Australian Swim Schools Association urges caution during extreme heat

The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has spotlighted that during heatwaves, the risk of drowning related to swimming and bathing surges by 28% compared to typical temperature conditions.

With spring temperatures anticipated to keep rising, ASSA urges children and their parents to exercise caution while enjoying the water to stay cool.

ASSA General Manager Emily McNeill points out that the recent findings from the Royal Lifesaving Summer Drowning Report 22/23 underscore the gravity of the situation, revealing a troubling statistic: children aged 0-17 accounted for 11% of this year's drownings.

“Our guidelines help assist parents and carers in being vigilant at all times when any body of water is involved, and we take pride in delivering a holistically enriching experience that is shaping a nation of safer and healthier, lifelong swimmers.”

With a commitment to providing all-inclusive education around swim safety, ASSA continues to advocate for learn to swim both nationally and internationally.

ASSA Director and learn to swim consultant with over 40 years’ experience in aquatic education, Sue Mayo shared a warning with all ages flocking to their local pool or waterhole to escape the heat.

Mayo advised that it is really important for swimmers and caregivers to remember ASSA’s vitally important ‘SAFER’ swimming message.

• Swimming Skills

• Adult Supervision

• Fences & Gates

• Emergency Plan

• Reduce the Risk

Mayo adds “It’s a simple and easy reminder for swimmers of all ages to recall all year-round.

“What is really alarming are the 20 ‘heatwave/extreme weather’ summer drowning deaths reported between 1st December in 2022 and 28th February 2023.  That’s more than six fatalities each month.  These statistics are horrific and need to be reduced.

“By following ASSA’s ‘SAFER’ swimming message, we remind everyone to please, swim safely and keep cool during this extreme heat.”

The Australian Swim Schools Association Ltd (ASSA) is a not for profit founded in 2016 and it is the national peak industry body for swim schools and learn to swim businesses, teaching swimming and water safety. Created by swim schools for swim schools, ASSA is the only body in Australia with a Constitution where Swim Schools are the voting members. australianswimschools.org.au

Image. Credit Carlile