NZSL for Water Safety
New Zealand Sign Language is one of three official language and is gaining popularity in community. It's vital for leaders of water safety to have a basic knowledge of NZSL and understanding of Deaf culture.
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We are pleased to announce the development of a new NZSL for Water Safety in Aotearoa. Through a partnership between Global Swim and Merge NZ, this workshop is currently being launched as a pilot program in the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty area.
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Accessibility for the Deaf Community:
We recognise the importance of accessibility for all individuals, including those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. That's why we've developed beginner-friendly water safety vocabulary and phrases specifically designed to assist aquatic rescue team members and leaders of water-related activities in communicating effectively with the Deaf community.
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Beginner-Friendly Water Safety Vocabulary:
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Water Safety Basics: Communicate essential knowledge to prevent accidents and promote safe behavior in and around water.
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Emergency Signs: Signs and signals to communicate and understand common water-related emergencies, such as "Help!" or "Danger!"
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Rescue Techniques: Simple instructions and signs for basic rescue techniques, ensuring swift and effective response in emergencies.
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Safety Equipment: Vocabulary related to essential safety equipment, such as life jackets, rescue buoys, and first aid kits.
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Why Accessibility Matters:
Accessible communication is crucial in water safety to ensure that vital information reaches everyone, regardless of their hearing ability. By incorporating beginner-friendly vocabulary and phrases, aquatic rescue teams and activity leaders can bridge communication gaps, increase understanding of Deaf culture, and empower members of the Deaf community to participate fully in water-related activities while feeling safe and confident.
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This unique approach not only fosters inclusivity but also accelerates your learning of NZSL. By immersing yourself in a visual language environment, you'll naturally adapt to the nuances and intricacies of NZSL more quickly.
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Register for the course:
The NZSL for Water Safety online crash course will run for 3 weeks during the late afternoon/evening classes of 1 hour each. The course will be conducted in NZSL only. Once you have registered for the course, you will receive zoom link.​
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Round course dates for 2024:
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Round 3 - 17 Jun - 19 July - Completed
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Round 4 - 16 Sept - 18 Oct - Registrations is opening now
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Round 5 - 25 Nov - 13 Dec
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If you wish to book onsite that suits your schedule, you can contact us to book (depending on teachers' availability in your area).
Forms, documents and downloads:
NZSL for Water Safety course
Course outline covering water-related safety topics, which you will be learning about.
Cancellation Policy
Check out our NZSL crash online course
cancelation policy here.
NZSL for Water Safety poster
A downloadable poster.
Acknowledgements:
The partnership between Global Swim and Merge NZ marks an exciting collaboration aimed at fostering inclusivity within water-related activities.
Global Swim's support of Merge NZ has enabled the development of a specialised three-week NZSL crash course tailored for water-related activity leaders. This initiative not only demonstrates a commitment to accessibility but also empowers leaders to communicate effectively with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
By equipping activity leaders with essential NZSL skills, the program facilitates seamless interaction and enhances safety during aquatic experiences. Together, Global Swim and Merge NZ are breaking barriers and creating more inclusive environments where everyone can participate and thrive.
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Global Swim's support and funding for the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Pilot has been made possible through funding from TECT and Tauranga City Council.
Upcoming courses:
NZSL for Water Safety online crash course that may interest you. If the course is not listed here, please wait for the next round. If you are interested in signing up for any water safety course, please express your interest below. Once the course is up and running, you will be notified to register for the course that suits you best.
