Japanese to set up replica of Water Safety New Zealand

A delegation of Japanese from the Blue Sea & Green Land Foundation – Japan (B&G) have been in NZ to attend the NZ Water Safety Conference “Charting the Future” and also to formalise a partnership with Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ).

WSNZ general manager Matt Claridge said “the Japanese have previously visited NZ and witnessed the work of WSNZ and many of its members. They have now asked that WSNZ assist them to establish Water Safety Japan (WSJ).

WSJ will focus on the proposed Japanese initiative, “Water Accident Zero Campaign” at a national level to prevent water-related accidents and promote water safety based activities.”

While in NZ the B&G delegation formally signed an agreement with WSNZ who will assist them in setting strategic direction and goals for both the immediate and long term future.

Mr Claridge commented that this request to assist illustrates the recognition of NZ’s expertise internationally in all facets of water safety.

 “The scale of the Japanese proposal is huge compared to NZ due to the population of Japan. Already B&G have established 400 marine centres and another 300 marine clubs.”