The Kids Health Child Health Promotion Unit, part of the Sydney’s Children’s Hospitals Network, has just re-launched their water safety campaign ‘Kids Can Drown without a Sound.’ Drowning continues to be a leading cause of death in infants and children aged 0 - 5 years old. For every death, there are many other children who experience a non-fatal drowning incident with life-altering consequences. Non-fatal drowning incidents lead to lifelong brain damage as well as ongoing health and behavioural problems. The ‘Kids Can Drown without a Sound’ has the following key messages: Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)
Alarming Statistics
Beach Hazards:
Get a Grip on Rips Many beach visitors are aware that rips are dangerous but do you know how to spot one?
Remember:
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) Students who are afraid or not comfortable submerging their faces can practice in the shower or bath.
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 our Supervisors – 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 Supervisors 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! 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 they 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) |
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April 2024
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