Master water safety skills
With the mercury soaring and Christmas just a few days away everybody wants to jump in the pool. But cooling off while getting some physical activity can be more dangerous than it looks. Founder of the Kids Alive Do The Five program Laurie Lawrence (right) said now was the best time to teach kids how to be safe around water while spending time outdoors. “We are about to hit the peak drowning period in Australia, so now is the time for people to take stock and make sure their pool is safe,” he said.
WITH the mercury soaring and Christmas just a few days away everybody wants to jump in the pool.
But cooling off while getting some physical activity can be more dangerous than it looks.
Founder of the Kids Alive Do The Five program Laurie Lawrence said now was the best time to teach kids how to be safe around water while spending time outdoors.
“We are about to hit the peak drowning period in Australia, so now is the time for people to take stock and make sure their pool is safe,” he said.
“Drownings are preventable if we all take ownership.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of teaching your kids to swim from an early age.
“Arming young children with basic water safety skills will give them a fighting chance if they fall in by accident.
“It also gives parents vital seconds to respond – and mere seconds can make all the difference.”
Laurie said when it comes to children under five, proper supervision was critical.
“Always keep your child within arm’s reach in the pool.
“Remember that drownings often occur during parties and backyard barbecues in the summer months – don’t let this happen to you.”
“Prevention is always better than cure.”
ARMING YOUNG CHILDREN WITH BASIC WATER SAFETY SKILLS WILL GIVE THEM A FIGHTING CHANCE IF THEY FALL IN BY ACCIDENT LAURIE LAWRENCE