The many wonderful reasons to teach your child to learn to swim:  Being part of that process can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences a parent can have with their child.

Everybody needs to remember not to be complacent about SUPERVISION as the primary layer of protection in the prevention of drowning. Vigilance is required, no matter how confident a young swimmer may be. Home pools are becoming more common every day. It is estimated now that more than 1 in 5 Australian homes have a swimming pool and, with QLD’s perfect weather, the water is the place to be! But beware: this great Aussie Icon can be dangerous! The RLSSA National Drowning Report for 2009 showed an alarming increase to 302 in the number of deaths caused by drowning. This is the highest figure in 6 years, and a wakeup call to parents especially when we consider that 32 deaths were in the under 5 years age group and, of these, over 60% were in backyard swimming pools. Combine this with the recent tragic drowning of 2 children at public pools, and we need to realise that supervision CAN, and DOES FAIL. Last week, Hampton Swim School conducted a Mother’s Morning Tea at which a segment interviewing a parent of a young child who had drowned was aired. There was not a dry eye in the room, and the grief and guilt of the parent was felt by everyone in attendance....

Early teens and high-school students are spending less time participating in physical exercise, and indications suggest that this age group is engaging or playing sport for less than an hour a week. When it comes to the pool, a significant decline in participation is recorded in children of the primary to high school transition age group (12 to 13 years). So why do our kids stop swimming? With the additional academic pressures and challenges associated with the transition to high school and settling into Year 8, it is often an easier choice for students to drop their extra-curricular activities like swimming at this time. Some might believe that swimming is now ‘uncool’, while a lowered self-confidence and body image attributable to the physical and emotional changes the child is dealing with may be the reason some are discouraged from attending swimming. Others might now lack the motivation to compete or train, an activity they once enjoyed. With this age group being seen to now be engaged more than ever in...

As reported recently in the media, it is estimated by the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia that nearly 1 in 5 children will leave Australian Primary Schools in a few weeks time without the required aquatic skills to swim 50m and unable to perform basic survival and water safety techniques that could potentially save their lives. This statistic means that over 50,000 of our children aged 11 to 12 lack fundamental swimming and water safety skills, and comes on the back of news that a high school in Melbourne has cancelled its swimming sports because not enough students know how to swim. With aquatic activities at the heart of our national identity and lifestyle – when and how did we start neglecting to educate our Aussie kids on the basics of learning to swim safer? Does the responsibility to ensure our kids are taught swim safer skills lie with parents, our schools, or with our governments? The growth in the numbers of children under 5 years of age being taught at private swimming complexes is increasing,...

Summer holidays are fast approaching– within a month our children will have finished school for yet another year! For many of us, at least some of the Xmas school holiday period is spent away from home visiting relatives or catching up with family and friends, and of course enjoying some much needed relaxation amid the celebrations associated with this festive season. In many instances, this holiday period is spent near and around water. However, a festive and fun summer holiday can turn to tragedy in an instant, and parents need to be mindful of the increased probability of childhood drowning when on vacation. The places visited by a family while on holiday are very often unfamiliar, and the excitement of the festive season may in some cases result in the dangers inherent in these places going unnoticed. Parents need to make themselves familiar with all of the aquatic environments - including rivers, lakes, dams, swimming pools and beaches – they are likely to encounter during the family vacation, and they should take the time to identify the potential hazards of each different location....

The idea of a rural setting conjures up tranquil images of the land, bush or countryside, and it may surprise some people to learn that drowning is the leading cause of death of children in such settings. With increasing numbers of people visiting rural areas and enjoying farm-stays and the like, educating these visitors about the dangers of regional waterways is now more important than ever. While dams are the predominant location at which farm drownings occur, fatalities occur across a range of sites including rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds, as well as irrigation channels and cattle troughs and dips. Prevention of drownings in rural locations requires special consideration of the surrounding environment, as well as special provisions to reduce the extensive range of drowning hazards and risk factors associated with such locations. The provision of adequate barriers around water settings in rural areas is problematic, as it is neither feasible nor reasonable to fence and maintain vast perimeters surrounding...

Parents seeking ways to improve their young child’s confidence, independence and relaxation in water need look no further than their role as the caregiver ahead of and during a swimming lesson. The caregiver plays an invaluable role in assisting and enhancing the child’s aquatic development. Influences on a baby’s swimming ability are exerted well before a baby enters a swimming pool, and in fact these influences begin at birth with the bathing process. Parents need to be aware of the verbal and physical influences they impart to their child about water. If the parent themself exhibits nervousness or fear around water, these emotions may in turn be passed on to the baby or young child, regardless of whether they have been verbalised. Phrases such as “don’t go near the water, it’s dangerous!”, or actions including hastily dragging a child away from an aquatic environment such as the edge of a pool are likely to cultivate within a young child a negative attitude toward water, and in turn will magnify the difficulties...

The physical benefits for children of swimming at all levels, from birth through to competitive swimming, are numerous and well known. Less well known perhaps, is that swimming serves as a wonderful aid to the development of the social skills and behaviours of the child. Infant, toddler and pre-school swim classes provide the child with an early introduction to learning to follow instructions, and to the concepts of sharing, turn-taking and structured learning. Swim classes also promote social interaction between participants and, through structured play during which the child learns appropriate behaviours (both right and wrong) through listening to instructions and watching others, they provide a vehicle for nurturing and enhance the social and cognitive development of the child. At the primary school age level, the social skills acquired through early swim classes are able to be refined and further developed. Children who become team-mates in a mini or junior swimming squad are able to enjoy a group environment...

While the media coverage of drowning incidents tends to focus on the tragic loss of young lives, a disturbing trend in the number of deaths of older Australians (55+ years) by drowning has emerged in recent years. Last year, more than 100 adults aged over 55 drowned – a number that accounted for approximately a third of all drowning deaths for the year. What makes this statistic even more surprising, is that it represents an increase in the number of deaths against the 5-year average for this age-group of 28% (RLSSA). The ageing of Australia’s population, and the increase in the number of older Australians “returning to a water environment” and, in turn, the increasing amount of time they spend in and around the water, is likely to be accompanied by more and more aquatic tragedies involving this group of people. There are several reasons why older Australians are being seen to return to a water environment in greater numbers: - EXERCISE: For low impact exercise. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise for the older age group. However, many will overestimate their ability and many will have not actively participated in aquatic activities for many years, both of which increase the risk of injury or heart attacks....

Toddler and pre-school aquatic programs (13 months to 4 year age bracket) afford an opportunity to introduce young children to the associated joys and risks of being in or around water. These lessons conducted within these programs generally focus on developing water familiarisation and confidence and learn-to-swim readiness with an underlying emphasis on water-safety instruction not only for the parent but also the little swimmer themself. However, having a child attend swimming lessons at this age is not license for a parent to become complacent about their child’s swimming ability and, in turn, the safety and security of their child around water. While we have probably all heard of baby swimmer success stories and toddler swimming prodigies, water-familiarisation classes taken through swim schools are not designed to teach children to survive independently in the aquatic environment, and they DO NOT make your child drown proof. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in Australia for children under...

The arrival of the hotter summer months and the return to the aquatic environment is usually accompanied by a sharp increase in drowning or near-drowning incidents, especially involving children of the under 5 years age bracket. The majority of these episodes occur in backyard swimming pools, and it is often a family member who discovers the child face down in the water – a scene which is of course horrifying for the person concerned. When supervision and barriers fail, and learning to swim does not provide the swimmer with adequate drowning-prevention skills, emergency procedures (including CPR) offer the only other remaining life-saving means. CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; a life-saving technique that involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to help keep blood circulating to vital organs and provide oxygen to the lungs. In incidents of drowning, CPR is not designed to remove water from the lungs. We have all heard a horror drowning story, and no parent wants to believe that this could...

Parents are enrolling their children in water-familiarisation lessons at a younger age than ever before to ensure their child’s acclimation to the water at an early age. Also, given we inhabit a continent surrounded by coastline and live in a climate where aquatic recreation is available to many, becoming aquatically adept can be regarded as an important element in making the most of what Australian lifestyle has to offer. As strong a reasons as these are to have a child taught to swim, there is a tendency for parents to get caught up in how far their children can swim, rather than to focus on how long their child is able to stay afloat or if their child can get themselves or others out of danger if required. While the #1 reason indicated by parents for taking their child to swim lesson is to enhance their child’s water safety and survival skills, are parents confused as to the relative importance of their child becoming a strong ‘technical’ swimmer as opposed to becoming a strong ‘survivor’ or ‘rescuer’? If...

There is no debate; the #1 reason parents enrol their children in swimming lessons is to enhance their child’s safety in and around the water. However, before, during and even upon completion of the learn-to-swim process, parents may consider having their child use a flotation aid as means to provide added security against their child accidentally drowning. A variety of flotation aids designed to suit children of different ages and at different stages of the learn-to-swim process (including armbands, backpacks, vests and noodles) are available. In my role as a swim instructor, I feel I have a good understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each type of flotation device from the perspectives of both learning-to-swim and safety. First and foremost, it is important that parents understand that flotation aids are not a life-saving device, and that they are not an excuse for the absence of constant supervision while the child is in the water! Unfortunately, too many children drown each year in Australia, and the majority of these tragedies occur as a result of the child falling accidentally into a body of water. While no drownings with the child using a “wearable-type” flotation aid have been recorded, the use of a flotation aid may create in both the parent and the child a misplaced sense of child’s confidence in water....

Almost all older adults, regardless of age or condition, can improve their health and independence through exercise and physical activity. Participating in regular physical exercise increases a person’s chance of living a longer and healthier life. Swimming is a fabulous form of exercise for people of all ages, and its host of benefits make it an ideal physical activity for older adults in particular. Swimming offers a cardiovascular and respiratory workout that helps to maintain and improve balance and coordination, strengthen the immune system and grow muscle mass, and enhance joint flexibility and bone density. Back pain sufferers or those looking for a low-impact workout also find relief in the water. Swimming can serve as an effective treatment for chronic conditions, and can assist in the prevention or delay of some diseases and disabilities such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and depression. However, the recent tragic fatalities of 2 older Australians from within...

Babies arrive in the world from the warm, liquid environment of their mother’s womb free of inhibition and without an inbuilt fear of water. Typically however, a baby’s innate responses to the aquatic environment are lost at around age 12 months, and they may sometimes develop a fear of water or a sense of feeling uncomfortable in water around this age. In last week’s article on bathing basics I discussed preparation rituals and bath positions that can benefit and enhance the aquatic experience for your newborn. Once the child has become accustomed to these positions in the water, parents are then able to commence a so-called “water-conditioning” of their baby as part of an introductory phase of the water-familiarisation process. Newborns are born with a trigeminal reflex that enables them to automatically stop breathing for a short period of time if they are submerged underwater, or if water touches the nasal/mouth region of their face. This reflex allows the infant to avoid inhaling water (even with their mouths wide open) for a short period while underwater....

While swimming is a great sport, for many it does not come naturally, and learning how to swim efficiently requires time and commitment on the part of the individual, as well as the development of stamina and coordination. If you want to improve your swimming ability or you need some extra tips to take your swimming to the next level, look to the common approaches for improving swimming technique I have listed below. Employing these approaches will guarantee your improved fitness and speed in the pool. Swim frequently – your improvement will be accelerated as you...

The wearing of goggles in swimming pools is commonplace and indeed goggles are often worn by children in swimming lessons from a very young age. However, it may surprise many parents to learn that the decision to have their child wear goggles is one that may potentially endanger their child’s life! Goggles are typically used to increase a child’s comfort, relaxation and orientation in the aquatic environment. Goggles encourage the child to submerge and allow them to open their eyes and ascertain their position under water clearly. Goggles are also an aid for preventing pool water and...

There's no question that the instruction provided by a coach can serve as a powerful motivation tool. However, not everyone is available to participate in set squad session times, and not everyone wants to be a part of a social swim squad or feels the need to utilize the knowledge and expertise that a coach has to offer during their swimming workout. All that being said, regardless of a preference for independent lap swimming or a structured swim squad program, a swimmer needs to be aware of a number of unwritten ‘etiquette rules’ which exist to ensure the swimming experience is...

Many parents are well aware of the potential dangers that residential swimming pools and bathtubs pose to children of all ages. However, even if you don’t own a pool, there are less obvious drowning hazards that might be overlooked by discerning parents wanting to provide a safe environment in which to raise their children. Water associated areas in and around the home should always be checked first when carers are seeking their absent child. Children can drown within seconds in a few centimetres of water. Parents should be mindful of the following other aquatic areas around the home besides a pool or bathtub that present a drowning threat to young children: INFLATABLE POOLS: inexpensive, blow up or demountable pools (anywhere from 20cm in height) often fall outside pool fencing legislation, and may be purchased by consumers without consideration of any barriers necessary to help protect young children from the dangers of water. Remember to empty and dismantle these pools after use. SPAS & HOT TUBS; always secure the safety cover on your spa to prevent children from gaining access when it is not in use. Some non-rigid covers can still allow a child to slip into the water with the cover appearing to still be in place, so use additional barriers such as locking the door leading to the spa or fencing around the spa....

Bath aids are used to support infants while in a bath. They help keep a baby’s head up and out of the water, leaving a carer’s hands free to wash their infant and often easing the strain on the carers’ back. A range of bath aids specific to the age and size of a baby are available, and they include bath seats, cradles, hammocks, recliners, supports and rings. They are generally made of plastic, rubber or foam. Infant drowning in baby bath aids is a tragedy that many may be unaware of. Records of the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia show that six babies less than 13 months old have drowned...

Residential childhood drowning is normally assumed to be associated with backyard swimming pools. However, this is not an altogether accurate assumption and in fact in Australia an average of 19 children drowns in bathtubs annually. The most alarming about this statistic is that the majority of these deaths by drowning in the bath occur while the parent or caregiver is not in attendance. A number of simple actions can be taken to make bath time safer and incident free. All necessary equipment such as the child’s clothes, nappies, dry towels,...

Many parents struggle with the decision regarding whether or not they should allow their sick child to participate in their regular swim lesson. While the busy schedules of many families often make lesson rescheduling difficult, parents should consider the following advice in respect of the appropriateness of allowing an ill child to swim. Swimmers who are sick with diarrhoea or a vomiting bug should not be swimming, as they risk contaminating pool water with the diarrhoeal germ that can live for days even in the most well-maintained pool. Such infections are passed via even the smallest...

The provision of an adequate barrier around a swimming pool is critical component of child drowning prevention. While constant supervision of a young child around water is imperative, as any parent knows this is sometimes unachievable, and the installation of a standards-compliant pool fence represents another layer of protection that can assist in reducing the probability of a child becoming yet another drowning statistic. While nearly 40% of homes in Qld enjoy the luxury of a pool in the backyard, it is estimated that at least 50% of these swimming pool fences are either inadequate or non-compliant with the established standards. Why is compliance so important? Over 40% of under 5 drowning deaths occur as a direct result of the child gaining access to the pool via a defective pool gate or fence. Child pool drowning statistics include those directly attributable to carelessly placed climbable objects such as outdoor furniture and pot plants which are a significant risk from the standpoint of young children being able to access a swimming pool area....

Bathing an infant may seem like an intimidating task, especially for first-time parents. However, bath time can be an enjoyable cleansing ritual, and can offer the parent an opportunity to bond with their new infant in a soothing, relaxed environment. Aquatic experiences like that afforded by bath time also stimulate a newborn’s numerous senses, and allow the baby the freedom of movement through buoyancy and floating that gravity prevents. The following issues regarding bathing a newborn are worth considering. Bathing does not increase the risk of infection to an umbilical cord stump, so there is really no need to wait for the stump to heal completely before getting your newborn into the tub....

32 drowning deaths in the 4 and under age group during 2009 of which 84% were the result of a child falling or wandering into a backyard swimming pool. These are Australia’s shocking drowning statistics and, as disturbing as they are, the tragedy suffered by families as a result of pool-related accidents extends beyond the media’s portrayal of grieving parents and a small casket. For every one of these lost lives there are more than 4 emergency hospitalisations from near drowning and, of these hospitalized children, one will be left with permanent brain damage....

From humble aquatic beginnings at my local Swim Club and then subsequently through my many years of training up and down that black line in preparation for swimming for Australia, I was fortunate enough to be coached by two gentleman who, apart from their obvious contribution to my success as a swimmer, were wonderful mentors who had a huge impact on my development as a person outside the pool. As an amateur swimmer, my fondest memories are of the positive atmosphere my first swim coach provided. Mr Johns taught through a process of encouragement; realising that young swimmers participate mainly for enjoyment and that winning constitutes only a small part of teaching a child sport. In the athletic arena, be that in the pool or on a field, coaches have a responsibility that extends beyond the provision of a safe environment in which to place their charges in age- or ability-based groups and the implementation of a suitably appropriate program. Most people associate the success of a coach primarily with the technical or racing aspects of their sport. However, the success of a coach should also be determined by their dedication and ability to effectively provide a program for youngsters that will enable them to learn the value of striving to improve themselves; not just whilst participating, but outside the playing field too....

Expectant mothers often remark about the feeling of comfort evoked by immersion in water during their pregnancy. The sense of weightlessness provided by water relieves the general discomforts associated with pregnancy, and it is the perfect environment for a mother-to-be to both relax and exercise. Water-based exercise is the ideal form of exercise for an expectant mother. The buoyancy of water supports up to 90% of body weight which means that those extra kilograms added during pregnancy have much less impact on an expectant mother’s capacity to exercise. Water supports the joints and ligaments and, particularly in comparison to other common land-based forms of exercise, this translates to reduced risk of injury. Swimming and other aquatic activities serve as an ideal form of exercise from not only the standpoint of the health of the pregnant woman themselves, but also the well being of the unborn child. The cardiovascular benefits of swimming include an increased capacity to process and use oxygen (which is...

While ear infections are common amongst infants and young children, for most they occur infrequently and the symptoms associated with the infection are generally mild in nature. However, for parents of chronic ear infection sufferers and children who are susceptible to recurring ear infections caused by exposure to water, swim lessons may be a source of some frustration. Before any decision to stop swimming lessons is made, parents should give adequate consideration to the type of ear infection the child is suffering, and to the differing symptoms, causes and treatments of the infection to ensure that the decision that is made, particularly in respect of swimming during the cooler months, is an informed one. Two types of recurrent ear infections occur predominantly in children, namely swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections. There are solutions to treat, prevent and ward off each of these ailments, and neither infection should be used to justify a decision to interrupt a child’s water safety and aquatic education....

For parents attending their first swim lesson with their child, or for even those seasoned swim school parents – here are my Top 10 “Swim Lesson Etiquette Tips” that will help ensure your child’s lesson goes “swimmingly”! 1) Arrive early so that both you and your child are familiar with the surroundings of the aquatic centre and relaxed prior to lesson commencement. Running late not only disrupts your own child’s learning, it also interrupts the momentum of the class already in progress. 2) Come prepared! Swimmers/sun-shirt, towels (a spare is handy, especially in cooler...

Exercise plays a vital role in leading a healthy, balanced life. This is especially the case for asthma sufferers, as keeping fit is an important component of successful asthma management. Asthma is a condition characterised by its many variables including its severity, its seasonal incidence, and the things that trigger an asthma attack. Of course some physical activities can induce asthma symptoms, and some forms of exercise are uncomfortable for asthma sufferers. Swimming has long been promoted as the best form of exercise for people with asthma as it is less likely than...

The benefits of swimming can be enjoyed by adults as well as children. Parents should consider jumping in for their own health and fitness, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the water with their kids. In the course of teaching a babies’ class earlier this week I demonstrated a new activity that required both parent and child to submerge and swim underwater together for 3 seconds. I was astonished to observe that of the six parents in the class only one was able to perform the exercise effectively, with three of the remaining five parents appearing uncomfortable and awkward going underwater...

It is likely there will be stages during the learn-to-swim process when your child experiences a “learning plateau”. During a period of skill acquisition or technique mastery, a “learning plateau” describes the feeling or appearance that your child is making little or no progress, no matter how hard they seem to be trying. It is important for parents to acknowledge that a learning plateau is a normal element of the learn-to-swim process, and that it is generally experienced when swimmers reach a level that is intrinsically challenging (i.e. learning to coordinate bilateral freestyle breathing for the first time). Children often make wonderful advances when they first begin learning to swim and, as the child builds rapidly on their knowledge and skill base in these initial stages, their progress is marked and is easily identifiable and able to be measured. Thereafter, the learning tends to be more gradual and consists of a consolidation and extension of existing skills and knowledge where, as the learner strives...

If you live in a neighbourhood with a school or a community pool, then chances are you have the opportunity to join a local swim club and become involved in one of Australia’s most popular sports. Swim clubs are not-for-profit organisations that are normally either run by volunteers (usually parents of swimmers) or operated through a swim school. Swim clubs organise and coordinate weekly meets (often in the evening), and provide a forum for swimmers to race against other swimmers of comparable ability. The emphasis of these races is not on winning the race, but rather on swimmers...

Young babies have a natural affinity to water. However, there may be times when your baby becomes restless or upset in their swimming lesson. No parent likes to see their child’s tears, and a common reaction of parents to tears in a swim lesson is to become panicked or embarrassed over the way the child is behaving, or instead to think “my child just doesn’t like the water”. Parents need to be aware of the potential reactions of their child in a swim lesson, and they need to understand why such reactions occur and how to apply appropriate solutions that ensure the lesson is both enjoyable and beneficial to the baby. Swim lessons can interfere with the sleep or feeding routine of the child. Signs that this is the case may include rubbing eyes, falling asleep, or baby indicating a need for milk/food. If this is happening, parents should check for alternative class times or try and adjust their routines accordingly. Cold is another factor that can upset the child. A sun-shirt or wetsuit can help, as can simply keeping baby’s shoulders under the water as much as possible throughout the lesson away from any drafts or breezes....

Having spent 9 months suspended in the warm fluid of a mother’s womb, newborn babies have a natural affinity with the water. Once baby is born, parents can help maintain this affinity that their baby has with the water through their initial bath-time routines. However, as they become older, babies can lose their inherent love of the water and become fearful. The progression from the bath to early infant swim lessons can ensure baby learns to enjoy the aquatic experience from an early age, while at the same time providing baby with many benefits that extend well beyond the swimming pool. Swimming is a complete physical workout which in turn assists the development of the heart, lungs and muscles of your baby. The physical activity that swimming offers stimulates the appetite of baby, which in turn promotes food digestion and boosts the immune system. Regular swimming also aids in the development of sleep patterns. One reason parents love to have their baby in swim lessons is for the deeper and longer sleep that invariably follow a swim session. Even though the class may be appear gentle and relaxing, the baby very often exerts themselves to an extent that they are exhausted by the end of the half hour!...

Children have so many activities and lessons available to them it is difficult to fit everything in to their busy schedule. How do parents know how when a child is ready to stop attending swimming lessons? One of my swim school parents recently told me of their intention to stop their 6-year old’s swim lessons as they believed that their child was now “water safe”. When pressed as to what exactly they meant by “water safe”, the parent explained that her son had been taking swim lessons for 3 years, and could now swim 25m unassisted and float on their back, and was aware of basic water safety information. Moreover, the little boy had said to his parent that he wanted to start sailing lessons instead. Discontinuation of swim lessons at this early age and for reasons similar to those mentioned above is all too common. However, before interrupting the progress of a child’s swim lessons, there are several issues that I believe a parent should consider. Firstly, there is a popular misconception that attending swim lessons will ensure a child’s safety around water and guarantee them “drown proof”. While swim schools are in the business of providing water skills which are designed to help assist in the prevention of drowning, they cannot prevent drowning from occurring. There is no such thing as being either “water safe” or “drown proof”, and the role of a swim school is to impart knowledge, tools and skills to a swimmer for them use when a dangerous water-related situation arises....

Heading into Easter marks the end of Queensland’s hotter weather, and with this change in seasons many parents choose to forego swimming lessons in favour of other winter sports or activities. WAIT! There are several critical issues to be considered by parents in respect of swimming as an activity that their child ought to continue all-year round. The most important of these issues pertains to the dangers that are posed by water which do not abate just because the months are cooler! While aquatic activities are generally associated with the summer months, Queensland enjoys an inherently...

There are plenty of wonderful reasons to teach your child to learn to swim, and being part of that process can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences a parent can have with their child. Swimming encourages fun and learning, and helps a child develop confidence and a positive self- image. Research has shown that early swimmers perform better both socially and academically, and that swimming from an early age enhances not only gross motor skill development and coordination, but also the personality development of a child...so swimming contributes to the happiness, health, and development of the “whole” child!...

By Julia Ham (Hampton Swim School) Some parents choose to delay the commencement of their child’s swimming education, believing that their backyard pool plays a more important role in aquatic development than structured lessons. BUT WAIT, in 2009 alone in Australia over 50 children between the ages of 0-17 years died by drowning, with many more near-drowning incidents and accidents occurring around the pool or beach. As previously reported, many of these children were left unsupervised, so it's easy to see why swim lessons sooner rather than later provide an additional barrier against drowning. Safety aside, swimming is a great form of exercise and, as well as being fun, it promotes time with the family and opens the door to many water sports such as water polo, sailing and nippers. The most common question asked by prospective parents of children of Hampton Swim School is, “when is the best time to start swimming?” Opinions on this topic vary. Given Qld’s lifestyle, the likelihood that a child will be...

Everybody needs to remember not to be complacent about SUPERVISION as the primary layer of protection in the prevention of drowning. Vigilance is required, no matter how confident a young swimmer may be. Home pools are becoming more common every day. It is estimated now that more than 1 in 5 Australian homes have a swimming pool and, with QLD’s perfect weather, the water is the place to be! But beware: this great Aussie Icon can be dangerous! The RLSSA National Drowning Report for 2009 showed an alarming increase to 302 in the number of deaths caused by drowning. This is the highest figure in 6 years, and a wakeup call to parents especially when we consider that 32 deaths were in the under 5 years age group and, of these, over 60% were in backyard swimming pools. Combine this with the recent tragic drowning of 2 children at public pools, and we need to realise that supervision CAN, and DOES FAIL. Last week, Hampton Swim School conducted a Mother’s Morning Tea at which a segment interviewing a parent of a young child who had drowned was aired. There was not a dry eye in the room, and the grief and guilt of the parent was felt by everyone in attendance....