In an effort to prevent further drowning deaths, Poolwerx and Kids Alive are conducting Learn2Swim Week, offering free swimming lessons for children under five from September 25 to October 3.
Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre will offer the free lessons.
Should swim schools not be open due to COVID-19 restrictions, a free class voucher (valid for 12 months) will be issued in lieu of a class from participating swim schools.
Despite water safety remaining a top priority for many Australian families, new research from Poolwerx reveals about 15 per cent of parents surveyed had directly encountered or know someone who had survived a near-drowning experience.
Former Olympic swim coach and Kids Alive founder Laurie Lawrence said drowning remained the leading cause of preventable death for children under the age of five, so it was important kids knew how to handle themselves in the water.
“During last year’s Learn2Swim week campaign, we received nearly 3000 lesson requests from parents,” he said.
“While this was a huge number, it was down from the previous year – understandably due to the unusual circumstances we were all facing with COVID-19.
“Right now, with Australians set to be holidaying at home for the time being, there’s never been a better time to get all kids enrolled in swimming lessons.”
To find your nearest participating swim school and sign up for a free class, visit learn2swimweek.com
Swim schools can still register to participate at learn2swimweek.com/register-your-pool
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