going to be safer in the water. Swimming New Zealand has collaborated with WaterSafe Auckland and Surf Life Saving New Zealand to bring together a critical thinking, water safety, swimming, survival and beach safety programme. Students need to understand all of these elements to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments.