As pandemic restrictions ease in metro Victoria, children are diving back into swimming lessons.
JUMP! Swim School, which operates at Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook, re-opened on Monday.
The swim schools provide lessons to youngsters aged from three years, with bookings essential.
Like municipal pools and other swim schools, JUMP! had to close its Victorian facilities on March 23 due to the pandemic lockdown.
JUMP! chief executive Mark Collins said that being able to re-open this week was “very exciting”.
“Swimming is not an activity most kids can practice at home – it requires a suitable pool and the qualified swim teachers that come with it,” says Mark.
“This means local children have had no exposure to swimming skills since March.
“Taking time off from learning to swim often results in loss of confidence and skill – and usually we see the effects if children have more than three weeks or so off.
“Considering most children have had more than six months off already, the loss in confidence and basic, life-savings skills is very likely and immensely concerning.”
Mr Collins said that as warmer weather approaches, families might start spending more time in and around water.
“This will mean time spent around pools, rivers, beaches and other bodies of water where the chances of accidents happening are heightened,” he said.
Mr Collins said it was important for parents to keep an eye on their children around water and to talk to them about water safety.
When at the beach, only swim in areas that are manned by a lifeguard.
Details: www.jumpswimschools.com.au.
