Tragically, 12 young children lost their lives prematurely from drowning in Australia last year, with half of these incidents happening in swimming pools.
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But help is available to arrest this problem.
In an effort to prevent further tragic drowning deaths, Poolwerx and Kids Alive are back again this year with Learn2Swim Week, offering free swimming lessons for children under five from Friday, September 25 until Sunday, October 3.
In Forster, Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre will offer free swimming lessons over the course of a week as part of the national water safety initiative.
Should the centre not be open due to COVID-19 restrictions, a free class voucher (valid for 12 months) will be issued in lieu of a class from participating swim schools during the Learn2Swim Week dates, ensuring all Aussie kids have a chance to benefit from the initiative.
Poolwerx founder and CEO, John O'Brien is encouraging parents to take advantage of these free classes, reiterating Poolwerx' commitment to water safety.
"Swimming is a way of life for most Australians, but sadly we're still seeing backyard drownings," Mr O'Brien said.
"That is why it is crucial to introduce kids to water safety as early as possible.
"As Australia's largest pool servicing brand, we feel that we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to promote safe water practices in our community.
"Nearly 2.7 million Australians live in a house with a swimming pool, and with people staying at home more over the last 18 months through COVID, we know that this number is rapidly increasing.
"That makes Learn2Swim Week an even more vital initiative, and one which Poolwerx are proud to pioneer."
As a mum myself, I'm really proud to be championing Learn2Swim Week for Poolwerx this year.
- Ex-Olympian swimmer Libby Tricket
Despite water safety remaining top of mind for many Australian families, new research from Poolwerx reveals around 15 per cent of parents surveyed still know someone who had, or directly encountered, a near-drowning experience - highlighting the importance of teaching little ones basic water skills to make swimming safe and fun for parents and toddlers.
Further, over 30 per cent of parents whose children participated in Learn2Swim Week in 2020 enrolled their children in ongoing swim classes after the week was over, highlighting the impact that Learn2Swim Week has on both children and the parents enrolling them.
Ex-Olympian swimmer Libby Tricket, alongside former Olympic swim coach and Kids Alive founder Laurie Lawrence, has partnered with the world's leading pool franchise business to support the initiative, urging all parents to sign up for Learn2Swim Week this year and get their kids enrolled in lessons.
"As a mum myself, I'm really proud to be championing Learn2Swim Week for Poolwerx this year," Libby said.
"I know just how important it is to develop swimming skills when you're young, and really capitalise on the opportunities our beautiful climate gives us to enjoy time in the water here in Australia.
"I grew up in the water, and along with earning me a few medals, it certainly helped my confidence and ability to get myself out of sticky situations from a young age.
"I've had my three girls enrolled in lessons since they were babies, and I'd encourage all parents to make use of the fantastic free lessons an offer this Learn2Swim Week as an introduction to your local school and lessons."
"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," Laurie Lawrence said.
"During last year's Learn2Swim week campaign, we received nearly 3,000 lesson requests from parents.
"While this was a huge number it was down from the previous year - understandably due to the unusual circumstances we were all facing with COVID-19.
"Right now, with Australians set to be holidaying at home for the time being, there's never been a better time to get all kids enrolled in swimming lessons".
To locate your nearest participating swim school and sign up for a free class, visit the Learn2Swim Week website HERE.
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