​Alarming Statistics

• For the last 5 years the statistics have shown that on average, 1 person drowns each week at an Australian beach (Royal Life Saving Society Australia)
• In last year’s patrol season, NSW Surf Lifesavers rescued an alarming 4300 swimmers

 
Beach Hazards:

• Rips
• Currents
• Waves
• Drop Offs - the sand depth dropping unexpectedly, meaning that an area you thought you could safely stand in the surf suddenly becomes an area where you can’t touch the bottom
• Water crafts including surfboards, body boards and jet skis
• Dangerous marine animals such as jellyfish, blue bottles and sharks

 
Get a Grip on Rips
Many beach visitors are aware that rips are dangerous but do you know how to spot one?

• Look for dark-coloured water

• Foam on the surface
• Ripples on the surface where the surrounding water is smooth and calm
• Waves that are larger and further out on either side

 

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce urges all beachgoers to listen to the advice of surf lifesavers, and follow the signs, “We make no apologies for continuing to push our safety messages. It’s really simple, we encourage all beachgoers to stop, think and plan. Don’t swim at unpatrolled locations, know your limitations and learn how to spot and avoid rip currents.”

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator) ​

 The key is to start with a small amount of water (soap and shampoo free of course!) trickling down from the top of their heads – only some will reach their faces and is a great way to slowly introduce them to water on their faces in a familiar and fun environment. You can even encourage your children to wear their goggles in the bath and let them explore at their own pace – they will probably be having so much fun they don’t even realise they have submerged their face! Remember to remain encouraging, do not force it and always supervise them! Every child learns at their own pace.

Out of the water you can also help your children develop their skills. The Supervisors are full of tips on how you can help at home – often you’ll find them giving out homework to students and their parents on a range of levels! The important point to remember here is to seek advice from the Supervisor – you may look at the class and think you know how to help but you would be surprised at how many parents have accidentally confused their child with their own (very well intended!) advice. The Supervisor will be able to explain the correct technique to practice at home without jeopardising the efforts achieved in the lesson.

Come and see the Supervisors at any time (you’ll find them on pool deck every day in the red shirts) for some extra guidance. They would love to help!
 
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Myth: I should give my child a break if they seem ‘over’ swimming
Fact: Children go through phases of enjoying an activity and often when they show signs of being ‘over’ it, it is not the end of the world. In fact, there may be reasons for a change in enthusiasm which have very little to do with swimming at all! Perhaps their school or preschool day is busy and there are worn out by the time they arrive at their lesson – in this case a different day may suit them better. The time may also not be suitable for them – if they are swimming late in the evening or during typical nap time, another time slot may see greater enjoyment.

It may even be that it is time for a change of teacher. All of our teachers are trained using the same method and deliver the same program, regardless of the time slot you book in for. They of course all have different personalities and therefore slightly different teaching styles. Some of our teachers have a gentle approach, others use a more firm approach. Whatever the style, there will be a teacher to suit your child’s needs.

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)