Month: December 2024

Why WA Schools Should Integrate Water Safety into Their Curriculum?

Do you know that about 320,000 people each year die from drowning around the world? It is one of the leading causes of death from unintentional injuries. The only way to reduce this number is by promoting water safety training courses among individuals especially in Western Australia. 

Western Australia is known for its aquatic environment, which includes beaches, pools, rivers, etc. Most children love to play near these water bodies, and they are integral to the lifestyle. Thus, incorporating water safety into school curriculums can save lives and equip children with essential life skills. Keep reading to learn more about School Water Safety WA!

Benefits of Teaching Water Safety in School

A school holds an important position in forming the abilities and life skills of students. Incorporating school water safety WA education into the syllabus has several benefits:

Improve Skills and Confidence

Being able to swim confidently can be a very important skill. A well-structured water safety program teaches more than swimming techniques; it prepares students for various aquatic environments. Students will be taught different strokes, floating, and underwater swimming. It also builds confidence as exposure to water from an early age helps the child overcome the fear of water as a swimmer.

Understand Abilities and Staying Safe

Without proper training, students sometimes overestimate or underestimate their abilities in the water, which greatly increases the chances of accidents. With personalized assessments, the trainers assess the student’s abilities and direct them accordingly. The students also learn the boundaries of using aquatic equipment safely.

Learn to Navigate Aquatic Environments

Knowing the water environment is just as important as being able to swim. Students will learn how to assess water depth, currents, and hazards before entering the water to swim or to enjoy any aquatic sports. They will also be trained with appropriate methods, such as feet-first entry, to avoid potential injury and swim while maintaining utmost safety.

Prevent Water-Related Accidents

Water safety education reduces the likelihood of aquatic emergencies and teaches students how to react in critical situations. Staying calm and composed in an emergency is a unique skill to learn. This program emphasizes staying cool under pressure which is very important in emergencies. CPR is an important skill to learn when it comes to water safety.  Students will learn life-saving skills to rescue themselves and others.

Conclusion

Incorporating water safety in WA school curricula is an investment in our children’s future safety and confidence. It equips them with the necessary skills and makes them responsible explorers of aquatic environments, decreasing the risk of drowning or injury.

Take action today! Learn more about the excellent programs offered by West Coast Water Safety (WCWS). Prepare the next generation to survive and thrive safely in and around water with school water safety WA!

The Importance of First Aid Services at Water-Based Events in WA

Water-based activities play a major role in life in Western Australia (WA), with many people and visitors going to beaches, rivers, and pools. However, these can be risky. Statistical analysis shows that one-half of all water sports injuries occur while the individual is in the water. Of these, 56% are caused by improper landing techniques, and 41% are due to trying something new. These statistics only reinforce the requirement for event water safety & first aid services in order to have an added safety feature and response mechanism in case of emergency.

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Why are First Aid Services Crucial at Water-Based Events in WA?

From swimming competitions to jet-skiing exhibitions, water-based events have unique safety issues. Professional first aid services ensure that injuries or emergencies are taken care of promptly.

  • Immediate Response: Water-related accidents require every second to be counted. If a trained person can respond within these seconds, minor injuries may not develop into serious ones.
  • Drowning Prevention: Drowning can be prevented if there are well-equipped first aid professionals present who are familiar with CPR knowledge in such critical situations.
  • Specialized Care for Water-Specific Injuries: Common injuries like concussions, cuts, and strains require special treatment that first aid responders are trained to administer with ease.
  • Better participant confidence: Professional event water safety and first aid services ensure participants will be safer and more focused on their participation in the activities.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Having first aid trained personnel helps one achieve regulatory compliance while increasing the credibility and reputation of the event.

Common Risks at Water-Based Events

Some of the potential hazards generally associated with such activities include the following:

  • Aquatic Emergencies: The causes for drowning or near-drowning are primarily due to exhaustion, panic, or being unable to swim. There is a need to address these emergencies immediately as they could pose fatal outcomes.
  • Physical Injuries: Since the event is held by a water facility, falls due to slips and collisions happen very commonly there, which can result in cuts, abrasions, or even fractured bones. Wet grounds and overcrowding are usually the reasons for such injuries.
  • Sunburn and Heat Stress: Excessive sun exposure at water events can result in severe sunburn, dehydration, or even heatstroke. People often underestimate the potential risk of solar intensity, particularly in water settings.
  • Equipment-Related Injuries: The most common cause of accidents involving watercraft such as jet skis or boats is improper handling, which can lead to serious injuries. Operators’ lack of experience or improper application of equipment increases the risks of such dangers.

Conclusion

With the growing number of water accidents, learning the basic first aid techniques is not just a precaution. It has become a necessity for any water-based event held in Western Australia. Knowing the first aid technique gives participants confidence and peace of mind. Moreover, it increases the security of water-based events. 

So, it is high time you took the first step to safety at your next water event! Connect with West Coast Water Safety (WCWS) for the best and most tailored event water safety and first aid services. Let’s make water activities safer together!