Michaela Meade
Local children are jumping back into swimming lessons, with JUMP Swim schools experiencing the highest level of winter enrolments on record.
JUMP swim schools reported thousands more enrolments this winter across its Victorian locations, including at South Morang, Craigieburn and Bundoora – a 28 per cent increase compared with 2019 enrolments.
A swim school spokesperson said the rise in enrolments was a result of parents becoming more educated and aware of the importance of maintaining swimming skills.
“There’s also a lot of messaging by water safety authorities around how many drownings happen during winter.
“This messaging is really starting to break through and resonate with parents.”
JUMP swim schools chief executive Mark Collins said it was important for children to continue to practice their swimming skills during the colder months.
“Water accidents don’t always happen in summer,” Mr Collins said.
“It only takes two to three weeks to start losing core swimming skills.
“If children take the winter months off, by the time they go on September school holidays, they’ve lost most of their skills which puts them at serious risk.”
The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2020 revealed that drowning deaths occurred as often in July as in February – with 22 deaths reported in each month.
Mr Collins highlighted the importance of getting back to the pool for practice after Victoria’s most recent COVID-19 lockdown.
“Lockdowns have definitely interrupted lessons and swimming progress in Victoria, so it’s more important than ever to get back to the pool,” he said.
Details: jumpswimschools.com.au/register
