There are many 'experts' on what you should and shouldn't be doing in regards to swimming lessons. From old wives tales, to school pick-up gossip, to the media, it can be confusing to know which advice to listen to. We have looked to Swim Australia, the peak industry body and national authority on learn to swim and water safety, to help 'debunk' some of the more common myths. The facts might just surprise you!

Myth: It's too cold to swim in winter.
Fact: Parents often worry about bringing their children to swimming lessons during winter. Whilst the weather outside might be cooler, our pools remain heated all year round. In fact, we increase the temperature of our pools to between 32 and 34 degrees meaning that your little ones stay warm whatever the weather. 

Myth: Swimming in winter gives you colds and flu.
Fact: Colds and the flu are viruses. Kids are at no greater risk of catching a cold or flu from swimming then they are from other public places such as school, daycare, shopping centres and playdates with friends. In fact, research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that upper respiratory tract infections (which includes sore throats and sinus infections) are reduced by more than 40% in those who remain physically active throughout autumn and winter. 

Myth: All ear infections come from swimming.
Fact: Whilst outer ear infections can sometimes be caused by swimming in poor quality water, often inner ear infections are generally unrelated to swimming. In addition, Col Jones provides swimmers with crystal clean water provided by our state of the art water filtration and UV treatment plant.

Myth: Kids need a break from lessons.
Fact: Many students participate in only one half an hour lesson per week. Swimming Australia suggests that this is a very small amount of time from which to 'need a break.' At Col Jones Swim School, we find that having a break can actually be counterproductive as students are going long periods without practicing the skills. If skills are not reinforced regularly, they deteriorate and often need to be re-learnt all over again upon return. This can be frustrating for all concerned, and can impact a child's self esteem.

By continuing swimming throughout the year, children maintain and improve upon their skills, making leaps and bounds in their swimming abilities. Technique and skill does not deteriorate, as we often find with children who take a break.

​Every month we highlight an aspect of water safety. This month we wanted to draw your attention to the importance of knowing CPR - a set of skills that is critical in many emergency situations, not just aquatic emergencies. 

According to the Royal Life Saving Society (Australia), in most drowning or near-drowning events, a family member is usually the first on the scene. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation and responding quickly is paramount to increasing a patient's chance of survival. Many children have their parents to thank for saving their lives, as they knew how to perform CPR.

The NSW Study of Drowning and Near Drowning in Children found a child is four times more likely to survive a near drowning if parents know CPR and start it immediately. Professor Danny Cass, Trauma Surgeon at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, said the study highlighted that early intervention is a lifesaver, “early CPR has been shown to contribute to greater survival rates with four times as many positive health outcomes.” 
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To download and print a copy of a CPR chart, free of charge, visit NSW Ambulance. The information provided in the chart is not intended as a substitute for completing a First Aid or CPR course.

By enroling in a CPR or First Aid course, you can learn how to save someone's life. Royal Life Saving Society (Australia) has many resources available for parents including CPR charts, fact sheets and courses available to enrol in. Visit ​www.royallifesaving.com.au/families/at-home/training/resuscitation-cpr for more information.

Danger - Check for danger
Response - Is the patient unresponsive?
Send for help - Shout for help, call 000 for an ambulance, and ask for a defibrillator if there is one available
Airway - Check airway is open and unobstructed
Breathing - Look, listen and feel for breathing
CPR - Start CPR (30 compressions : 2 breaths)
Defibrillator - Attach a defibrillator as soon as it is available

The voucher is valid for use at any time during the calendar year, meaning you can redeem it for lessons now or later in the year. 

We are excited to be supporting an initiative which encourages children to become more active. We are firm believers that swimming is for life, and hope that this inspires many more children to continue with the sport.

To download your voucher, head to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-active-kids-voucher

To redeem your voucher, please visit our Reception team with your voucher number and child's date of birth.