As Summer officially kicks off and in a year where regular swimming lessons have been severely impacted, we thought it was a great opportunity to remind families of some of the things they can do to have a Safer Summer.
Obviously, regular swimming lessons is a huge step towards having safer swimmers and according to the American Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in children between the ages of 1 to 4.
Our program has been developed to teach survival skills at every level and we are actively working towards our goal of Zero Drown Toll. As part of the Australian Swim School Association we look to encourage our families to implement the SAFERswimming message which focuses on “Layers of Protection for Safer Swimming”.
These layers of protection include;
SWIMMING SKILLS +
ADULT SUPERVISION +
FENCES & GATES +
EMERGENCY PLAN =
REDUCE THE RISK
By implementing ‘layers of protection’ there is a reduction in risk, as if one of these layers “fails” then there is another layer of protection behind it that may save a life.
Swimming Skills
“Being able to swim well is one of the greatest gifts that can be bestowed upon a child – especially in Australia. Fun, healthy water-based opportunities abound. Equally, a high level of swimming and water safety skills are necessary for full, enjoyable participation – as part of a safer framework.” Australian Swim School Association (ASSA)
The framework for our program is designed to teach survival skills at every level. We spend 10 minutes of every 30 minute class in the deep end.. Here we teach treading water, deep water recovery (safety circle), mobility on front and back until children have achieved 2 minutes treading water.
Adult Supervision
The second layer of protection for Safer Swimming this Summer is Adult Supervision. The key to this layer is to Be Present and ready to respond! Having a designated adult and rotate this person, so everyone at a gathering has a turn, is a good technique to maintain supervision. Some other top tips for the supervising adult include;
• Have constant visual contact
• Be within arm’s reach of any non swimmer and/or child under 5
• Don’t be distracted by a conversation or a mobile phone
• Avoid alcohol
• Be constantly ready to respond
Fences and Gates
Fences & Gates are a key to SAFERswimming. Make sure you check your fences and gates regularly to make sure they are operating as they should. Also, check that there is nothing nearby that can be used to give kids a boost over the fence and never prop the gate open.
Emergency Plan
As part of your Layers of Protection, having an Emergency Plan is a key component to a Safer Summer. An emergency plan will help reduce panic and could save vital time. In the event something does go wrong, knowing CPR could avoid a tragedy.
As part of your Emergency Plan, ASSA recommends to consider the following:
- If a child is missing, check the pool and other water hazards first. Seconds count!
- Have a phone poolside for emergency use only.
In the case of an emergency, dial 000 … or 112 from mobile phones. The operator will ask you some important question, including:
- The address where the ambulance is required;
- What the problem is;
- How many people are injured;
- The patient’s age;
- The patient’s gender;
- If the patient is conscious; and
- If the patient is breathing.
- The operator may provide you with advice to assist the patient while you are waiting for the ambulance;
- It is important that you DO NOT HANG UP until the operator tells you to. You may have to hold the line while an ambulance is dispatched.
With all of our Australian pools now reopened in time for Summer and with many of our swim schools offering Holiday Programs through January it is a great time to book in to classes. You can book online now via our portal which can be found here.