Students enjoying our swimming facilities at the Lindfield Swimming Carnival. Water safety a priority So, what can we do? Royal Lifesaving Australia’s Keep Watch program Not everyone can be an Olympic swimming champion, but they can encourages parents to follow four simple rules to help prevent child be a competent swimmer and at NewSPORT Swim School we are drownings: supervise, restrict, teach, and respond. passionate about ensuring everyone is safe and can have a fun and Whether you are a parent of a young child, teenager, or an adult enjoyable time in and around water and water activities. yourself, whether you like boating, sailing, or fishing – whatever your According to the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 circumstances, it is never too late to start swimming lessons or there was a 20% increase in drowning deaths on the previous year. reengage with them if you are not confident in your swimming ability. Tragically, in the 0–4 age group there was a 9% increase when The good news is that swim schools are opening back up again and compared with the 10-year average and a 108% increase on the ready to assist people of all ages with swimming lessons. In NSW previous year.1 parents can access the Service NSW Active Kids vouchers or First The past two years have been difficult with the uncertainty of Lap vouchers to cover some of the swim school fees. COVID-19 leading to many children missing out on vital learn to swim At NewSPORT Swim School we cater for swimmers of all ages and lessons as swim schools have closed or restrictions have prevented ability levels, and lessons can be in small groups or one-on-one children attending lessons. The impact of these changes on our to ensure lots of swimming and maximum time to practise good routines and lifestyle will potentially contribute to further drownings technique. Safe swimming! over the coming years. There is a fear of a generational impact on young children who have missed the opportunity to learn to swim For further information on the NewSPORT Swim School and the appropriate water safety that goes with it. please contact us at swimschool@newington.nsw.edu.au It is not just children who are at risk of drowning. Teenagers and Mr Mark Richmond young adults are some of the most at risk categories. The 25 to 34 Commercial Operations Manager year age group, with 17% of all drownings, is the highest contributor to drownings in Australia.2 1Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 2Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 Curiosity | News Autumn 2022 | Alumni, Community and Development | 45