Program gives keen swimmer water boost
SEAMUS Graham is a keen swimmer and spends a lot of time in the water.
At nine he’s already racked up a triathlon win for his age, and regular family holidays are spent near the beach and weekend getaways at dams.
He loves the water, and even at his young age, knows how important it is to be able to swim.
“If you don’t know (how to swim), you’re not very safe on the water,” Seamus said.
“If you can’t swim then it’s like you’re missing out on something.”
Despite his skills in the water, he has been enrolled in the Downs Little Lifeguards program as much for his own interest and confidence building as much as it is for his mum Megan.
“I saw it last year and I thought it looked like a great program, and he was too young last year,” Mrs Graham said.
“Although he can swim, he’s a fearless little swimmer in the ocean, and I’d like to feel he was a lot safer in the ocean than he is at the moment when we go down to the beach.”
❝ If you can’t swim then it’s like you’re missing out on something. — Seamus Graham, 9
The Downs Little Lifeguards program is run by Royal Lifesaving volunteers and Toowoomba Region Aquatic and Fitness staff.
It highlights survival swimming and water safety, rescue and recovery techniques, aquatic environments and dangers, and awareness of oceans, dams and creeks.
“I hope it will give him a really good awareness of water safety and give him some skills to be able to assist or know when he needs to get help for his friends in the water,” Mrs Graham said.