A FORMER local lifeguard says there’s an epidemic of kids who can’t swim in Tamworth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While instructors say cost is often driving parents away from learn-to-swim classes.
Cameron McFarlane spent 13 years watching over local pools and has since dedicated his time teaching water safety and CPR to primary school students.
RELATED ARTICLE:
Mr McFarlane said the amount of competent junior swimmers in Tamworth was a worrying sign.
“We’ve got kids going to high school that still can’t swim,” he told The Leader.
“Tamworth’s lacking drastically in learn-to-swim programs and we’ve got an epidemic of kids that can’t swim, which is a real worrying sign.
“So, I think we need to promote learn-to-swim classes a lot heavier in Tamworth and the New England area to try and counteract drowning deaths basically.”
It comes after the 2017 Royal Life Saving national drowning report revealed inland waterways were the most fatal location in the country.
There were 237 drowning deaths in 2016/17 with 97 occurring in inland waters.
Mr McFarlane said it was the unknown factors which contributed to the danger of inland waterways and offered some tips for staying safe.
“It’s the unknown with the muddy creek waters,” he said.
“What they can do to make themselves safer is never swim alone; always swim with a buddy.
“Never drink alcohol or take drugs while swimming, know effective CPR and ensure you’re a competent swimmer and ensuring all children are in learn to swim classes.”
‘It costs too much’
Parents are struggling to stay above water with rising costs, which is pushing swim lessons further down the list of priorities for families, says a local swim instructor.
Annette Denby runs learn-to-swim classes at Hallsville on the outskirts of Tamworth and she said cost is the biggest barrier.
“Families being able to afford classes is the biggest factor,” Mrs Denby said.
“The cost of power, phone bills and rates keep going up and swimming lessons just get out of reach.”
Mrs Denby agreed there was a need for more opportunities, not just in Tamworth, right around the region and pointed to the fact a family had driven from from Merriwa for lesson on Wednesday.
She said she’s tried to drive down her costs by offering “family rates”.
“You have to make a decisions, we’re not just here to take money, we assist the community too,” she said.
While battling rising costs, Mrs Denby said swimming was a skill for life.
“Your kids might play touch footy, but those skills won’t save their life,” she said.
In a bid to ease the load on parents, the state government will begin offering rebates of up to $100 per child for sporting activities including swimming lessons.
RELATED ARTICLE: