As the weather begins to warm up, Ipswich residents are being urged to put safety first as council prepares to host a series of free water safety programs.
Ipswich City Council will host a series of free water safety programs for children and adults to raise awareness about safety around swimming pools and spas, along with the importance of pool and spa compliance and fencing.
Community and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said the return to warmer weather in the months ahead would also signal a return to time in the pool and outdoor spas for many residents.
“It’s important to make safety around water a priority. Swimming is an essential life skill for all ages and it’s never too early or late to learn – it could save a life,” Cr Madsen said.
“In January 2021, statistics showed pool drownings as the leading cause of death for children under five in Queensland. Council provides free swimming lessons to help promote water safety.”
Free swimming lessons will be offered for residents at the following locations:
- Bundamba Swim Centre – from 9 October, six free 30-minute lessons one day per week for children aged five and under.
- Orion Lagoon, Springfield Central – from 4 November, four free one-hour lessons one day per week for those aged six and over with a disability. Lessons are run by a qualified disability instructor in collaboration with Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Water STAARS program.
- Orion Lagoon, Springfield Central – from 9 to 13 December, free adult swim classes run in collaboration with Royal Life Saving Society Queensland. Lessons will run for five consecutive days, with each lesson being one hour.
“In September, council will also be running a safety promotion on the importance of having compliant pool and spa fencing.
“This important safety message will be reinforced again in December, which is national Check Your Pool Gate Month,” Cr Madsen said.
Council’s SEAL Pool Safety Program is designed to encourage active participation from all ages in water safety programs, such as swimming lessons, supervision around water, CPR and fencing compliance.
For more information on the Current Pool and Spa Safety Standards, the SEAL Program and Learn to Swim classes visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/seal, contact the Pool Safety Team by phone on (07) 3810 6120 or email [email protected]
