Education Department overturns ban on school swimming lessons in the ocean following backlash

School swimming lessons in the sea are back on after the Education Department reversed a snap ban prompted by a spate of shark attacks.

School swimming lessons are back on after the Education Department reversed a snap ban prompted by a spate of shark attacks.

All public school ocean-based aquatic programs will resume from Monday, but organisers will be required to do a new risk assessment and consider increasing supervision.

The decision to ban ocean-based activities for public school students, including swimming, snorkelling and surfing, came days after 32-year-old Bridgette O’Shannessy was bitten on her face by a shark at Port Noarlunga.

It was the third shark attack in South Australian waters since the start of October, one of which was fatal.

Despite an immediate backlash from children and parents, including 75 per cent opposition in an Advertiser online poll, Education Department chief executive Martin Westwell initially stood firm on the ban.

However, Education Minister Blair Boyer called for a review of the decision and Professor Westwell announced on Thursday morning that it would be overturned.

Young swimmers Zac, Hugo, Jack and Harry at Henley Beach. Picture: Emma Brasier

The state government has pledged to bring forward aeroplane patrols of popular beaches by two weeks – to begin on Saturday – which Professor Westwell said affected his decision.

“As State Emergency Service aerial patrols are brought forward and further additional risk measures put in place, all state government school ocean-based aquatic programs can recommence from Monday,” Professor Westwell said.

“This follows this week’s meeting with representatives from the Department for Education, Surf Life Saving SA and the State Emergency Service to discuss current processes and practices.

“Given the wide range of activities undertaken across the state, each program will be required to undertake a risk assessment and implement any necessary changes.

“This could include updating and revising supervision requirements and reinforcing evacuation procedures to participants.”

Surf Life Saving SA had almost 4000 students from 47 schools booked in for its aquatic programs, which typically run across five sessions, for the rest of term four.