Michaela Meade
Hume parents are ensuring their children are safe around water.
There’s been a surge in demand for swimming lessons following the coronavirus pandemic putting a stop to classes in 2020, according to Hume council.
Acting director of corporate services Gavan O’Keefe said educating the community about safety in and around water is “essential”.
“Once [lockdown] restrictions eased across Victoria and we were able to reopen, we ran two intensive programs, focusing on water safety to help families prepare for the summer season,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“We knew that some students would regress after almost nine months between lessons, so it was great to see many eager to return, as well as many new students who’ve chosen to start their swimming journey with us.”
Mr O’Keefe said leisure centres across Hume – Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre, and Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre – have had an influx of student enrolments following the COVID-19 shutdown last year.
“Late last year, we had 4893 students enrolled across all three leisure centres and this has now increased to 5471.”
As at February 28 this year there have been 84 drowning deaths reported in Australia this summer compared with 66
drowning deaths recorded for the same time in 2020. Twenty of this year’s drowning deaths have been in Victoria.
For details about swimming lessons across Hume, visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/Residents/Leisure-and-Open-Space/Leisure-Centres.
