Keep Wise by the Water During Winter!

Posted on 30 Mar 2005

Please note: this is an old article

It was published in March 2005, so the information may be out-of-date.

The Deputy Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Cr Kevin Ryan, is encouraging residents to teach their children to learn to swim, be water wise and learn not to become complacent near the water heading into the colder months.

Between June 2000 and July 2004, the Greater Shepparton region recorded ten deaths through drowning, with most occurring in dams, rivers and irrigation channels.* 

Cr Ryan said, “We support those people who are teaching their children to lead strong, active lives and recommend they also teach them the importance of safety around water at all times.”

Leanne Mulcahy, Manager Aquamoves, believes safety should always come first around water, and that teaching children the basics from a young age will help prevent further deaths through drowning.

“Children as young as six months old and even adults can benefit from participating in ‘Learn to Swim’ programs. It only takes a moment for drowning to occur, and by teaching people to swim we can not only help them, but they too may one day be able to help or save others,” she said.

“Aquamoves provides a comprehensive ‘Learn to Swim’ program with only qualified Austswim and Royal Life Saving instructors employed.  Swimming lessons at Aquamoves are designed to ensure participants are taught water safety, survival techniques and most importantly how to swim.”

Enrolments are now being taken for Aquamoves ‘Learn to Swim’ term two program, commencing on Monday 18th April 2005.  For more information please contact Aquamoves on 5831 8188 or email aquamoves@shepparton.vic.gov.au.

*Statistics supplied by Lyndal Bugeja, Lifesaving Victoria.