Baler Primary kids learn invaluable aquatic safety skills

Royal Life Saving WA Pilbara Development Officer, Jacqui Forbes, visited 11 Junior School classes at Baler Primary School in South Hedland recently, delivering Water Safety Talks to over 280 students.

Baler Primary School is the largest Primary School in Port Hedland and has a diverse range of students.

Jacqui spoke about water safety at home, local swimming pools, inland waterways, rivers and beaches. The children practiced swimming under waves, staying side on for stability and learned the Aqua Code - practicing emergency calls for if they are ever in danger. Mock rescues were also carried out, allowing the kids to get hands on experience as to what to do in an emergency.

Jacqui says talks like these are vitally important for these children. "Drowning is the leading cause of preventable death in children under the age of five in Australia. On average, four children under 5 drown each year in Western Australia. The Water Safety Talk is an interactive workshop equipping participants with water safety, safe rescue techniques, resuscitation and basic first aid skills that enable them to actively and safely participate in aquatic activities."

The kids, teachers and school were extremely grateful for the water safety talks. Royal Life Saving is working hard to provide more swimming lessons in The Pilbara, so members of local communities in the region can expand on the skills learned during talks and workshops such as those presented at Baler Primary.

Royal Life Saving gives special thanks to Heidi Ward, PE Specialist at Baler Primary School and our own Jacqui Forbes, for organising and delivering the talks. We'd also like to thank our supporters of the Swim and Survive Access and Equity Program in Port Hedland – Principal partner BHP and the Town of Port Hedland.

If you would like more information on how we are working to provide water safety information to communities across WA please click the link below.