Community groups equipped with water safety and child first aid knowledge

The Access and Equity team does a lot of work out of the pool in addition to the popular swim and survive programs. Recently they have been busy delivering Water Safety talks and Heart Beat Club sessions to at risk communities, which include culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) and Aboriginal communities throughout the Perth metro and regional WA.

The team has delivered 12 water safety talks and 10 Heart Beat Club sessions and have more scheduled for the upcoming weeks. More than 400 children and adults have so far taken part in our community Water Safety talks or Heart Beat Club. 

Water Safety talks are a part of the Water Smart Award. It is an engaging interactive workshop that teaches participants water safety in different aquatic environments, safe water rescue techniques, resuscitation and basic first aid skills.  

Heart Beat Club is a community education initiative that aims to increase skills and confidence in CPR and First Aid on infants and children. It is valuable for parents, grandparents and carers of children in most settings. The combination of these programs enhance the overall knowledge and ability of the community in both general emergencies as well as safety in, on and around water. 

We are able to do this impactful work through partnerships with Communicare, Edmund Rice Centre WA, Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre(MMRC), Australian Islamic College, Relationships Australia and many more. The sessions are funded by the Department of Health. 

RLSSWA is ensuring vulnerable communities are educated on how to be safe in and around water this summer. 

Click below to learn how you can participate in these programs.