Become an approved provider of Water Skills for Life

Becoming a Water Skills for Life approved provider shows families that your swim school teaches more than strokes — you’re giving children the survival skills they need for real-world water safety.

As an approved provider, you’ll Stand out – gain visibility and credibility in your community, access free resources and assets – ready-to-use tools to promote your school, show your commitment – demonstrate that your lessons prepare tamariki for every water environment, not just the pool.

It’s a powerful way to grow your swim school while making a life-saving difference.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a WSFL Approved Provider

Follow these steps to certify your educators, deliver lessons, and ensure your swim school meets Water Skills for Life standards.

Step one

Certify Your Educators

Ensure that every staff member participating in the Water Skills for Life programme is a certified educator. An approved educator has completed the WSFL e-learning course (online, taking only a few hours) and successfully passed the assessment.

Step two

Deliver Lessons & Track Progress

Your programme must include at least eight 30-minute lessons per year, covering all seven Water Survival Competencies.

  • Share your lesson plans for assessment to ensure all competencies are included. Plans remain confidential.
  • You will receive access to the WSFL Database, where you can upload student assessments and monitor proficiency.
  • Keep student information current in the database to track progress and outcomes effectively.
Step three

Prepare, Assess & Confirm

Ensure instructors complete the WSFL self-review as an initial assessment. This helps confirm they are ready and supported to deliver effective lessons.

  • Prior to final approval, Water Safety New Zealand will perform an external review to confirm eligibility and identify areas for improvement.
  • After the initial external review, periodic external reviews are required to maintain ongoing quality and compliance.

Benefits of Becoming a WSFL Approved Provider

Once your swim school becomes an approved provider with Water Safety New Zealand, you’ll gain a range of benefits designed to promote your school, attract more students, and showcase your commitment to real-world water safety.

Increased Visibility

Your swim school will be listed on the Water Skills for Life website map, highlighting your school as an approved provider. With high traffic to the site, this listing can significantly increase your visibility, providing free advertising valued at up to $10,000 per year.

Official Branding Pack

You’ll receive a branding pack from Water Safety New Zealand, including stickers, certificates, and other assets to display your WSFL approved status proudly.

Social Media & Digital Assets

‍All approved providers receive a digital pack with logos, images, social media tiles, and website banners to promote your school online. Additional marketing support is available if you need extra assets to showcase your programme.

Marketing & Promotion by Water Safety NZ

‍Approved providers are featured on both the Water Skills for Life and Water Safety New Zealand websites, with a map and profile function so families can find your school easily. You’ll also be promoted on Water Safety’s social media channels, regularly tagged in relevant posts and stories.

Becoming an approved provider not only strengthens your school’s credibility — it also helps your community see that you’re preparing children for safe, confident experiences in all water environments.

Get Started

Please submit your details on the form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. ​Note - you must upload your lesson plans as part of the application.

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