VACSWIM SA – Newsletter 3
5 October 2016
What an incredible start to the VACSWIM 2017 enrolment season!
We've reached a record number of enrolments for this time of the
year - more than 1500 and growing by the day.
We're thrilled to see such interest in the coming program and
encourage you to head on over to our Facebook page to keep updated on all
things VACSWIM and water safety as we count down to the summer
season.
Which Stage/Course Is Right For My
Child?
Are you confused about which level course to enrol your child
in? You can find out more about each course/level run by our three
VACSWIM program providers here:
Surf Life Saving SA Stages
Royal Life Saving SA Levels
YMCA Swimming Water Safety Courses
Don't worry about making a mistake - instructors will match your
child to the appropriate level on the day.
Still worried? Call the relevant program provider direct.
Instructors: Apply Now
Are you an accredited swimming instructor interested in teaching
at one of VACSWIM's 130 metro and regional locations? Were you a
VACSWIM instructor in 2016 keen to do it all again in 2017?
Eligible instructors are encouraged to apply now for the 2017
VACSWIM program. All VACSWIM instructors must hold a
current AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
Certificate.
To apply or reapply, contact the program provider specific to
your VACSWIM site:
Royal
Life Saving Society South Australia: (08) 8210 4500
Surf
Life Saving South Australia: (08) 8354 6996
YMCA: (08) 08 8252 4163
National Drowning Report
The 2016 Royal Life Saving National Drowning
Report has been released, highlighting the data
and circumstances around drownings in Australia over the past year.
The report compares circumstances around drownings to track areas
for improvement under the Australian Water Safety Strategy
2016-2020 goal to reduce drownings by 50% by 2020.
Pleasingly, the report shows a decrease in the number of
drowning deaths of children aged 5-14 years compared to the 10-year
average. It found the majority of drownings for this age group
occurred in a swimming pool or beach. A long term study of drowning
deaths among children under five showed there was no adult
supervision for nearly 60% of the pool drowning cases, and in 6% of
the cases older siblings or other children had been left to
supervise younger children; this certainly highlights the
importance of having a Swimming Buddy!
These findings highlight the vital importance of providing all
children and young people with a basic level of swimming skills and
water safety. These skills should be supported by strategies such
as adult supervision, barriers around pools, First Aid training and
necessary safety equipment (life jackets, etc).
Summer safety tips for parents:
- Enrol your child in a swimming and water safety program such as
VACSWIM.
- Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches during patrol
times. Be aware of water conditions and the limitations of each
family member's skill and fitness ability.
- When boating or alongside a waterway, ensure young children
wear a properly-fitted life jacket and make sure your boat is
equipped with the right safety equipment, that you avoid alcohol
when driving and check the weather conditions before going
out.
- Around the pool, ensure children are supervised and visible at
all times. Barriers such as pool fences are essential.
