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...

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....

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...

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....