Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Victorian Coroner calls for compulsory primary school swimming lessons

Victorian Coroner calls for compulsory primary school swimming lessons
June 29, 2015

A Victorian Coroner has urged the Victorian Government to make swimming lessons compulsory in primary schools following the drowning death of a nine-year-old boy.

Bailey Patman was found lying face down in the water at Seaford Beach after playing in the shallows with his friends in January 2012.

In a just released finding on the drowning, Coroner Caitlin English recommended swimming lessons be made part of the primary school curriculum.

Coroner English's report stated "whilst there has been a widespread focus on the importance of adult supervision of children around water, a lack of swimming ability among children contributes to an increased risk of drowning."

Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett said the Government would consider the Coroner’s recommendation.

Life Saving Victoria Chief Executive Nigel Taylor says the Coroner's recommendation is an important way to address the current lack of swimming and water safety competency of Victorian primary school children.

Taylor explained "Victoria has the lowest reported swimming and water safety competency levels in Australia, with teachers estimating that 60% of students leave primary school unable to swim 50 metres continuously.

"From 2000-2013, we also saw 205 children aged five to 14 in Victoria involved in drowning incidents (including deaths and hospitalisations).

"Drowning is highly preventable. Knowledge of survival swimming and basic water safety skills can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, enhance community safety and build resilient children.

"Swimming and water safety skills have also been found to provide health benefits for children, including social, psychological and physical wellbeing.

This year, Life Saving Victoria has been working with the aquatic industry and Victorian schools to trial a before school swimming and water safety program, as one solution for an effective cost model for the sustainability of school swimming and water safety programs.

The trial is currently being conducted with Year 5 and 6 students at two primary schools in Shepparton, and has already been found to be successful in improving swimming skills of students, including an 11% increase in the proportion of students able to swim 50 metres continuously and overall increases in CPR and lifesaving skills, confidence in the water and enjoyment of swimming lessons.

The Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) has previously called for State Governments to ensure swimming becomes a mandatory component of the national curriculum.

Image shows Seaford Beach.

4th May 2015 - MONASH LIFEGUARDS CLAIM VICTORY IN LIFE SAVING VICTORIA POOL LIFEGUARD CHALLENGE

30th November 2014 - CALLS FOR WATER SAFETY AND SWIM LESSONS TO BE MANDATORY IN NSW SCHOOLS

25th November 2011 - ROYAL LIFE SAVING CALLS FOR MANDATORY SWIMMING LESSONS IN NEW NATIONAL CURRICULUM

30th June 2010 - EXTENSIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ROCK POOL WATER PARK DROWNING INQUEST


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Yellowbox Lockers

Yellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Entertainment / Retail / Security

 
 

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

24/7 Software

The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…

read more

Entertainment / Security / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Summit Fitness

Summit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…

read more

Attractions / Tourism / Venues

 
 

ICP

ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…

read more

Attractions / Fitness / Recreation

 
 

XBODY Australia Pty Ltd

PROVEN BUSINESS CONCEPTS WITH XBODY XBody’s goal is to see you and your EMS business succeed. That is why we don’t just sell equipment, we provide know-how, expert knowledge, business support…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

BODY BIKE APAC

BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business