Families from our Supported Playgroups made a splash at Harold Holt Swim Centre on Monday, taking part in one of our water safety lessons!
Swim instructor Tom Harlow shared tips to identifying water safety risks such as the dangers of a beach rip and how to identify one, the importance of swimming between the flags at patrolled beaches and the risk posed for babies and toddlers by lesser-known water hazards such as open eskies and pet water bowls.
The kids and parents then joined Tom and Claire McCorkell from Supported Playgroups in the heated pool to learn about safe floating on front and back, keeping children within arm's reach in the water, active supervision and always holding hands when on the water's edge.
Songs, rhymes and movement kept the babes interested and feeling comfortable in the water.
"Water play is a fun activity, where children have the opportunity to learn and explore their senses, but it's one that can also carry risk," said Claire.
"It's really important that all families have access to water safety information and how best to keep children safe around water and water activities."
Supported Playgroups help families enhance their child's learning and development and offer the opportunity to be referred to services within the community, build connection and meet other local families.
"Water safety was important for me was because I was not brought up around water, I never learned water safety or to swim and I wanted to change that for my daughter," said one of the attendees.
"It was very useful to learn water safety and build my confidence with water, and also help my daughter to be confident and enjoy this great activity that is available to us."
The children went home with a special gift pack including a pair of swimming goggles, illustrated water safety book Wise Owl at Home, swim nappy and a voucher for two free Learn-to-Swim lessons at Harold Holt.
For families at home, Tom shares the importance of knowing water safety year-round.
"Water safety isn't just for summer – even now in the middle of winter it's super important to be up to speed on how to look after little ones around water at home, the beach, a public pool or elsewhere."
