School-Water-Safety-in-WA

1. School Water Safety in WA Welcome to West Coast Water Safety, where we believe that everyone should have the necessary knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around the water. In this presentation, we will discuss the importance of school water safety and what schools can do to promote it.

2. The Importance of School Water Safety 1 2 Statistics don't lie 📊 Early education is key 🏊‍♀️ Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, with the highest rates occurring among children aged 1-4 years. In Australia, 249 people lost their lives to drowning in 2020. Teaching water safety in schools can help children develop essential skills and knowledge, and reduce the risk of drowning incidents. 3 Prevention is better than cure 🛡️ By educating children on water safety, we can empower them to make safe decisions and enjoy the water safely.

3. Water-Related Hazards in Schools Unsupervised swimming Slippery surfaces Unsafe pool equipment Children may enter a pool or water feature without proper supervision, risking injury or drowning. Falls can occur on wet, slippery surfaces such as pool decks, which can result in fractures or head injuries. Equipment such as pumps and drains can be dangerous if not maintained and serviced regularly, posing a safety risk to swimmers.

4. Preventive Measures for Water-Related Accidents Education Clear signage Provide water safety education to students starting from an early age, teaching safe swimming techniques, rescue skills and CPR. Use signs to indicate water depths, cautionary messages about diving and running, and emergency instructions. 1 2 3 4 Supervision Regular maintenance Ensure that there is always a responsible adult present at pools or water features to supervise children and enforce safety rules. Regularly check pool equipment for wear and tear, and repair or replace damaged items. Ensure the pool's chemical balance is properly calibrated.

5. The Role of Schools in Promoting Water Safety Engage parents and caregivers 🤝 Integrate water safety into the curriculum 🎓 Provide practical training 🏊🏼‍♂️ Working together with parents can promote water safety at home and help students reinforce good habits. Water safety content can be included in core subjects like science and physical education to make learning engaging and relevant. Schools can offer practical swimming lessons and training to help students develop water skills and knowledge. Schools can also invite west coast water safety for safety demonstrations.

6. West Coast Water Safety Programs for Schools in WA Swim and Survive Be a Lifeguard CPR for Schools This program is designed to develop water safety skills and swimming skills, reinforcing safe and fun attitudes to being in the water. A one-day program that provides the opportunity for students to learn about what it's like to work as a lifeguard, covering water rescues and medical emergencies. This is an engaging and practical program that teaches students and school staff how to respond in an emergency situation using CPR and AEDs.

7. Conclusion and Call to Action Don't wait until it's too late 🛑 Join us in our mission 🌊 By promoting water safety in schools, we can help prevent drowning incidents and keep our communities safe. Make water safety a priority. By partnering with West Coast Water Safety, you can inspire the next generation to be conscious and responsible in and around the water.