BENJI MAKES LITTLE WAVES

IS YOUR CHILD A LIFESAVER? PAGE 6

YOUNG Benji Cooper made a big splash at the Esplanade Lagoon the first time he tried out Cairns’ Little Lifesavers.

The five-year-old has been in the water since he was three months and swimming unassisted from the age of two-anda-half.

The first time he tried Little Lifesavers earlier in the year, he was too young, but mum Kylie Cooper said they made an exception for the Trinity Beach boy after seeing how he could cope in the water.

“He loved it, he was able to handle paddle-boarding and swimming out to rescue his dad just fine even though he was the youngest kid there,” she said.

“I’d say 60-70 per cent of Cairns has a pool, so knowing he’s safe if someone leaves a gate open is fantastic.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland’s latest round of Little Lifesavers, for kids aged 5-11, kicks off at the Lagoon tomorrow, starting from 8am.

SLSQ regional manager Rob Davidson said kids learn valuable life and survival skills at Little Lifesavers.

“It’s all game-based, every program is inclusive and focused on safety,” he said. To find out more call Surf Lifesaving Queensland on 3846 8000.