The Star Mail’s January article of the month examines the necessity of swimming education for children.
Just days into the new year, the Star Mail covered the busiest day on record for Life Saving Victoria with lifesavers rescuing 145 people in 24 hours.
The issue on swimming lesson attendance rates for children in the Yarra Ranges was brought into frame, with an estimated 40 per cent of children not reaching the national benchmarks for swimming and water safety.
The Yarra River flowing throughout the Yarra Ranges is a popular swimming destination and the public’s ease of access to the river highlighted the need to increase swimming ability.
School Sports Victoria Yarra Division officer and Upper Yarra Primary Schools Sports officer Andrew Devisser said it’s important to trigger questions in kids’ minds before they enter the water.
“Most kids, 95 per cent, are going to take away some knowledge about ‘I’m here in the river, what do I think of first before I get in? And what do I check for first before I start floating down and diving in off the side,’” Mr Devisser said.
Mr Devisser operates a program aimed at introducing primary aged students to rivers and lakes and their unique conditions through kayaking.
Schools engaged in the program stretch from Coldstream to Toolangi, Silvan to Warburton, as well as Lilydale and Montrose.
Read the full article here: mountevelyn.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2025-01-17/inland-beach-water-safety-reminder-mounts-after-january-rescues-drownings/
