Poolwerx Learn2Swim Week returns to pools across Australia

Poolwerx and Kids Alive are partnering with swim schools across Australia to deliver Learn2Swim Week, running from 25th September to 3rd October 2021, with registrations still open for swim schools to sign up for the annual event.

Tragically, 25 children under five lost their lives prematurely from drowning in Australia in the last year, a 108% increase on last year and a 9% increase on the 10-year average, with eight of these incidents happening in swimming pools.

In an effort to prevent further tragic drowning deaths, Learn2Swim Week offers free swimming lessons for children under five.

Should swim schools not be not open in certain communities due to COVID-19 restrictions, a free class voucher (valid for 12 months) will be issued in lieu of a class from participating swim schools during the Learn2Swim Week dates, ensuring all Aussie kids have a chance to benefit from the initiative.

Despite water safety remaining top of mind for many Australian families, new research from Poolwerx reveals around 15% of parents surveyed still know someone who had, 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.

Additionally, over 30% of parents whose children participated in Learn2Swim Week in 2020 enrolled their children in ongoing swim classes after the week was over, highlighting the impact that Learn2Swim Week has on both children and the parents enrolling them.

Ex-Olympian swimmer Libby Trickett, alongside former Olympic swim coach and Kids Alive founder Laurie Lawrence, has partnered with Poolwerx to support the initiative, urging all parents to sign up for Learn2Swim Week this year and get their kids enrolled in lessons.

Trickett notes “as a mum myself, I’m really proud to be championing Learn2Swim Week for Poolwerx this year. I know just how important it is to develop swimming skills when you’re young, and really capitalise on the opportunities our beautiful climate gives us to enjoy time in the water here in Australia.

“I grew up in the water, and along with earning me a few medals, it certainly helped my confidence and ability to get myself out of sticky situations from a young age.

“I’ve had my three girls enrolled in lessons since they were babies, and I’d encourage all parents to make use of the fantastic free lessons an offer this Learn2Swim Week as an introduction to your local school and lessons.”

Lawrence added “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 Learn2Swim week campaign, we received nearly 3,000 lesson requests from parents. While this was a huge number it was down from the previous year – understandably due to the unusual circumstances we were all facing with COVID-19. Right now, with Australians set to be holidaying at home for the time being, there’s never been a better time to get all kids enrolled in swimming lessons”.

Learn2Swim Week is supported by the major industry associations AUSTSWIM, the Australian Swim Schools Association, Swim Australia and World Wide Swim School.

To locate your nearest participating swim school and sign up for a free class, visit  www.learn2swimweek.com. 

Swim schools can still register to participate at www.learn2swimweek.com/register-your-pool/

Image top: Poolwerx L2SW Edwina Trickett, Libby Trickett and Bronte Trickett; Image above (L to R) Poolwerx L2SW Laurie Lawrence, Libby Trickett, Bronte Trickett, Edwina Trickett and Poolwerx COO Nic Brill