Teach kids to swim and keep them safe in the water
Swimming is not only lots of fun, but it is also the only sport which can save your child's life.
"Kids are naturally attracted to water, and it's vital they learn essential skills," said Sharon Bourke of the Great Lakes Aquatic & Leisure Centre."
"Every child deserves the right to learn to swim; it's the best thing for them.
"The most important thing about keeping kids safe in the water is parental supervision," says Sharon. "Children under five must always be within arm's length of an adult when they are in the water."
At the Aquatic Centre, kids learn from nationally accredited swimming instructors how to swim safely in several environments. They will also work on different strokes as well as lifesaving skills.
Happy learners: Simone Waters with Kitty and Shyla.
Classes run over 48 weeks, and while the program has already started, it's never too late to join in.
There are pre-school and infant classes on weekday and Saturday mornings, and for school kids, there are classes in the afternoons.
There's also a handy tool on the centre's website to assess what class would be best, but Sharon says you can just come into the centre to find out.
If your child is ready to improve their swimming, the centre has a squad and swimming coach who's the right fit for them.
The active kids voucher can be used for classes or squads.
Meet the swim teachers: Jo Warren, Cassandra Keen, Ellen Miller, Brian Bartlett and Sharon Bourke. Photos - Supplied.
