Danger lurks beyond backyard swimming pool

TEACHING children to swim in all conditions is essential as the weather heats up and they head outdoors, with local waterways posing as big a risk as backyard pools.

Local waterways can be a hazard to young swimmers. Photo: Dominika Lis

TEACHING children to swim in all conditions is essential as the weather heats up and they head outdoors, with local waterways posing as big a risk as backyard pools.

Aquatic Achievers North Lakes’ Lisa Dean and Ryan Cox say many families gravitate to waterways in the warmer months for camping and day trips, and if their children don’t know the basics they could be in danger.

They recommend parents chat to their children about not wandering off and getting into the water without an adult — swimming with friends or sibling is not OK.

Ryan says this is particularly important when camping. If you’re staying in a tent, there’s a risk children will unzip the tent and wander off before parents wake in the morning.

Laying down some ground rules and making sure your children have basic water safety skills is vital.

A learn to swim class at Aquatic Achievers North Lakes. Photo: Dominika Lis

Last month, the swim school ran safety week activities with pupils swimming in clothes so they could get a feel for how heavy they are if they fall in the water fully clothed.

They are taught not to waste energy trying to remove clothes if they fall in.

Instead they should use things around them to save themselves such as a tree branch.

“I think it’s important that they know where to get to. We use the term `safe spot’. It’s where they need to get back to if they get stuck,” Ryan says.

The safe spot is a universal term and can be applied to any activity, but should be identified and discussed before you begin.

Ryan says pupils are also taught the survival float — how to turn and float on their backs.

It gives them a chance to breathe, come up with a plan to get to safety, and call for help.

A student is assisted at Aquatic Achievers North Lakes. Photo: Dominika Lis

They also learn paddling and resting techniques so they can conserve energy and make it back to their safe spot.

He says the danger age is toddlers, who are curious and can wander off in a flash.

Lisa says repetition is the key in reinforcing safety messages and remembering techniques that can save a life.

“They’re here one minute and gone the next … then it’s too late,” she says.

“This is a lifetime skill. This is so important.”

Ryan says now is the time to start swimming lessons so children learn some basics before summer arrives.

Aquatic Achievers North Lakes manager Lisa Dean. Photo: Dominika Lis

TIPS TO SAVE A LIFE

● Identify a safe spot — the place you need to get to if you are in difficulty

● Talk to children about never swimming alone or without an adult

● Learn the survival float, floating on your back so you can breathe and call for help

● Look for something you can grab to help you get out of the water

● Keep a close eye on children around water, particularly toddlers

●You don’t need a pool to practise breathing techniques, try it in the bath

● Never jump off rocks or swings into waterways