SWIMSAFER Week
Floating Can Save Lives – Join Us 18-24 November 2024
With the alarming rise in drowning incidents, it’s more important than ever to equip families with life-saving water safety skills.
Did you know that drowning deaths at Australian beaches have surged by 45% compared to the 10-year average?
At Castle Hill Swimming, we are committed to making a difference by participating in SWIMSAFER Week 2024, running from 18-24 November.
This year’s focus is on the life-saving skill of floating. Floating is not just for fun – it’s a critical survival technique that can provide the precious time needed to be rescued during a water emergency. SWIMSAFER Week has partnered with Float to Survive Australia and water safety advocate Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins from Bondi Rescue, to bring this essential skill to the forefront of our water safety efforts.
Why Floating Matters:
Research shows that nearly 45% of parents rate their children’s floating ability as poor or average, yet 95% of parents acknowledge that floating could save their child’s life in an emergency. By learning to float, children and adults alike can conserve energy and buy vital time if caught in strong currents, rip tides, or unexpected water emergency situations.
At Castle Hill Swimming, we believe every family should know how to float safely.
5 Steps to Float to Survive Australia:
To help everyone prepare for water safety, here are the five simple steps to follow in a water emergency:
1. Keep calm and control your breath.
2. Lay back in the water and tilt your head.
3. Extend your arms and legs to increase buoyancy.
4. Move your arms and legs in circular motions to maintain balance.
5. Signal for help by raising one hand while floating.
Let’s Prioritise Water Safety Together
Join us during SWIMSAFER Week to learn how to float, survive, and enjoy the water safely. Let’s work together to create a safer swimming season for all.