Under 5s can learn to swim for free

Parents are being encouraged to register children under five years old for free swimming lessons as part of next months national Poolwerx Learn2Swim Week.

Several local swim schools are participating in the water safety initiative after recent research showed 36 per cent of parents have had a child or knew someone whose child had a near drowning experience.

Data also revealed 18 children under five years old lost their lives through cases of drowning last year, 12 of which were in backyard pools. Supported by Kids Alive — Do the Five, Learn2Swim Week aims to remind parents about the importance of teaching children under five to swim and general water safety information ahead of the swimming season.

Kids Alive — Do the Five founder Laurie Lawrence said while the number of accidental drownings in swimming pools in Australia was decreasing, under-fives had one of the highest drowning rates in the country.

“Last year 66 per cent of parents who participated in the event kept their children in swimming lessons long-term, which shows the message is getting through and parents are understanding how vital learning to swim is,” he said.

Learn2Swim Week will run from September 30 to October 7, with children under five eligible for free lessons at Aqua Jetty in Warnbro, State Swim Secret Harbour, and Jump Swim Schools Port Kennedy. To register or for more information click here