ASSA launches Australia’s most inclusive swimming lesson

The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has partnered with Bayside Council, Botany Bay Rotary and Little Heroes Swim Academy to convene Australia’s ‘Most INCLUSIVE Swimming Lesson’.

To be held as of tomorrow (Saturday 1st December), at the Botany Aquatic Centre in Sydney, the inaugural lesson constitutes a mix of classes ranging from babies to seniors, and incorporates Indigenous learners, new Australians and people with disability.

Explaining that this highlights the inclusive nature of learning to swim, ASSA Chief Executive Ross Gage states “being able to swim is not only a rite of passage into fully participating in the Australian lifestyle; it is an activity that can be embraced by all.”

Advising that 1st December was selected for the event as the official first day of summer, Gage (pictured) added “summer marks peak drowning time in Australia, and for every fatal drowning, many more are left with permanent brain damage”.

The latest statistics in Royal Life Saving Society - Australia’s National Drowning Report 2018, are alarming, showing that:

• 249 fatal drownings in Australian waterways
• 72% are males
• 26% were swimming and recreating
• Drowning remains to highest cause of accidental death for under 5 year olds; with there being
• 18 fatalities – the 10 year average being 28

ASSA urges all Australians to follow it’s SAFER Swimming Layers of Protection message.

For more information go to www.australianswimschools.org.au