NZSL for Water Safety
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is one of Aotearoa's three official languages and is becoming increasingly visible across our communities. For leaders in water safety, aquatics, recreation, and rescue settings, having basic NZSL and an understanding of Deaf culture is essential for creating safer and more inclusive environments.
About the Programme
We are pleased to introduce NZSL for Water Safety, a specialised workshop developed by Merge NZ to support communication in aquatic and water-related environments.
This short course is ideal for:
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Lifeguards (pool or beach)
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Swim instructors
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Aquatic centre staff
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Water safety educators
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Recreation programme leaders
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Coastguard and surf lifesaving volunteers
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Schools and organisations running water-based activities
Participants gain practical NZSL skills that can be used immediately in real water safety situations.
Accessibility for the Deaf Community
We are committed to improving accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in all water-related settings.
To support this, we have developed beginner-friendly NZSL vocabulary and phrases tailored specifically for aquatic communication.
These resources help aquatic teams communicate clearly during lessons, supervision, and emergencies.
Why Accessibility Matters
Clear communication can prevent accidents and save lives.
By learning NZSL, aquatic leaders can:
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Improve safety through faster, clearer communication
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Support Deaf participants to feel welcome and confident
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Reduce barriers in water-related activities
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Strengthen cultural awareness and understanding of the Deaf community
Learning through a visual language also helps participants pick up NZSL naturally and quickly.
Register for the course
The NZSL for Water Safety Online Course includes:
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3 weeks of learning
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1 class per week (1 hour per session)
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Delivered fully in NZSL
Costs $65 per person. After registering, participants will receive their Zoom link, course schedule, and digital learning materials.
Onsite Options
If your organisation would prefer an onsite workshop tailored to your team, you are welcome to contact us
(Onsite delivery depends on tutor 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.
What You Will Learn
Water Safety Basics
Key signs used to explain pool rules, beach safety, and general safe behaviour around water.
Emergency Signs
Signs for urgent situations such as “Help”, “Stop”, “Danger”, “Come here”, and other quick-response instructions.
Rescue Communication
Simple visual language to support instructions during incidents or rescue scenarios.
Safety Equipment Vocabulary
Signs for key equipment including lifejackets, rescue tubes, throw ropes, flotation devices, and first aid kits.
These skills help reduce misunderstandings, support safer decision-making, and build confidence when interacting with Deaf community members.
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.
Last updated: 10 December 2025