New national initiative launches as summer – and water risks – heat up
Schools, kinders and early learning centres across Australia are making a splash this week as they gear up for Swim to School Week, a new national initiative urging families to boost water safety as summer begins.
Langwarrin Park Primary School in Victoria was among the first out of the blocks. On Tuesday morning, hundreds of children poured through the gates in goggles, boardies and rashies, stopping to high-five Kingswim’s mascot, Kingsley the Platypus, on their way into class.
Launching alongside National Water Safety Day on 1 December, Swim to School Week is backed by leading swim school Kingswim, the Y Victoria and industry partners to help drive home lifesaving messages as Australians head to beaches, rivers and backyard pools.
Like Book Week, but beach-themed, the initiative encourages students to dress up, learn dry-land water safety skills, sing along to water-safety songs and take part in fun, interactive activities designed to boost confidence and awareness.
Kingswim General Manager Rich Quail said the timing could not be more important.
Swim to School Week is about giving families the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Swimming lessons are essential life skills, and is one of the best investments parents and schools can make
Langwarrin Park Primary School Principal Deb Haddow said schools have a key role to play.
“We’d encourage any school to get involved next year. It’s a simple, fun and effective way to reinforce water safety for every age group.”
Free resources for parents and schools are available at: www.swimtoschoolweek.org.au
