Water safety survival skills a focus at Aquarena

The Geraldton Aquarena is urging local parents to enrol their children in swimming lessons to help increase water safety awareness.

Western Australia has recorded its highest number of toddler drownings in a decade with numbers increasing this summer.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was vital for children to learn to be comfortable around the water and learn water safety techniques.

“The stats speak for themselves and the Aquarena offers great programs for kids of all ages to learn the necessary skills to be safe in the water,” he said.

“Starting from a young age is important and it’s something that parents should definitely be vigilant about.”

A total of 59 people have died in Australian waterways since December with the most common place for these occurrences being home swimming pools.

Royal Life Saving WA is working tirelessly to curb this alarming trend by increasing water safety awareness and ensuring that all Western Australians have access to swimming lessons.

You can help this cause by enrolling your child into the Aquarena’s swim school programs.

The Aquarena offers weekly swimming lessons all year round. Through their program, children will not only discover their ability to swim but will also about water safety, drowning prevention techniques and rescue skills.

Enrolments for swim school are now open. For a full run down on program times and more information, contact the Aquarena on 9956 6909, e-mail swimschool@.cgg.wa.gov.au or visit their website at www.aquarena.cgg.wa.gov.au.