Goggles on and ready to make a splash, pupils from Brighton-Le-Sands Public School are dipping their toes into an innovative water safety program.
The school has partnered with the NSW School Sport Unit to deliver a learn to swim course.
Pupils have been taking part in a free swimming program that caters for all levels of ability, at Brighton Baths, headed by Austswim-trained teachers.
Principal Steven Mead says the initiative is more affordable, and gives children the chance to appreciate their surroundings.
“One of the exciting things about the program has been seeing students re-connect with their local environment and develop their swimming and water safety skills in an area where they regularly swim with their family,” he said.
“Costs associated with pool entry and bus travel has made access to any form of learn to swim program more expensive. Unfortunately, this has resulted in reduced participation in these programs.
“This initiative is something that has had great interest from a number of school and community organisations.”
Pupils have also been involved in beach safety lessons delivered in classrooms by lifesavers from Surf Life Saving NSW.
