AusLeisure

An exciting partnership between Logan City Council's multi award-winning Aqualogan Swim Program and the renowned Laurie Lawrence Swim School is aiming to reduce child drownings.

This week, the Council and Lawrence agreed a long term partnership which will see Laurie transfer his award-winning and nationally-renowned swim school from its current location in Millers Road, Underwood, to the Aqualogan Springwood facility.

To be launched on Tuesday 2nd October, the partnership stands to have significant benefits to swimmers of all ages.

Logan Mayor Pam Parker said the partnership would combine the best aspects of the Laurie Lawrence Swim School Program and the award winning Aqualogan Learn to Swim Program to help prevent children becoming another statistic.

Mayor Logan explained "this is truly an exciting opportunity for the families of this city.

"Water-based recreational activities are a part of life so it is imperative parents do everything they can to ensure their children have the skills to be able to swim.

"Council has worked hard over the years to develop our own award-winning learn to swim program and I am delighted that Laurie has taken the opportunity to strengthen it even further by adding his knowledge and skills - the winners will undoubtedly be our children."

Lawrence, renowned for his Kids Alive - Do the Five program, does not shy away from his passion for getting parents to accept their responsibility of teaching their children how to swim - far from it.

In fact, his startling comparison of statistics rings home just how much work needs to be done in this all-important area, the legendary swim teacher and coach stating "last year, 28 kids under five drowned (in Australia) - that's a busload of kids (and) if a busload of Logan kids went over the mountain it would be a national tragedy."

Parks, Sport and Community Services Committee Chair, Councillor Phil Pidgeon (Division 9), said Laurie would take an active role in the new partnership, helping instructors and swimmers alike, adding "it is great to know Laurie will be at the pool very regularly teaching the instructors, giving them a hand and working with the kids.

"Combining Laurie's knowledge and expertise with our own quality program promises to develop what is on offer at Aqualogan into a very strong swimming program."

Councillor Parker said the revamped learn to swim program would be more consistent and feature four terms of 11 weeks.

Lawrence knows just what it takes to make a great swimmer - and the benefits of the sport - and he is adamant there is no reason why another Australian swimming great can't be a product of the new partnership, concluding "I am looking forward to working with Council to build Aqualogan into a very strong swimming program.

"What we want to create here is a group of swimming teachers and junior coaches that will be second to none in the world."

4th May 2012 - AQUALOGAN PROGRAM WINS NATIONAL AWARDS

7th December 2010 - LAURIE LAWRENCE SHARES TIPS FOR A WATER-SAFE SUMMER

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