Experts warn more kids could drown this summer after being unable to attend swimming classes
Swim teachers and life savers are concerned children may have missed out on important lessons after months away from the water due to coronavirus restrictions, sparking drowning fears ahead of summer.
Victoria
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There are fears Victoria’s drowning death toll could soar this summer with kids still banned from swimming classes at indoor pools.
Swim teachers and life savers are concerned after months away from the water, children may have lost their confidence or missed out on important lessons.
While the most recent easing will see all outdoor pools reopen, Life Saving Victoria says most were unsuitable to teach children at this time of year.
Thirteen people drowned across the state between July and mid September this year – up nine on the five-year average.
“With many aquatic facilities still closed and people spending more time both at home and around waterways they are less familiar with, there is a concern that this current trend may continue,” a Life Saving Victoria spokeswoman said.
“Most Victorians have sustained a long period of time with fewer experiences around water, have likely seen a decline in fitness levels and, as a result, there are likely to be reduced levels of community preparedness for the water as we move into the warmer months.”
Warragul Swimming Club coach Paul Myers fears deaths are inevitable.
“It’s a tragedy that is going to occur this summer,” he told the Herald Sun.
“We’re talking about kids’ safety here.”
“We’ve been looking after our older generation with the lockdown, but they are ignoring the safety of kids.”
Mr Myers argued indoor pools were one of the easiest places to make COVID-safe because every family had to register their details before they get in the water,
“Most people drown not because they can’t swim but because they panic in water because they aren't familiar,” Mr Myers said.
“It’s that lack of familiarity that could kill people.”
He wants to see pools open now so parents and carers have as much time as possible to reacquaint kids with the water.
Five toddlers drowned in the two months to September.
Life Saving Victoria has been working with the state government, providing recommendations on how and when they could reopen pools safety.
Under the most recent changes, outdoor pools can open with strict limits on the number of people who can be in the pool at one time, capped at 20 people or one person per four square metres.
Toilets at outdoor pools can open but changing rooms must remain closed.
“In metropolitan Melbourne, outdoor swimming pools will be permitted to open for exercise only,” a state government spokeswoman said.
“A swimming school can also open in line with restrictions for swimming pools if they have a COVIDSafe plan.”
WATER SAFETY TIPS FROM LIFE SAVING VICTORIA:
– Remember, 20 seconds is all it takes for a child to drown.
– Always keep children under five within arm’s reach when around water, and always actively supervise children under 10.
– Restrict children’s access to water around the home.
– Ensure your children learn how to swim.
– Learn resuscitation to be prepared in case of an emergency.
MORE NEWS
‘SKILL THAT SAVES LIVES’: TIDE TURNING ON SCHOOL SWIMMING
THE FIVE LESSONS THAT CAN SAVE YOUR CHILD FROM DROWNING
Originally published as Experts warn more kids could drown this summer after being unable to attend swimming classes