Oliver Lees
AQUA Schools Sunbury is offering a week of free swimming lessons to children under the age of five in an effort to improve confidence in the pool among Sunbury’s youngest residents.
The program forms part of Poolwerx and Kids Alive’s Learn2Swim Week running from September 25 to October 3.
According to Royal Lifesaving Australia data, 12 young children drowned across the country in 2020, making it the number one cause of accidental death in children under five years old.
Former Australian Olympic swim coach and Kids Alive founder Laurie Lawrence said it’s important that kids know how to handle themselves in the water.
“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,” he said.
Poolwerx founder John O’Brien said more than two million Australians live in a home with a swimming pool, making these lessons even more vital.
“Swimming is a way of life for most Australians, but sadly we’re still seeing backyard drownings,” he said.
“That is why it is crucial to introduce kids to water safety as early as possible.”
In the case that swim schools haven’t reopened, parents can receive a free swimming class voucher redeemable over the next 12 months.
Details: www.learn2swimweek.com.
