The Defence Force
If you dream of a career in the Navy you will need to demonstrate your swimming ability. But it is not just water based jobs in the Defence Force which require personnel to be competent swimmers. Prospective applicants for the Army and the Airforce also need to undertake a swim test to ensure that they are suitable for the diverse roles that are undertaken in these careers.

Up in the Air
Flight attendants and pilots are careers which also require a proficient level of swimming. Not only is a swim test required, but training includes simulation of emergency water landings to ensure the cabin crew can assist you to safety.
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Oceans and Beyond
Do you love working with animals? Have you considered a career working with sea creatures? There are a multitude of careers that work with our friends from the ocean and those in our aquariums and zoos. Dolphin trainers and marine biologists are some exciting examples where budding swimmers can put their skills to use.
 
Emergency Services
Our local heroes also require swimming skills to help those in sticky situations. Police don’t just encounter criminals or road accidents; they are often called to respond to water emergencies such as on the beach, in creeks and waterways, and also in the case of flooding.

Lifeguard
Perhaps one of the more well known careers to rely on strong swimming skills is that of a lifeguard. Lifeguards battle some of the roughest conditions to keep us safe at the beach and pool deck lifeguards work tirelessly to keep dozens of swimmers safe at once. Lifeguards have to pass some of the most rigorous swim tests to volunteer or start their careers in the field.

Tourism and Leisure
For those looking for a more ‘out there’ profession, swimming skills are deeply relied upon in the tourism and leisure industry by professions including diving instructors, tour boat guides and operators, surfing instructors, and those employed as either operators or instructors of water sports.

Flood Rescue Operator with the SES
The SES relies upon volunteers and permanent staff who are expert swimmers to help in times of water emergencies. These heroes work in some treacherous conditions and having strong swimming skills is essential.

Professional Swimmer or Surfer
Continue your swimming here at Col Jones and you could be following in the footsteps of many of our swimmers who have made it through to State and National Championships! Perhaps you’ll even be in the Olympics one day! If you have dreams of becoming a pro surfer, continuing your swimming journey will help get you there too.

Swim Teacher and Coach
We might be a little biased but we think the best jobs in the world are as a Swim Teacher or Coach here at Col Jones! If you have a love of swimming you might find yourself seeking a career with us!

Underwater Photographer
Perhaps your dream is to work with National Geographic or go out on your own taking photos of the amazing creatures that roam our oceans and all there is to see under the sea? Swimming of course will take you there!

WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS...
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Swimming doesn’t stop at the Gold Medal level – in fact it continues through Club Squads and Seniors where our students really develop their endurance through swimming longer laps and distances.

​We also have our Competitive stream for those following that path!

Swimming isn’t something that is only for children – adults can start their swimming journey at any time.
 
Whatever your career path might be, don’t discount the importance of knowing how to swim!

​Where will swimming take YOU?
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Author:   John Sortwell (Centre Manager)

0-12 months:
Three quarters of drowning deaths in this age group occur around the home. Bath time in particular is one of the highest dangers in this age group. A lack of constant active adult supervision is the main cause.

Reduce the risk:

• Ensure you have everything you need before entering the bathroom such as towels and pyjamas
• Do not leave children alone in the bath, or near the bath, and never in the care of older children

 
12-36 months:
More than 50% of drowning deaths in this age group occur in home swimming pools. Often children in this age group gain access to home pools without an adult realising.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Ensure pool fences are correctly installed, regularly maintained and gates are always shut
• Remove objects around the pool fences that children can climb to gain access to the pool
• Always actively supervise children around water

 
3-5 years:
More than 50% of drowning deaths in this age group occur in home swimming pools, with boys twice as likely to drown than girls.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Always actively supervise children around water, and be within arms’ reach
• Establish simple rules such as no going near water without an adult
• Learn CPR

 
6-10 years:
Almost three quarters of children who drown in this age group are boys. The highest number of drowning deaths occur at inland waterways such as rivers and lakes. In this age group, children may overestimate their own ability.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Always actively supervise children
• Continue with swim lessons to further develop water safety skills
• Adults should model safe behaviour around water

 
11-16 years:
In this lifestage, inland waterways pose the highest risk of drowning, with half of drowning deaths occurring in these locations. More than two thirds of these drownings are males. This lifestage sees teenagers participating in risk taking behaviour, with less supervision.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Discuss risk taking behaviours around water and the dangers of alcohol and drugs
• Teenagers can learn survival and rescue skills, as well as CPR and emergency skills

 

Whatever the lifestage, active adult supervision is a critical component to reducing drowning risks. 

For more information, visit the Royal Life Saving Society Australia

Author: John  Sortwell (Centre Manager)

Australians have always been drawn  to our beautiful coastline. Did you know that 87% of our entire population live within 50 km  of the coast.   Even in winter, Australians love to travel to warmer destinations and  enjoy the water and sunshine. 

To stay safe around water, the Australian Water Safety Council urges all Australians to:

• Supervise children at all times in, on and around water
• Learn Swimming
• Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
• Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
• Avoid alcohol and drugs around water

Whenever enjoying your water activities it is important particularly at the beach and inland waterways such as rivers and creeks to stop and survey the conditions before entering. Particularly if you are not familiar with the location. Follow the advice of signage and lifeguards by swimming between the red and yellow flags. Educate yourself on how to spot a rip and how to get yourself to safety if you find yourself caught in one. The Sydney Morning Herald has released an interactive guide on how to spot a rip. We urge our families to view this article and even share with your children. It includes visuals of some of Sydney’s most popular beaches, including beaches our families frequent, clearly showing rips along the shore. 
 
Along with surveying and supervising the scene in aquatic environments, have you considered the importance of continued swimming lessons? Perhaps one of the most misguided thoughts in regards to swimming, and certainly one we hear from parents far too often is that “I just want my child to know how to save themselves.” This is problematic for several reasons, particularly because parents view swimming lessons as a way to make their children ‘drown proof.’ There is no such thing as a child being ‘drown proof,’ nor water safe. Swimming in any environment ALWAYS carries a risk and an element of danger, and these are heightened outside of the controlled environment of a swimming lesson.
 

Some parents see that their child has hit a ‘plateau’ – a naturally occurring stage when learning any skill, not just those in swimming – and stop swimming. Others see their children reach a benchmark such as being able to swim independently, or master freestyle and cease lessons. Another common misconception amongst parents is that squads are for those who want to pursue a competitive career in swimming. We often hear “I don’t want my child to go to the Olympics, I just want them to learn how to swim!” as though swimming in a squad is only for ‘serious’ swimmers and not simply an extension of what is learnt in the learn-to-swim program. Whilst there is a focus nationwide on learn-to-swim, that should not signal the end of an aquatic education.
 
Skills are quickly lost in times of danger and panic and even strong swimmers can find themselves struggling in difficult and life threatening situations. Shane Daw, Surf Life Saving Australia's Coastal Safety Manager, points out that "there's a big disconnect where we need people to stop overestimating their ability. Things can go wrong and they can go wrong very quickly."

To give your child the best aquatic education, children are encouraged to continue developing their skills, fitness and technique well beyond the learn-to-swim program. Squads provide students with the chance to consolidate their skills to take into adulthood. Learning to swim is similar to learning a language – to become proficient and fluent in a language requires an initial learning period followed by a consolidation period. If a student ceases to speak in that language (even if they were once proficient at it) their ability to converse easily decreases over time. To truly be fluent in a language requires regular practice over a long period of time, just like swimming.   

Author: John Sortwell (Centre Manager)
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To check out the interactive guide to spotting a rip,                                                                see: https://www.smh.com.au/interactive/2018/how-to-spot-a-rip/

Did you know that maintaining healthy lifestyle and participating in regular physical activity can lower the risk of developing limitations in  your body by up to 50%.

A  study at Indiana University found that swimmers aged over 35, swimming approximately 3,200 to 4,500 metres three to five times a week, delayed the ageing process. But don't be intimidated by those numbers! The research shows that  even  a small amount of swimming  each week   helps  you  stay younger for longer. Swimming works muscles without placing pressure on joints and limbs compared to impact on a hard surface.  This means  it is the perfect low-impact sport for anyone and everyone!

There are also numerous mental health benefits of regular swimming too!  Swimming releases endorphins in your brain that helps to provide a sense of wellbeing and  happiness.  Studies have also shown that participating in regular swimming can reduce stress and anxiety. Although swimming is usually an individual sport, there are plenty of opportunities  to meet new people and  socialise , increasing your social  wellbeing too!

At Col Jones Hurstville, we offer recreational lap swimming every
​Monday - Friday from 7am - 11.30am. Cost is $8.  If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to call us on (02)   9579 3800

Read more:
www.swimming.org/justswim/stay-younger
www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/benefits-of-swimming

We have adult classes for complete beginners, for those who have a little knowledge but are out of practice, and squad level classes. All of these classes are run as small group lessons and our adult swimmers love the social aspect of this setting. It certainly makes learning new skills less daunting, and dare we say fun! Swimming is also a great way for adults to participate in low-impact exercise. The benefits of being weightless in the water are that your muscles are getting the workout without you experiencing the pain of more high-impact activities. Spring is the perfect time to start something new and challenging - why not give it a try?
 

Myth: “My child’s teacher is different today so the lesson won’t be the same.”

Fact: Apart from the teacher being different, the lesson will actually be very much the same.

We pride ourselves on having teachers who are passionate about teaching and committed to providing the best learning experience for all their students. A dedication to teaching leads to our teachers scheduling everything else around teaching their classes. 
There are of course times when exams, illness, and sometimes even much deserved holidays occur. You can be rest assured however that if this is the case, you will not be disadvantaged. We train our teachers in-house with a comprehensive and structured program to ensure that we all teach the Col Jones way. All our teachers work to the same formats and program to ensure continuity of learning. This consistency across teachers and classes results in students ​receiving the same high standard of aquatic education whenever and with whomever they swim. 


Author: John Sortwell - Centre Manager

50% of drownings of children under 5 years old occurred in a backyard pool. How safe is your pool? The weather is warming up which means that pool parties, BBQ’s and outdoor playdates are just around the corner. Before it is too late we urge you to check the safety of your home swimming pool to minimise the risk of drowning.

The Royal Life Saving Society (Australia) has developed a checklist to help ensure all areas of owning a pool are made safer. They include advice on Supervision, Fencing, Gates, Pool Machinery, Emergency Preparation, Chemical Use and Storage, and Electricity. Included is the full checklist provided by Royal Life Saving Society (Australia). Pool owners should also ensure they get a professional inspection of their pool’s compliance.   Check out the link below;

​ https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/stay-safe-active/locations/water-safety-at-home​

Making your pool safer is an essential aspect of being a pool owner however, there is no substitute for active supervision.

Author: John Sortwell - Centre manager

Myth: We’ve had a couple of lessons so we know what to do
​Fact: Learning to swim does not happen overnight! One of our most frequently asked questions is “how long will it take my child to learn how to swim?” and the answer is not a simple one! The question itself is not a simple one either as there are many interpretations of what constitutes as ‘knowing how to swim.’

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There is a considerable science to learning how to swim and, as with learning any skill, there are many different processes that work together. That old trick of ‘rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time?’ It sounds simple, right? But in reality we know that it is far more complicated than it seems. Swimming is a bit like this.

​​Complex biomechanics underpin even the seemingly simplest of skills. Our brains need to send the exact signals to the corresponding muscles and this takes time to master. When learning a skill for the first time, neural pathways firstly need to be established and then reinforced with regular practice. Here at Col Jones we understand the importance of continually developing these skills with practice and time to strengthen the neural pathways and build muscle memory.

Once these have developed, we also understand the importance of time – after a skill is mastered we need to perform it at the ‘autonomous stage.’ That’s the stage when the skill is performed with little thought and much less effort than the earlier stages of learning. At Col Jones we ensure our students demonstrate each required skill at the autonomous stage before progressing to learning new skills, to reinforce all that hard work!

Myth: “I just want my child to be capable of saving himself not go to the Olympics!"
Fact: In an aquatic emergency, skills can deteriorate and often deteriorate rapidly. Swimmers who only have the ability to move a few metres through the water, are at best weak swimmers and thus at a greater risk than those who are more competent.

The more repetitions (i.e. practice and time) that a child acquires in learning to swim, the more automatic and safer the skill becomes.

However, it is important to realise that even the most competent of swimmers can (and do) struggle in aquatic emergencies. Often we hear stories in the media of parents and bystanders tragically drowning in an attempt to rescue a swimmer in trouble even though ‘they could swim.’ If these competent swimmers can drown, then no one is truly ‘drown-proof.’ At Col Jones we stress the importance of educating our parents and carers that whilst swimming lessons combined with active parental supervision are important parts of safer swimming, no one is 100% safe.

Author: John Sortwell

Winter is often a popular time for families to seek warmer weather on holidays. With warmer weather however, comes exposure to more aquatic environments. Some of these environments your family (especially children) may not be as familiar with, such as beaches, water parks, resort pools, and rivers, just to name a few. Perhaps they are places you have visited before on holidays - but these may have changed since your last visit.

​We have looked once again to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) for their advice:

• Unfamiliar aquatic locations:
  Conditions can change rapidly in natural environments and often an afternoon swim can be very different to a morning swim - even if you return to the same area. Beaches and rivers which may have been calm at one time during the day can quickly develop strong currents at other times. Before you enter any body of water, take the time to observe the water and check for signs of rips or currents.
  
  
• Beach safety:
  In Australia we are constantly reminded to "swim between the flags" however you may find yourself at a beach overseas (or even here in Australia) which is not patrolled by lifeguards. Where possible, always choose a beach that is patrolled and before entering the water observe for signs of any rips or currents. As near all bodies of water, always actively supervise your children.
  
  
• Water parks and resort pools with water activities:
  Just like in public pools, there are lifeguards on duty at water parks (but not necessarily in resort pools). Whilst lifeguards are an important feature in helping families stay safer in the water, they are never intended to replace active parental supervision. Children can become quickly distracted by the exciting features in both water parks and resort pools, and if not within arms reach of you can wander quickly out of sight (and out of their depth). RLSSA urges parents and guardians to remain within arms reach of children at all times when enjoying these facilities.
  
  
• Inland waterways:
  Rivers, lakes and dams are another popular holiday destination, particularly for campers. It is critical to highlight that conditions in these environments can change hourly and without warning. Currents can develop or change direction and speed; banks that were dry may become slippery; and river beds can shift so that an area that you could previously stand on is no longer possible. Many of these environments are made more dangerous with murky water - there may be objects submerged that you cannot see and unknown depths. Never dive in, and always enter the water slowly with feet first.
  
  
• Ways to keep your family safer:
  RLSSA encourages families to talk to their children about water safety. Discuss with them that they are not to enter the water without a parent present. With children who are more competent swimmers here at Col Jones, it is important to explain that even though they are a great swimmer, their ability to swim can change rapidly in different conditions. As always, actively supervise your children around bodies of water. In larger groups, designate a responsible supervisor!

For more information on water safety click on   https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/stay-safe-active/communities/how-to-keep-children-safe.  The advice they provide is invaluable.

Author: John Sortwell   - Centre Manager ​

For children aged under 5 years old, home swimming pools are the leading location for drowning.

Did You Know?
In Australia,   ALL   private swimming pools or spas that can hold 30cm of water or more  must legally have a safety barrier around them.  

Royal Life Saving Society’s Keep Watch Advice:
1.    Supervise:   All your attention, all of the time
2.    Restrict Access:   Ensure there is an adequate barrier between the water and your child
3.  Water Awareness: Enrol in swim lessons to gain familiarity and water confidence
4.    Resuscitate:   Learn the life saving skills of CPR

If you have ensured that your pool gate is properly closed (remember to NEVER prop it open) and nobody is using the pool, the dangers have been removed, right?

Actually, there is more that you can do to keep everyone safer. 

Colourful pool toys  when left in the pool or around it become temptations for little ones who may try to get through or over the fence to reach the toys. Make sure that all pool toys are safely stored out of sight when not in use.

Author:   Keirsten Sortwell -  mother of 3 and   aquatic educator for over 30 years

The simple answer is YES!

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your immune system  working effectively. Exercise stimulates the immune system to be more alert and vigilant for any pathogenic invaders that you may encounter.
 
A   2011 study  of  lifestyle habits found that physical activity was the leading factor that predicted whether a person got  an upper respiratory illness or not. The study found that participants who worked out at least five days per week had a 43% lower risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection when compared with largely sedentary participants who worked out less than once per week. It's important to note that a "workout" was defined as at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise.

This means each  of our swimmers at Col Jones are easily exceeding this  parameter. We  encourage each of our students to keep swimming during this winter and brave the cold!

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References:
www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/how-swimming-can-help-you-boost-your-immune-system-during-cold-and-flu-season 

bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/12/987

We always know that when we get out and do some exercise, we always feel better afterwards.   We know that when we do exercise it's great for the heart and lungs and also helping to maintain and grow muscle tissue.
​But did you know exercise is important for brain function.
Dr. John Ratey, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard medical school has explored the connection between exercise and the brain. He found there was strong evidence that aerobic exercise physically remodels the brain for peak performance on all fronts. In his book, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, Dr. Ratey writes that exercise improves learning on three levels: "First, it optimises your mind-set to improve alertness, attention, and motivation; second, it prepares and encourages nerve cells to bind to one another, which is the cellular basis for logging in new information; and third it spurs the development of new nerve cells from stem cells in the hippocampus." In short, not only does exercise help the brain to get ready to learn but it actually makes retaining information easier.
A suburban school district outside of Chicago in the United States is proving this point. The Naperville, Illinois district implemented an early morning exercise program called "Zero Hour", which sought to determine whether working out before school gives students a boost in their reading ability and other subjects. Since introducing this program, the district has seen remarkable results in both wellness and academic performance.
Dr Ratey's research also shows that that exercise can be the best defence against a lot of the common mental health issues that students struggle with.
Dr Ratey found that exercise can ward off the ill effects of stress, alleviates anxiety and has a positive impact on depressive symptoms. Studies suggest that endorphins produced in the brain during exercise contribute to a general feeling of well-being.
Enrolling your children in swimming lessons and  swim squads not only enables the children to be safer around water but also has all these other major benefits that can contribute to an improvement in a child's wellbeing.