By Holly McGuinness
As a nation surrounded by water, teaching your child to swim at an early age is an important decision to consider.
A report by Royal Life Saving Australia found there were 339 drowning deaths in Australia last year; 15 per cent higher than the year prior, and the highest reported figure since 1996.
Cherie Keegan from Paul Sadler Swim School said during summer, the risk of drowning increases, with more people in the water.
“Having limited access to swimming lessons during COVID-19 has also seen the number of drownings increase in the state,” she said.
Paul Sadler swim lessons can be taught from as young as four-months-old in their popular parents and bubs program.
Once graduated from toddler and infant lessons, children will proceed to year-round lessons on their own without parents.
Here they’ll learn life-saving water safety and survival skills to become competent swimmers, all whilst having fun in the water.
“We really advocate for kids to stay in swimming lessons year round, in the winter the only access to water kids have is their regular swimming lessons, making it more important to swim during this time more than ever,” Ms Keegan said.
“Regular formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 per cent , it’s literally one of the best things you can do to reduce drowning.”
Paul Sadler Swim School ensures that students are adept to the calm conditions of an indoor pool, but once they’re confident enough, students will be safely challenged to an open water swim.
Ms Keegan said that by taking students to open water, what’s taught in the pool is solidified and safely translated to an unpredictable environment like the ocean.
With January and February their busiest months for enrolments she suggests contacting your local Paul Sadler Swim School now to arrange essential swim classes for your child, with their new pool at Altona North open now.
Details: www.paulsadlerswimland.com/
