Learn2Swim Week sees swim schools offer free lessons for children under five

September 24, 2020

Returning for its seventh year, Poolwerx’ Learn2Swim Week will see Australia’s swim schools offer free swimming lessons for children under five from Friday 25th September to Sunday 4th October.

Poolwerx and Kids Alive have partnered to back the lessons which aims to reduce child drownings and enhance water safety awareness.

Citing figures that show that last year, 19 children under five tragically drowned in Australia , 12 in backyard pools, new research from Poolwerx reveals almost a quarter of parents surveyed know someone or directly encountered a near-drowning experience , highlighting the importance of teaching children basic water skills to make swimming safe and fun for parents and toddlers.

While swim schools in metropolitan Melbourne will not be able to participate because of Victoria’s lockdown restrictions, Learn2Swim Week will nonetheless see hundreds of swim schools across the country will offer the free swimming lessons.

Ex-Olympic swimming coach and Kids Alive founder Laurie Lawrence, who has partnered with the leading pool franchise business to support the initiative, explains “drowning remains the leading cause of preventable death for children under the age of five, so it’s important kids know how to handle themselves in the water.

“During last year’s campaign, we received over 6,200 lessons requests, which shows the message of water safety is getting through and parents are understanding how vital it is to learn to swim at an early age.”

Reiterating Poolwerx’ commitment to water safety, encouraging parents to take advantage of these free classes, Poolwerx Chief Executive, John O’Brien added “we know swimming is a favourite pastime for all Australians, but sadly, we also know toddlers are most at risk of drowning, particularly in backyards. This is why it is crucial to introduce kids to water safety when they are little.

“As the world’s largest global franchise pool service brand, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to promote safe water practices in our community. Australians are building 20,000 pools in their backyard every year, so Learn2Swim Week remains a really important initiative.”

“Swimming lessons are also a great way for parents to bond with their little ones, and create fun waterside memories.”

Last year, more than 400 swim schools participated in Learn2Swim Week.

Should swim schools not be not open in certain areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a free class voucher will be issued, valid for 12 months.

For more information go to www.learn2swimweek.com

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19th August 2020 - Swimming Australia highlights role swimming can play in nation’s Coronavirus recovery

11th August 2020 - Royal Life Saving publishes new National Swimming and Water Safety Framework for learn to swim programs

30th July 2020 - New research has potential to reduce risk of drownings at Australian aquatic facilities

27th July 2020 - Swimming Australia partners with MLC to support National Flippers program

14th July 2020 - ‘Culturally Competent’ aquatic centres look to reduce drownings among diverse communities

9th July 2020 - Carlile Swimming prepares for re-opening of children’s lessons as of 20th July

8th July 2020 - ASSA to stage virtual conference for swim schools

5th July 2020 - Swimming legend Laurie Lawrence says outgoing Australian head coach is ‘a w**ker’

3rd July 2020 - Goulburn Swim School to close after 24 years in business

28th May 2020 - ASCTA awards recognise swimming excellence

21st May 2020 - NSW Minister provides Public Health Order exemption for swim squad training

20th May 2020 - Royal Life Saving fears AIS reboot Framework fails to account for swimming and water safety programs

19th May 2020 - ASCTA releases best practices for restarting swim schools and learn to swim programs

14th May 2020 - National Aquatic Industry Safety Committee endorses new risk management guidelines for swim schools and aquatic facilities

30th April 2020 - ASSA raises concerns over future of swim schools

19th March 2020 - Drownings fall across Australian summer of extremes

5th December 2019 - AUSTSWIM receives funding boost to combat multicultural drownings

13th December 2018 - Thousands of under-fives take to the water as part of Learn2Swim Week

25th July 2018 - Poolwerx water safety initiative aims to save young lives

20th October 2017 - Poolwerx Chairman inducted into Franchise Council of Australia Hall of Fame

13th December 2014 - Poolwerx study shows Australians unsure on commercial pool hygiene

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