Water safety education for Newman community

With summer underway water safety needs to be front of mind in communities right across WA. Royal Life Saving WA’s Pilbara Development Officer Jacqui Forbes visited Newman recently to share water safety information with children and parents.

Jacqui was invited to attend the South Newman Primary School to present water safety talks in four different classes, teaching children the basics of the aqua code, safe entries, safe rescue techniques and personal safety for all aquatic settings. The children had a great time simulating reach rescue, dressing up as lifeguards and learning how to survive in cold water. This children also received a Swim and Survive Aqua Quiz book so that they can continue their learning.

The school’s Physical Education Teacher Hayley Mews is also planning to incorporate more lifesaving events into the school’s swimming carnivals so that the children can put the skills they’ve learned into practise.

Jacqui also attended the Newman Neighbourhood Centre where she conducted a Heart Beat Club for parents in the community. Royal Life Saving Heart Beat Club courses aim to increase the skills of parents and carers of young children so they have the confidence to perform CPR and First Aid on infants and children.

This training session at Newman covered first aid for common child injuries including burns and scolds, choking, drowning, while also providing information on how to perform infant and child CPR. The session was very much appreciated by the parents who took part.

For more information on Royal Life Saving Water Safety Talks for your local school please click the link below.

If you’d like to take part in the Royal Life Saving Heart Beat Club course you can find out more information and register at this link.