Pool fun with a safety message

A recent spate of toddler drownings should have parents thinking more about water safety.

According to The Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Report, last year, 110 people drowned, with males almost three times more likely to drown than females.

Regional and remote NSW recorded higher rates of drowning than metropolitan areas, with the majority of people drowning in inland waterways (35 percent), including rivers, lakes, dams, and creeks.

This Sunday, April 6, is your chance to bring the family along to brush up on water safety.

Make your way to the Oak Flats pool for an afternoon of games, prizes and swim safety demonstrations thanks to the Royal Life Saving Society and Shellharbour City Council.

Families can participate in games such as Safety Simon Says and a noodle race. There will also be Singstar competitions and prize draws for Playstations and CDs.

Ian Kennerley, Illawarra regional manager, Royal Life Saving NSW branch said the Active Family Fun Day is all about participation and having a great time in the water.

“Sunday will be a great opportunity for families to come to the pool and get involved,” he said.

“They can have some fun while learning some really valuable safety skills.”

Activities at the Active Family Fun Day are based on Royal Life Saving’s Swim and Survive program.

This program begins with the most basic techniques such as safe entry and exit from the water, right through to level 16, which is the bronze medallion certificate.

This Sunday, you can test your skills in the survival circuit and learn how to rescue and resuscitate.

The Active Family Fun Day will run from 1pm to 3pm.

For more information call Oak Flats pool, Kingston Street, Oak Flats, telephone 4256 1362.