Council offers free water safety programs for adults and children
23 August 2022
Ipswich residents can brush up on water safety through a series of free programs this spring and summer as part of council’s efforts to support children and adults to be safe in and around the water.
The free water safety events include children’s SEAL Water Safety and Swimming Lessons and Royal Life Saving Society Queensland adult water safety and learn to swim lessons.
Alongside these events, council is also working to promote pool safety and will be running a pool fence and gate safety program throughout September.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said with the warmer months approaching there was no better time to brush up on water safety.
“Pool ownership continues to increase in Australia, with Queensland having one of the highest levels of pool ownership in the country,” Cr Fechner said.
“However, pools come with serious risks and unfortunately drowning is one of the leading causes of death in Queensland for children under the age of five.
“Swimming is an important life skill for all ages and learning how to swim saves lives.”
Free swim lessons will be offered for Ipswich residents at the following locations:
- Leichhardt Swim Centre – from 1 September, four free 30-minute lessons over four weeks for children aged five and under.
- Bundamba Swim Centre – from 10 October, four free 30-minute lessons over four weeks for children aged five and under.
- Orion Lagoon, Springfield Central – 21 to 25 November and 5 to 9 December, free adult learn to swim lessons. Lessons will run for five consecutive days, with each lesson 45 minutes.
“As well as learning to swim, a vital part of water safety is ensuring the pools we love to splash into on a warm day are safe,” Cr Fechner said.
“Across Australia, December is Check Your Pool Gate Month but there is no better time than now as we head into spring to ensure your pool gate and fence is in good working order.
“A thorough safety check of your pool fence and gate takes very little time but could have a life changing impact if not done regularly.
“I encourage all Ipswich pool owners to check their pool fence each season; it could save a life.”
For more information about swimming pools, spas and safety barrier regulations, visit here.
For more information about the SEAL water safety program and learn to swim events, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/seal