Council launches Highlands Pool Flippers swim safety program
With summer just weeks away, Wingecarribee Shire Council is set to trial a dedicated children’s water swim safety program entitled, ‘Highlands Pool Flippers’.
Starting Saturday 18 October the eight-week program is aimed at 6 to 14 year olds.
Council’s Pools and Facilities Supervisor Tannia Andrews explained the concept of the program.
“The summer school holidays are just weeks away and this means children will start to make their way to pools, beaches and swimming holes as they try to cool off,” Ms Andrews said.
“This program has been specifically designed to help teach our children basic water survival skills – while we hope they’ll never have to use them – which may get them or someone else out of trouble in the future.”
Over the eight week program participants will be taught water familiarisation, breathing, diving, CPR and lifesaving skills.
“The course has been specifically tailored for children who are already familiar with the water and have at least some basic swim confidence and ability,” Ms Andrews said.
“Importantly, they’ll also be plenty of fun and games included that we’re sure will keep the children entertained.”
The course will be held every Saturday morning between 10.30am and 11.45am at the Bowral Swimming Centre. The course will conclude on Saturday 6 December.
“Dependent on the success of this trial, we’re considering hosting other similar water safety programs at our Council run pools over the coming holidays,” Ms Andrews added.
Cost is $7 per session which includes entry to the pool or $48 for the full eight week course. Bookings are encouraged as session numbers are strictly limited allowing appropriate teacher to student ratios.
The Highlands Pool Flippers water swim safety program follows last month’s launch of Council’s dedicated over 55’s Grey Medallion seniors swimming program.
For more information on all of Council’s swimming courses, or to register an expression of interest for future children’s water safety programs, contact Laura from the Bowral Swimming Centre on phone 4861 2598.
The Bowral Swimming Centre is located on the corner of Mittagong Road and Oxley Drive, Bowral and is open seven a week.