Parents warned that child water safety is not just a summer concern

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is urging parents and carers not to take their children out of swimming lessons as the weather gets cooler, highlighting that if they do their children may fall behind in gaining and maintaining essential water safety skills.

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (RLSSA) issued this advice based on concern about a common misconception that drowning deaths only occur in summer, stressing that almost one third of drowning deaths in the five to 14 year old age group happen in autumn and winter.

RLSSA highlight that aquatic facilities and learn-to-swim centre are open all year round, and can be found on the Royal Life Saving Swim School Locator.

Royal Life Saving suggest that winter is  the best time of year to participate as children are more likely to improve skills and endurance by building on skills already learnt and may progress quickly to the next stage. Swimming as regular exercises strengthens the immune system so children may be less likely to fall ill over the colder months. Having breaks over winter often results in children’s skills experiencing a plateau or even going backwards.

Since 2009, Royal Life Saving has partnered with cereal brand UNCLE TOBYS to raise awareness of the importance of swimming and water safety education with parents and carers by encouraging children to learn to Swim and Survive skills.

RLSSA Chief Executive Justin Scarr explains "Swim and Survive lessons are a great way for children to stay active and healthy during Winter. More importantly they provide children with vital life skills in water safety, personal survival and basic rescue."

"We are very proud of our Swim and Survive partners across Australia. They work tirelessly to teach young children valuable swimming and lifesaving skills and work together with us to promote water safety.”

Over 15 million Australian children have participated in the Swim and Survive program.

To help parents and carers search for a Swim and Survive Swim School the easy to use locator is available at www.swimandsurvive.com.au.

Image: UNCLE TOBYS Ambassador and Olympic Gold Medallist Cate Campbell is a strong believer in swimming all year round. 

14th April 2014 - SUMMIT TO REVEAL PROGRESS IN HALVING DROWNING DEATHS

4th November 2013 - PARENTS VALUE SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY LESSONS ABOVE OTHER OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 

25th November 2011 - ROYAL LIFE SAVING CALLS FOR MANDATORY SWIMMING LESSONS IN NEW NATIONAL CURRICULUM

10th February 2010 - HANSON BACKS LEARN TO SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL AUSSIE KIDS 

16th September 2009 - PARTNERSHIPS TARGET CHILD DROWNING