About
Theme
A conference theme has been developed for WABC 2007.
He Oranga tō
te Wai - Water is Life.
This means that water in
all its shapes and forms has the potential to give life or healthy
qualities.
WABC 2007 Logo
The WABC 2007 logo is an
abstract representation of the koru, a traditional symbol used in Maori
culture. The koru shape is a scroll and is linked to the New Zealand
fern plant. The shoot of the fern has a curled-over tip which unfurls
and becomes a fernleaf.
The koru reaches towards
the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new positive
beginnings...
The koru, represents the
unfolding of new life, that everything is reborn and continues. It
represents renewal and hope for the future.
A young swimmer is also
represented in the koru, moving through the spiral and symbolising the
connection that infant aquatics has to a happy, healthy and vigorous
life.
When depicted in colour,
the WABC 2007 logo uses a serene blue palette to relate the symbol to
water. The variety of tones relates to the fluidity of the environment
and the visual diversity seen in water.
The logo represents the
World Aquatic Babies Congress 2007, as well as the unique environment
and culture of the event’s host, Water Safety New Zealand.
Water Safety New Zealand
In 1949 government recognition of the
high social cost inflicted on New Zealand society by drowning led to the
establishment of the organisation known today as Water Safety New
Zealand (WSNZ). Through a combination of raising awareness of water
safety as an important community issue, and the provision of water
safety education programmes and initiatives, WSNZ has proven that
education is the most effective and sustainable means of reducing the
annual drowning toll.
Outside the dedicated rescue services at
selected beaches, public swimming pools and for offshore boating the
only other effective intervention for the community is education.
WSNZ is today the only
collective, proactive and co-ordinated water safety education provider.
Drowning is New Zealand’s
third highest causes of unintentional death, after road crashes and
accidental falls. On average (last 5 years), 124 people per annum died
by drowning in New Zealand.
For more information on Water Safety
New Zealand visit their website
www.watersafety.org.nz
Programme
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This will be the first time that New Zealand has hosted
this event, which is set to be the most important
gathering of infant aquatics professionals for the year.
Over 27 International Speakers will combine to ensure
that three days of lectures, workshops and panel
discussions will provide one of the greatest
professional development opportunities for swim teachers
in New Zealand ever. An action packed programme,
experienced speakers and innovative/new topics will be
complimented by an array of networking opportunities to
ensure even the most experienced teacher/programmer or
academic is challenged and inspired.
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Click on image to view Programme |
WABC 2007 Statement
The New Zealand organising group for WABC 2007 - New Zealand were
not able to reach an agreement with Steve Graves and his
organisation, World Aquatic Babies & Children, regarding the event.
There has been some confusion about whether WABC 2007 - New Zealand
is an official WABC event or not. The information provided here
will provide some background and explanation.
To view
full Statement click here
News
Babyswimming Myspace
A Babyswimming forum has been
established specifically for delegates planning to attend the WABC 2007.
Explore the topics, add your own, make some comments and in the process
meet some of the people you will be attending the conference with. It's
a great way to get a head start on the interaction that will take place
throughout the event. Go get started and enjoy! Click on the
myspace logo to view the Babyswimming forum page. |
