Tag: Water Safety Tips

Safety at the Beach: 10 Essential Tips for a Secure Day Out

Did you know that over 96% of beachgoers know a beach is unpatrolled and still visit it without proper precautions? A day at the beach promises fun and relaxation but also poses hazards of which visitors must be cognizant. By following basic safety guidelines, beachgoers can mitigate the risks inherent to the shoreline environment. This article delineates ten vital tips that promote security for adults and children during a beach outing. 

Adhering to these common suggestions will allow families and groups to enjoy their time seaside with greater peace of mind. The subsequent sections expand upon prudent practices regarding sun exposure, responding to currents and tides, supervision of weaker swimmers, and other key areas relevant to creating an accident-free excursion.

10 Must-Know Safety the Beach Tips for a Secure Day Out 

A day at the beach during the warmer months can be the perfect way to relax and unwind. The sun, sand, and water call out as a welcome reprieve from the daily grind. However, a trip to enjoy some fun in the sun also requires keeping safety and security at the front of your mind, especially regarding your personal belongings. Check out the following 10 must-know tips for your next trip:

1. Understanding and Respecting the Ocean

First and foremost, it’s crucial to respect the power of the ocean. This means recognizing the dangers of rip currents, which can swiftly carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Educate yourself and your group about identifying and escaping a rip current. Remember, swimming parallel to the shore is often the best way to break free from a rip current’s grip.

2. Know the Water Safety Rules

Understanding the local water safety rules, often displayed on signs near the beach entrance, is vital. Familiarize yourself with the beach’s flag warning system: red flags signal hazardous conditions, green flags indicate safer swimming conditions and yellow flags mean moderate danger. Always choose a spot near a lifeguard station for an added layer of safety.

3. Supervising Children with Utmost Care

For families, vigilant supervision of children is a cornerstone of safety at the beach. Designate a responsible adult to monitor the children at all times, especially when they’re near or in the water. Consider using brightly colored swimwear for children to make them easily identifiable in a crowded beach setting.

4. Sun Protection: More Than Just Sunscreen

While sunscreen is important (a waterproof, broad-spectrum option with an SPF of at least 30), other sun protection methods are equally important Encourage everyone to wear UV-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-resistant sunglasses. Remember that sunlight is at its peak between 10 am and 4 pm, so it’s wise to seek shade under an umbrella or natural canopy during these hours.

5. Staying Hydrated and Nourished

Hydration is key for safety at the beach. The combination of sun, sand, and saltwater can quickly lead to dehydration. Pack plenty of water and encourage frequent drinking breaks. Additionally, bring healthy snacks like fruits and nuts to maintain energy levels throughout the day.

6. Being Cautious of Marine Life

The ocean is a living ecosystem home to diverse marine life. While most sea creatures are harmless, some can pose dangers. Be aware of the local marine life and their habitats. Teach children not to touch or disturb any animals they encounter, as this can harm both the creature and the person and endanger their safety at the beach.

7. Basic First Aid Knowledge is Crucial

Equipping yourself with simple first-aid knowledge may be a lifesaver. Know how to treat minor accidents, including cuts or scrapes, and recognize the signs of extra extreme situations like heatstroke, dehydration, or allergic reactions. A well-stocked first resource kit should be a staple to your seashore bag.

8. Weather and Tide Awareness

Sudden weather changes can transform a beach setting dramatically. Check the local weather forecast before heading out, and remember any storm warnings for safety at the beach. Understanding tidal patterns is also important to avoid being caught in high tide situations, which can be especially dangerous in areas with strong currents.

9. Environmental Responsibility

Respecting the beach environment is an integral part of safety at the beach. Littering pollutes the beach and can pose hazards to both people and wildlife. Use designated trash and recycling bins, and consider participating in beach clean-up efforts to help preserve these natural spaces.

10. Considering a Water Safety Course

Taking a water safety course is invaluable for an extra layer of preparedness, especially for frequent beachgoers or those engaging in water sports. Organizations like West Coast Water Safety offer courses that cover a wide range of topics, from swimming safety to lifesaving techniques. This knowledge enhances your safety at the beach and empowers you to assist others.

Conclusion

Ensuring safety at the beach is a collective responsibility. By adhering to these essential tips, families and students can enjoy the beach’s splendors while minimizing risks. Remember, a well-prepared beach visit is the key to creating lasting, happy memories by the sea.For further information on water safety and to enroll in comprehensive safety courses, visit West Coast Water Safety. Equip yourself and your loved ones with the knowledge and skills necessary for a safe and enjoyable beach experience.

Water Safety Resources for Parents and Teachers: A Key Safety Protocol

Parents and teachers must understand the importance of school water safety because our children’s safety is our priority. This in-depth guide will cover many topics about School water safety in WA. The roles and responsibilities of parents, teachers, and students in ensuring water safety will be discussed. Also, the importance of teaching students water safety skills. Furthermore, you will learn the resources and training programs available for water safety.

Importance of School Water Safety

Water safety is a key aspect of ensuring students’ well-being in schools. One of the key causes for the importance of school water safety is the increasing risk of drowning. According to statistics, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidents. Schools can considerably lower the danger of such catastrophic accidents. It can be done by putting in place efficient water safety measures. Schools can also foster a culture of awareness and responsibility among students by emphasizing water safety. Schools play a critical role in raising a generation of responsible, water-savvy people. It is done by providing them with fundamental swimming and survival skills.

Roles and Responsibilities of Parents and Teachers

Parents and Teachers both have equal roles and responsibilities to share in the case of school water safety. The roles and responsibilities include: 

Parents’ Roles:

– Teach children about water safety at home.
– Supervise and monitor water-related activities.
– Enroll kids in swimming lessons.
– Ensure children have appropriate swimwear and safety gear.
– Educate kids on potential water hazards and risks.
– Encourage open communication about water experiences.
– Promote responsible behavior around water.

Teachers’ Roles:

– Include water safety education in the curriculum.
– Supervise students during water activities.
– Teach basic water skills during swim lessons.
– Enforce safety rules at the school pool or water areas.
– Raise awareness of water safety through discussions.
– Provide resources for parents to reinforce water safety at home.
– Stay updated on water safety guidelines and best practices.

Teaching Water Safety Skills to Students

Giving children the right instruction is essential to ensuring their safety in the water. Schools can play a crucial role in making children protect themselves from water accidents. It can be done by teaching children to swim. Also, it provides them with the knowledge to handle water-related emergencies. Swimming instruction should be a necessary part of the educational curriculum. It should begin at a young age. These classes aim to teach the fundamental skills of floating and basic strokes. Additionally, dangers associated with deep water in unfamiliar places should be made clear to students.

Resources and Training Programs: Water Safety in WA

Fortunately, WA has ample resources, including training programs and tools, to guarantee top-notch water safety practices in schools. The WA Water Safety Council provides thorough teacher training programs, helpful guidelines, and guidance for schools. These give teachers the tools they need to instruct pupils about water safety.

Swimming clubs and community organizations often offer school-focused water safety programs. These include teaching water safety, survival skills, and swimming. Schools can give kids relevant School water safety WA instruction by working with such organizations. By using these materials, parents, teachers, and communities may collaborate to make it safer for kids to be around water, encouraging proper water use and lowering the likelihood of accidents.

Make Safety the First Priority

If we work together, we can give children a secure atmosphere to learn and develop. Schools are essential in teaching children School water safety WA skills so they can defend themselves and others. Prioritize water safety so our children can enjoy water activities safely and responsibly.

The West Course Water Safety courses are everything you need to enhance your water safety skills. Their courses are designed to make an individual understand every necessary detail of water safety and how to implement them in real life!

Pool Safety for School Swimming Lessons and Water Activities

If your school has a swimming pool, you need to focus on the safety of the students and provide training to them. You can even opt for an aquatic rescue course for the group 3 pool to train yourself to help the kids. This blog focuses on water safety tips so students can have fun in the water without endangering their lives.

Tips to play safe in the water

At school, the staff should remember these tips to exercise adequate water safety because accidents happen due to negligence:

Always be attentive to the children:

The children do not know anything about water safety, so ample staff should be around the swimming pool to help the students. The staff should be well-trained to supervise them to be cautious near water and stay safe. It is best to hire an expert trainer to watch the children. The trainer will teach them an aquatic rescue course for group 3 pools for safe swimming.

Understand the conditions:

It is essential to understand the weather and water condition of the place. Most Australian waterbodies are susceptible to sandbars, rips, unpredictable currents, etc. As a result, untrained people fall prey to the aquatic incidents. Train your staff and hire a professional expert before you head to the pools, creeks, or oceans.

Don’t approach a waterbody alone:

Teaching the students that they should not approach a water body under adult supervision is important. You should encourage the children not to make such a mistake even if they are skilled. It is essential to follow all costs to prevent any unprecedented situation. 

Conduct regular training for the students:

You must ensure the students receive regular training regarding water safety. Consistent training in courses like Aquatic Rescue for Hydrotherapy will help them grasp different situations in the water. They will know how to manage themselves and tackle any hostile water conditions. Regular drills will ensure every student can get familiarized with the necessary skills like giving CPR and getting medical kits, calling the lifeguards in an emergency, etc.

Introduce new courses to make swimming attractive:

Many students fear the water because they can’t breathe underwater for long. At this point, the instructors can encourage them to start in the pool where the water is shallow and guide them consistently. You can even introduce the aquatic rescue hydrotherapy course to them. This course teaches you to apply several exercise techniques to increase strength, flexibility, endurance, relaxation, and blood and oxygen circulation in the body.

Wear lifejackets in the water:

Encourage the students to wear lifejackets before jumping in the water. Even if you know swimming or various techniques, you should not avoid a lifejacket. It will protect you from water-related incidents. You should keep other safety equipment, too, in case you need them. You can teach the students similar techniques and train them to carry lifejackets under any condition.

Maintain the pool and inspect it regularly:

You must maintain the pool in which you train others. Once-a-week maintenance will keep it safe from algae, bacteria, or water-related diseases. These common hygiene tips will ensure you can remain healthy, and so can your students.

Wrapping up:

While these tips are necessary, you should also know different tactics to be safe in the water. Courses like aquatic rescue hydrotherapy and lifeguard training for pools in Perth will help you strengthen your skill and find better career options. However, choosing a professional institute in this matter is vital, such as West Coast Water Safety.


We are one of the most preferred water training institutes in Australia. We have a team of skilled divers, instructors, and coaches for these courses. At the end of each course, you will emerge confident, resourceful, and unafraid of water. Visit our website today!

The Importance of Water Safety Education in Schools

In today’s time, learning to move around water is essential. People learn different skills in their lifetime but aquatic skills significantly. Many of us love swimming or being around the water. At this point, water safety knowledge will be bliss. For this reason, it is significant to start a water safety course in WA schools to provide early education regarding water.

Benefits of teaching water safety in student’s developing years

The formative years of any student are spent at school. It is where they learn different skills apart from regular education. If you introduce the students to the water safety courses in school in WA, they will get the following benefits –

Upgrade your skill:

Along with many skills the students may have, learning to move around water is a next-level skill. A water safety course like this ensures providing more than how to swim. It can prepare you for any swimming event you can participate in. The experts in water safety courses in WA teach the right and better technique for swimming. 

Understand your abilities:

Many times teachers fail to understand students’ abilities in the water. Some students overestimate their abilities; others feel incapable on their own. Many children fall victim to aquatic accidents like drowning or getting hit by the waves because they don’t know basic water skills. 

At this point, it becomes essential to introduce your children at a young age to the water safety course in WA schools. The experts in the course will evaluate each student’s capabilities and provide the right guidance for safe swimming.

Learn about your environment:

It is essential to familiarize yourself with the environment when you visit a pool, beach area, or creek. Many people don’t possess this ability to understand the environment first. You shouldn’t dive into the water without learning about the water’s depth. Your entry into the water body must start with ankle-deep water. The experts in a water safety course in WA will explain how to identify the right environment fit for swimming. 

Prevent any water-related accidents:

When students know how to swim correctly, they can also help others. The water safety courses in WA prepare the students for the worst possible situation and teach an effective way to get out of trouble. Not only will they learn to save themselves, but they can come to aid others. 

Understand how to react:

As in the growing stage, every student should learn how to deal with a situation. In any situation in the water, students should know the right call to action, which is essential to save lives because minutes matter to escape life-threatening situations. Many people get afraid if any unprecedented situation takes place nearby. The course will help students to stay calm and vigilant nearby the water.

Special skills that your kids get to learn

An efficient water safety course in WA schools should be a part of their curriculum. Here are some skills that the students will learn from the water safety course: 

-Learn how to swim using different body parts and get introduced to different swimming techniques – float on the back, front-stroke, back-stroke, underwater swimming, and get back to the side. However, all these skills will be introduced to them over time.

-The second most essential thing is how to give CPR or Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When you are on the water, CPR can help any victim to survive any aquatic incident.

-Students will learn to be vigilant on the water. It is important to remain active on the water for yourself and others.

Wrapping up,

So you can understand how significant it is to keep your children with this skill. If you want to introduce a water safety course in WA schools, you can approach West Coast Water Safety. We provide comprehensive training regarding water safety. You will learn to be more confident around water and calmly face any challenge with our training regime. Visit our website today!

Understanding The Critical Role Of CPR In Saving Lives During Water-Related Emergencies

Emergencies can strike at any time and in any form, and water-related emergencies are no exception. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death worldwide, and quick and effective action can make all the difference in saving a life.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving technique that can help maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the body’s vital organs, increasing the chances of survival in water-related emergencies. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or beach, having the knowledge and ability to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death. 

In this article, we will explore the critical role of CPR in water-related emergencies and how it can help save lives.

Need of CPR in Water-related Emergencies

CPR training must be considered for lifeguards and swimming coaches. When it comes to saving the life of a person, one of the most important factors to be considered is the essence of time. The patient must receive first aid during emergencies at the earliest possible.

The importance of time cannot be stressed enough when a person is drowning. In this situation, the water gushes towards the person’s lungs, restricting their air pathway. It is highly important to get rid of this excess water while helping the heart get additional support for pumping blood into the body. 

CPR Steps To Save The Life Of A Drowning Person 

For CPR to be effective, it is important to follow the right steps. The very first step that anyone must do is to call for an ambulance or the lifeguard on duty. It is important to ensure that the patient receives professional help. However, one must begin the steps of CPR while waiting for the professional help to arrive, as it is very important to conduct the CPR immediately. Here are the CPR steps that one must follow:

-The first step is to check whether the person is breathing by themselves. Hold your palm or cheek near your mouth or nose to verify if the person is taking breaths. 

-Next, you must check for the pulse. You can easily check the pulse on the side of the neck, a little below the patient’s jawline. Here, you can find the carotid artery very close to the skin. Hence, you shall be able to feel the pulse as soon as possible. Using three fingers, you can also check the pulse on the wrist of the left hand towards the inner side. 

If you cannot find the pulse, it is important to follow these CPR steps:

-For an adult, place one of your hands on top of the other, and lock your fingers. Place your hands firmly on the centre of the chest, at the sternum, slightly towards the left. Now, make compressions at least two inches deeper in the chest. You must make compressions between 100-150 times per minute at regular intervals. 

-For a baby, use two fingers only at the same position instead of your hands. The compressions must not be deeper than 1.5 inches.  

-After every thirty compressions, two breaths must be administered using the mouth-to-mouth technique. Cover the nose of the patient and blow into their mouth. Now release and repeat the process. Continue with the CPR steps until the person returns to their senses or professional help arrives.

    Conclusion

    CPR is a critical lifesaving technique that can significantly impact water-related emergencies. The knowledge of CPR and CPR training can help save the life of a drowning person and can come in handy at varied points in your life. You can also learn this by getting professional CPR training and certification. Learning this skill can help you save many lives.

    Tips For Keeping Kids Safe Around Pools, Lakes, And Other Bodies Of Water

    Dealing with children is an everyday challenge for parents. New tasks are coming daily, and keeping young and curious children safe can become difficult. Taking your children around water bodies, such as pools, beaches, and lakes, can be even scarier for parents.

    This constant fear of allowing persists for parents whose children are getting swimming lessons in the school. One of the most common threats parents face when bringing children near water bodies is the constant fear of drowning. But, with the right practices, it can become an easy, safe, and fun activity for the children.

    Tips To Keep Their Children Safe 

    Today, imparting swimming lessons or taking children outdoors near water bodies for picnics at school is common. But at the same time, ensuring school water safety in WA is also important. Here are some things that the school management must consider to ensure the safety of the students while being near a water body-

    Adult supervision is necessary

    While taking children near water bodies, such as ponds, lakes, or the beach, as a school trip, the school management must ensure the safety and protection of the children. It is important to keep an eye on the children at all times, especially the younger ones. Designate an adult over a small group of students to keep an eye on each one. At the same time, it is also important that the adult knows the basics of swimming and can help the child in an emergency.

    Make use of barriers

    While incorporating swimming lessons at the school or taking the students for a pool trip, water safety WA is essential. It is important to create a barrier within the pool, marking the different depths of the water. This shall help the students understand their designated area and prevent them from wandering off at the deep ends. While on outdoor trips, the school management can set up temporary fencing or barricades to prevent the children from running off into the water bodies.

    Ensure to use of safety devices while training

    Schools are now adding swimming lessons to their curriculum, like dancing, singing, and drawing. But, it is important to ensure school water safety in WA to avoid any unwanted circumstances. The most important thing is to provide the students with different types of safety equipment, such as dumbbells, swimming rings, swimming boards, floors, etc., to help them get additional support while learning to swim. It is important to ensure their safety and watch them closely.

    Keep first aid handy

    Despite extensive care and prevention, accidents may happen at any time. It is always better to be well-prepared for such circumstances. One of the most important things to remember is always to have a lifeguard on call for school water safety in WA. It is also advisable for the lifeguard to have training or certification in basic first aid and CPR, as it can come in handy. Also, remember to call for backup, such as an ambulance or the school doctor, for professional help.

    Conclusion

    Water safety for kids should be a top priority for parents and caregivers. Water safety in WA for children is essential to avoid accidents and hazards. It is important to keep the children safe and take extreme precautions. Educating the children about water safety and the floating techniques before letting them in the water can be a game changer. 

    Various measures can be taken to ensure their safety, such as providing adult supervision, teaching them to swim early, installing proper barriers and fences around pools, and enforcing safety rules. By taking the right measures, it is possible to ensure safety and avoid many accidents.

    Why You Should Discuss Water Safety at Your Child’s Next Wellness Visit?

    With the summer approaching, children always look forward to swimming with family and friends at local pools and backyards; however, recent statistics reveal that parents and children must understand the risks involved while swimming in pools and bathtubs. 

    Triathlon water safety experts in Western Australia recommend that swimming and water safety knowledge can significantly reduce a child’s drowning risk and provide them with skills that may one day save a life. 

    Statistics show children aged 1–4 years have the highest drowning rates. The majority of drownings in children happen in swimming pools. Drowning can happen even when children are not expected to be around water, such as when they gain unsupervised access to pools. 

    That’s why you should look for lifeguards for hire in Western Australia if you have a personal pool and your kid is learning to swim. Fatal drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5-14 after motor vehicle crashes.

    Importance of water safety

    People drown when excess water gets into their lungs. When that happens, the lungs cannot pump oxygen into the blood, leading to little or no oxygen reaching the brain and the rest of the body.

    Drowning can be sudden and happen so quickly that it leaves little time for someone to act. Drowning is typically silent and is not easy to identify. A struggling or distressed swimmer often cannot shout for help as their respiratory system is trying to breathe. The swimmer’s arms are generally underwater, helping to push the body toward the surface. 

    Hence, it can be difficult for parents and others to understand if a child is drowning. That’s why a child’s understanding of water safety is very important rather than searching for lifeguards for hire in Western Australia.

    Water safety rules that children should be taught to follow

    Here are some safety rules by experts that children should follow every time they are near water:

    1. First and foremost, important – never swim alone!

    2. Always swim within reach of a lifeguard and in areas marked for swimmers to use.

    3. School authorities should ensure the premises’ swimming pool has a lifeguard appointed. If not, look for lifeguards for hire in Western Australia.

    4. Wear protective gear like a life jacket when playing in open water areas like beaches, ponds, or lakes.

    5. Never pretend to be drowning. The lifeguard may not take you seriously when the actual incident happens. 

    6. Learn to swim. Schools should ensure kids undergo school water safety WA sessions.

    7. Don’t swim or play in the water in the dark.

    8. Children must be made aware of the dangers of rip currents and taught how to escape them. 

    9. Teach them to swim parallel to the shore to escape the rip currents and then swim at an angle back to shore to escape the currents.

    10. Triathlon water safety experts in Western Australia advise parents, teens, and fellow children to know where rescue equipment is kept around the pool and how to use it. 

    11. Teaching kids how to throw rescue equipment to a distressed swimmer is important, rather than jumping in to help.

    The bottom line

    Teaching school water safety to kids in WA should be taken very seriously. It’s good to teach your child about water safety and how to swim from a young age. It will help them understand the dangers in the water and know how to behave. 

    Swimming is one of the non-negotiable life skills that parents should look to acquire for their children as soon as possible for home or school water safety in WA. While a range of extra-curricular skills activities are essential for children to develop as rounded individuals, none are as vital and fundamental as learning to swim. 

    Furthermore, knowing First aid is another essential skill set for the entire family to learn. If you know how to perform CPR and how to act in case of an emergency, it could save your child’s life. Contact West Coast Water Safety to learn more about Triathlon water safety in Western Australia.

    Water Safety Tips for a Lake or Ocean

    On a hot summer day, nothing beats your absolute favourite swimming hole. However, before you jump in, be conscious that water safety dangers could place you and your family in danger of an accident, illness, or injury.

    Swimming is a wonderful sport for fitness and a fun activity to do with friends and family. Swimming recklessly, on the other hand, is a known cause of death among young people. A few simple tips and safety rules will keep you safe from swimming injuries and other mishaps that could lead to death.

    Some of the general safety rules 

    Swim only in specified places

    Most state parks, beaches, and lakefront regions have designated swimming times and use flags to indicate where people can swim. Never swim outside of the designated areas. Swim under the guidance of a trained lifeguard, if possible.

    When in doubt, leave

    Don’t be afraid to get out of the water if something feels wrong. If the current becomes too strong, rain begins to fall, or your body is simply not responding as it should due to fatigue or muscle cramps, leave and come back to the water another day. Following your instincts is always a smart option.

    Understand the circumstances

    Before you go swimming, examine the water’s temperature and weather conditions. If the water temperature is cold, you should swim with a wetsuit and limit your time in the water. Swimming in the rain is unsafe, especially if there is thunder and lightning. If the weather changes, don’t be afraid to swim back to the beach.

    Prepare an emergency plan

    When you go out to the water, whether with a swim mate or alone, always have a plan to deal with and face emergencies. Inform someone else of your plans. It is wise to have someone observing from the shore, prepared to act if you require assistance. Prepare for any eventuality and remove as much unpredictability as possible.

    Swim side by side to the beach

    Don’t let panic cloud your judgement if caught in a rip current. You might be swept away from the shore in an instant. Because most rip currents are 100 feet wide, swimming parallel to the shore rather than towards it is the best way to avoid them. Try to relax and breathe while retaining your head above water, and don’t exhaust yourself by swimming against the current to get out of the rip. 

    Bottom line

    Summer is the season for proper swimming preventive measures and extra steps to safeguard your skin from the sun. Check out the Water Coast Water Safety for more tips and training courses on staying safe in or around water this summer.

    They are competent in responding to rescue situations and are proactively vigilant to prevent water incidents. The team’s expertise in beach management stems from their years of professional lifeguarding at various beaches across the world.

    5 Water Safety Tips: Be aware to prevent drowning

    The World Health Organization indicates there are 320,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide. This statistic positions drowning as the world’s number three cause of unintentional death. The good news is that people can potentially prevent drowning by learning to swim proficiently, being aware of the danger, and always following water-safe protocols.

    Drowning is quiet and quick

    A dangerous misconception is that the average person likens drowning to what they see on screen – frantic thrashing arms, loud screaming and waving are common depictions. There is a massive difference between how movie directors depict a drowning person and how it happens in reality. This ignorance has led to slow or no response to emergencies. A drowning person is silent, as they have no spare air for screaming. They may frantically ‘climb the ladder’ for a few seconds, but this can be easily overlooked.  Often, they are exhausted and simply give up and slip under. You must learn the real signs of distress in the water and be prepared to respond or call for help quickly. Always remain vigilant and observant around water.

    Always stay vigilant and within the arm’s reach of children to prevent drowning. Use buoyancy aids.

     It is vital to keep within arm’s reach and your eyes on children in any type of water – the bath, spa, pool, river, ocean, or a puddle. Not even for a second. Children and weak swimmers must also wear buoyancy vests when in or on the water out of their depth, though this does not replace vigilance and proximity.

    Swimming lessons are important to prevent drowning

    Australia has nearly 60 000km of coastline and 1.2 million backyard pools, so a large proportion of the population has easy access to recreational swimming, boating, and boarding. It stands to reason that everyone should learn to swim to a high proficiency and become skilled in the vagaries of ocean swimming. Ocean waves, wind, and rips require knowledge, training, and supported practice to swim safely. Vac Swim classes for children and adult swim lessons can improve pool swimming while joining the local surf club or tri-club can provide swimming knowledge in open water.

    Know and avoid risky swimming locations and dangerous behaviour near open water

    Swimming in cold lakes, streams, or rivers. Sudden immersion in these cold-water environments is dangerous due to:

    1. Coldwater shock (CWS), which is an involuntary inhalation that frequently happens on jumping into cold water. If this big breath occurs when the victim’s head is underwater, the victim will not resurface.

    2. Heart attack from vasoconstriction of the blood vessels

    3. Hypothermia, which causes confusion to even the most experienced swimmer

    4. Fast flowing water which may submerge and trap a swimmer Murky dark water makes it difficult to view a submerged swimmer to rescue them

    Avoid unsafe behavior

    1. Drinking alcohol on or near water

    2. Diving when water depth has not been ascertained

    3. Refusal to wear a life jacket when on any watercraft

    4. Inability to swim but going in regardless.

    Do not swim alone

    Always swim with a friend and never swim alone. Choose designated swimming locations and ensure lifeguards are on duty, then swim between the flags. Capable, swimming adults should supervise children vigilantly and always remain within arm’s reach.

    For aspiring lifeguards looking for ocean or pool Lifeguard courses in Perth, we have got you covered here at the WCWS.