The driving force behind an invaluable east Auckland water safety programme is hanging up his lifejacket.
Local man Ken Nicholls’ involvement with Howick Waterwise lessons began in 2001 when he trained as an instructor.
After two decades of teaching schoolchildren confidence and water safety in a safe and supervised marine environment, he’s retiring from the role.
“We had an average of 130 pupils who were involved in the activities each year,” Nicholls says.
“This resulted in seeing in excess of 2500 pupils participating in these activities which included sailing, kayaking and swimming with lifejackets.
“The children developed good sailing skills as well as kayaking abilities which allowed them to grow in self-confidence as they developed new skills.”
Nicholls says he’s trained teachers and other instructors for much of the time he’s been involved with Waterwise.
That experience involved practical work as well as overseeing paperwork.
His final group of instructors will be doing written exams soon, he says.
Nicholls says some years ago the Howick Sailing Club went into “decline” and for three to four years he and some of the instructors maintained its equipment and replaced its wash basin and cupboard.
“During this time I was the chairperson and we had three other schools participating in the Waterwise programme.
“I ensured there was fuel mixed to the correct ratio with the oil and kept an eye on the condition and safety of the boats.
“I also took on the responsibility of the Waterwise group and the finances.
“About four to five years ago the sailing club started becoming active again and Howick Waterwise was able to give the club about $3500 to get the activities back on track.
“It was wonderful to be able to help the club in this way.”
Nicholls says there’s been “great collaboration” between the Waterwise programme and the Sailing Club over the 19 years he’s been involved, -and prior to that as well.
He thanks two parents, Judy Cornelius and Nicki Romans, who trained as Waterwise instructors.
Nicholls says they’ve been “a reliable presence every week, even after their children left the school”.
“I am so grateful to have had their help, for without them Waterwise would not have been as successful as it was.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with Howick Waterwise and the Howick Sailing Club over the years.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support and wish them everything of the best for the future.
“The Waterwise programme is a positive way of encouraging children to safely enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful oceans.”
