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With swimming pools re-opening again as Coronavirus restrictions are eased across much of Australia, Carlile Swimming Program Curriculum Manager, Dave DuBois has emphasised that as learn-to-swim lessons re-commence, water safety must be top-of-mind, especially regarding children.

Mindful that children - particularly those children between 0-4 years - make up a large proportion of Australia’s drowning figures and that the Australian lifestyle often includes activities around water, Carlile Swimming believe that it is essential that information on water safety is easily accessible for parents to understand safety guidelines to help prevent drowning.

Committed to providing swimming lesson opportunities DuBois is committed to Carlile’s mission to nurture childrens’ lifelong love of the water by providing comprehensive training and being part of families journey to water safety and safer swimming.

Emphasising that weekly year-round lessons are critical to capability success, and urging parents to start their children as soon as possible, DuBois advises “do it, do it now, don’t wait. Without a doubt, swimming is the most important activity you can have your child involved in. It can literally save your child’s life and provides lifelong benefits.”

Highlighting resources available to provide further assistance or advice to stay safer around water, DuBois point to the Australian Swim School Association (ASSA)’s ‘SAFERlayers of Protection’ as being crucial in reducing the risk of drowning.

However, he cautions that there is no 100% guarantee when it comes to ensuring a child’s safety in the water, noting “there is always an inherent risk around water that can’t be eliminated. However, there are many things that can be done to reduce the risk and help make children SAFER around water.”

DuBois is also enthusiastic about the recently published National Guide to Public Pools & Aquatic Centres, released by Pro-Visual Publishing, which provides detailed information on vital water safety topics and is currently displayed across swim schools nationally.

He adds “it’s all about community education and awareness, the resource Pro-Visual Publishing have produced is fantastic. It’s great when industries are producing similar messaging.”

Supported by ASSA, the National Guide to Public Pools & Aquatic Centres highlights relevant information concerning the health and safety of young children around water.

The Guide covers active parental supervision, four key requirements to prevent children from drowning, sun safety and preventative drowning guidelines.

It is being distributed free of charge to swim clubs, swimming centres and pools across Australia

Click here for more information on the Pro-Visual Publishing website.

Images: Carlile Swimming Program Curriculum Manager, Dave DuBois (top) and the National Guide to Public Pools & Aquatic Centres (below).

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