With the dangers of child drownings prevalent during the warmer months the practice of learning to swim is a critical life-saving skills which we know all children should learn.
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And as the temperature rises, Port Macquarie Hastings Pools is attempting to combat this, by introducing Summmer Starter and Carnival Clinics at local aquatic centres across the region including Kendall, Laurieton, Port Macquarie and Wauchope.
The programs welcome swimmers of all levels and will run across five consecutive days during the school holidays.
With classes only 30 minutes in duration for Summer Starter and 60 minutes for the Carnival Clinics, local aquatic centres have found the perfect balance between essential safeties while accommodating the parents' busy shedule during the holidays.
Port Macquarie Olympic Pool centre manager Ben Johnson described swimming as an essential skill.
"It really is a skill for life," he said.
"Ninety per cent of our population is on the coast and everybody is near dams, rivers or beaches so you need it.
"The stats are out and they don't look good, you want to have confidence that your kids are safe around water."
Mr Johnson said the Carnival Clinics have more "emphasis on endurance and racing techniques" while the Summer Starter program is "basically our regular swim program everyday for a week".
The Summer Starter and Carnival Clinics start on Monday January 13. To find out more visit http:/./www.pmhpools.com.au.
Five safety tips when swimming with little ones this summer:
- Always actively supervise children in and around the water
- Be sure to say within an arm's reach of children at all times
- Do not take risks around water, avoid dangerous behaviour, including jumping off bridges, cliffs and rope swings. Accidents can lead to permanent injury or death.
- Swim between the flags and always check the water conditions. If you are unsure of rips or currents do not swim.
- Learn CPR and First Aid, having CPR knowledge and skills can be the difference between life and death.
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