Grieving mum funds kayaking safety workshop
After the tragic loss of her son, an inspirational Wellington woman is doing all she can to avoid anyone else losing a loved one in the water.
Karen Skellett says it will be bittersweet watching people go through kayaking training on the Wellington Harbour.
In December 2021, Karen’s son Jack, 23, went for a kayaking adventure from Petone Beach to Matiu-Somes Island in Wellington. He never came home.
A Givealittle page was set up following Jack’s death and Karen has chosen to invest the $5,000 that was raised into a Kayak Safety Workshop at Days Bay.
It will be a free event held on Thursday 26 January, facilitated by local company Wildfinder.
“I hope this makes a difference,” Karen says.
“Jack’s dad Adam got the ball rolling with this and I have carried it on. It upsets me a bit because I want to save others, but I wish I could have done something more to save Jack.
“But I know I can’t change that. So this is all about helping others.”
A tragic loss of young life
Jack bought his kayak off TradeMe and he set off from Petone Beach in fine conditions.
His body was found the next day by Coastguard, near Camp Bay, after an extensive search by his friends, family and colleagues.
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Karen says.
“None of Jack’s friends knew that you use different kayaks for different situations. Jack bought his kayak and got in and started paddling, but it isn’t enough is it? We need to do more.”
Keeping Kiwis safe in the water
In 2022, there were 93 preventable drownings across Aotearoa, the highest number since 2008.
Jack’s parents always wanted to invest the money into water safety.
“It was his friends who set up the Givealittle page when Jack died. We thought water safety and kayaking lessons would be the best way to use the money.”
The kayak safety workshop is open to all people.
It will be a comprehensive, one-day event covering every aspect of water kayaking safety, with a strong focus on theory and building awareness, plus practical and skills development.
The course is aimed at all ages from beginner to intermediate level. Spaces are limited, and on a first-come first-served basis, with a wait list in reserve.
Learning from a kayaking expert
Wildfinder is facilitating and organising the event, contracting Daniel O’Connor to run the workshop. He has huge experience and has worked with the various kayaking bodies across New Zealand.
“Dan is a perfect fit to run this workshop,” says Alex Buckley, the manager at Wildfinder.
“He has designed a great day of comprehensive training. He has said we want to make an impact. It’s not a one-hour session, it’s a full day which is in-depth and a focused session where people will retain the knowledge they have learned.
“The session will be for 16 people – that was the recommendation from Dan that we keep the numbers low so people can get that close integration and make a difference.”
Turning grief into prevention
Alex is impressed by Karen’s bravery to turn her grief into helping others.
“She is such a sweet lady, and it’s lovely she wanted to use her money for this purpose,” she says.
“We’re hoping we’ll be able to deliver a second free workshop with the money Karen has offered.”
Karen would like to see a significant uptake in the workshop.
“I hope the fact it’s free will motivate people to get involved. I know people are struggling financially at the minute, so we want to help,” she says.
“It will be special to see people of all ages learning some important skills out on the water.”
'Have a hmmm' before you jump in
ACC Injury Prevention Programme Leader James Whitaker thanks Karen for her contribution and initiative.
“Jack’s story shows that a drowning is a devastating event for any whānau and community,” he says.
“We want to thank Karen for being brave in telling her story and for investing this money into making a difference.
“Far too many New Zealanders are drowning and getting injured in our waters, and these drownings and injuries are preventable. If we take time to assess the risks and make smart choices before we jump in, we can keep on doing the things we love.”
ACC is a partner of Water Safety NZ, funding the ACC Water Skills for Life programme.
Kayak Safety Workshop
Thursday 26 January 2023
Days Bay, Wellington
Free, a comprehensive, one-day event covering every aspect of water kayaking safety
Register: Kayak Safety Workshop — Wildfinder
Thanks to Wildfinder, Days Bay Pavilion, Victoria University of Wellington and the Skellett family for help in organising this event for the community
