Jump! Swim Schools in Ferntree Gully is re-opening for 2022 and is focusing on water safety to help reduce rising drowning statistics.
This term is a return to swimming for many children throughout the Dandenong Ranges, so water safety will feature heavily in their lessons, including jumping into the pool fully clothed as a reminder that accidents can happen even when you’re not wearing your swimmers.
JUMP! Swim Schools CEO Mark Collins said lockdowns and restrictions has meant during the last two years it’s the least amount of time many children have spent around water.
“As a result, the swim skills of many children have dropped as has their general awareness of water safety and what it means to be careful around the water. For parents who haven’t been to the pool or the beach recently with their kids, it may not be apparent yet,” he said.
“Meanwhile, children’s confidence around water tends to remain high as they expect they can swim just like they could last time they were in the water – but this is not always the case.
JUMP! Swim Schools will run ‘Water Safety Week’ from February 7 – 11, which sees regular lessons converted into safety-focused activity sessions that remind kids what to do if they get in trouble in the water.
“Drowning statistics are up according to the latest Royal Life Saving report – 25 children aged 0-4 drowned in 2020/21, a 108% increase on 2019/20. It’s not a number any of us want to experience.” Mr Collins said.
Mr Collins said there are a few simple things parents can do to ensure their children stay safe until their swimming ability improves:
Talk to your children actively about water safety and the fact they may need a bit of practice before they’re back to swimming at the same level they were last year.
Don’t assume your child is at the same swimming skill level they were last time they were in the water. It may be that children who were confidently able to stay afloat in the water may now need your assistance.
Remember that water accidents don’t always happen when your children are actively swimming and dressed in their bathers – so stay alert. They may be riding their bike along a lake, on a walk near a jetty or boat ramp or playing in a backyard that has a dam.
Get kids back to lessons as soon as you can and consult your swim teacher to ensure they’re in the right class for their current skill level (which may be different from their previous level).
For more information, please visit www.jumpswimschools.com.au.
