By Alesha Capone
A new program at AquaPulse is aiming to prove it’s never too late to learn about water safety or lifesaving skills.
A free Grey Medallion program – which will provide older adults with improved swimming skills, advice on dealing with emergency situations and water safety knowledge – will begin at the Hoppers Crossing sports centre next week.
Western Leisure Services aquatics manager Chet Patel said the program was being offered in partnership with Wyndham council, Life Saving Victoria and Royal Life Saving Australia.
“You are never too old to learn about water safety – the skills that are covered in this program could literally save a life,” he said. “The first person on the scene of an emergency is most often a family member, so a useful part of this program for older people is learning to help themselves or others should they ever get into trouble in the water.”
Eighty-one Australians aged 55 or older drowned in the 2017-18 financial year, according to the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report.
Mr Patel said swimming was “a fantastic activity to add to your fitness routine at any age, but especially as we get older”.
The eight-week Grey Medallion program will begin on Tuesday, February 5. Details: aquapulse.wynactive.com.au/learn-to-swim/greymedallion or call 8734 5678.
Alesha Capone
