Blacktown Learn to Swim students make a splash with Pip the Penguin

Blacktown City Council’s Aqua Learn to Swim program has adopted a new mascot, Pip the Penguin, to encourage students to learn the skills they need to become a safe and confident swimmer.

The new mascot is the star of a new storybook ‘Pip the Penguin Learns to Swim’, which has been provided to over 7,300 students enrolled in the program.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali said the storybook is a great way to teach students the importance of water safety and learning to swim in a fun and engaging way.

Mayor Bali stated “Blacktown City Council remains committed to educating our community on the importance of water safety and awareness through innovative ideas such as this storybook.

“By introducing Pip the Penguin, students can relate their experiences to those of Pip’s as they progress through the Swim School program.”

The idea for Pip the Penguin was inspired by Aqua Learn to Swim instructor Karen Longstone, who wanted to take away some of the fear and uncertainty about learning to swim.

The Aqua Learn to Swim team, Julie Barker, Linda Bradley, Sharon Falkner, Tania Sheehan and Jessica Valentine joined with Longstone to further develop the concept.

‘Pip the Penguin Learns to Swim’ takes children on an interactive journey as Pip meets a range of friends who live in the water, learning and practicing new skills. Students can keep track of their progress by sticking the Achievement Stickers in the book when they achieve the skills in each level of the program.

The storybook provides a useful guide for parents to understand what skills are being taught and developed at each of the levels of the Aqua Learn to Swim program.

Expressions of interest for Aqua Learn Term One 2016 will open on 1st December 2015.

For more information please visit www.aqualearntoswim.com.au

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