Learn2Swim Week sees swim schools offer free lessons for children under five

Returning for its seventh year, Poolwerx’ Learn2Swim Week will see Australia’s swim schools offer free swimming lessons for children under five from Friday 25th September to Sunday 4th October.

Poolwerx and Kids Alive have partnered to back the lessons which aims to reduce child drownings and enhance water safety awareness.

Citing figures that show that last year, 19 children under five tragically drowned in Australia , 12 in backyard pools, new research from Poolwerx reveals almost a quarter of parents surveyed know someone or directly encountered a near-drowning experience , highlighting the importance of teaching children basic water skills to make swimming safe and fun for parents and toddlers.

While swim schools in metropolitan Melbourne will not be able to participate because of Victoria’s lockdown restrictions, Learn2Swim Week will nonetheless see hundreds of swim schools across the country will offer the free swimming lessons.

Ex-Olympic swimming coach and Kids Alive founder Laurie Lawrence, who has partnered with the leading pool franchise business to support the initiative, explains “drowning remains the leading cause of preventable death for children under the age of five, so it’s important kids know how to handle themselves in the water.

“During last year’s campaign, we received over 6,200 lessons requests, which shows the message of water safety is getting through and parents are understanding how vital it is to learn to swim at an early age.”

Reiterating Poolwerx’ commitment to water safety, encouraging parents to take advantage of these free classes, Poolwerx Chief Executive, John O’Brien added “we know swimming is a favourite pastime for all Australians, but sadly, we also know toddlers are most at risk of drowning, particularly in backyards. This is why it is crucial to introduce kids to water safety when they are little.

“As the world’s largest global franchise pool service brand, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to promote safe water practices in our community. Australians are building 20,000 pools in their backyard every year, so Learn2Swim Week remains a really important initiative.”

“Swimming lessons are also a great way for parents to bond with their little ones, and create fun waterside memories.”

Last year, more than 400 swim schools participated in Learn2Swim Week.

Should swim schools not be not open in certain areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a free class voucher will be issued, valid for 12 months.

For more information go to www.learn2swimweek.com