Water Safety on Holidays

Winter is often a popular time for families to seek warmer weather on holidays. With warmer weather however, comes exposure to more aquatic environments. Some of these environments your family (especially children) may not be as familiar with, such as beaches, water parks, resort pools, and rivers, just to name a few. Perhaps they are places you have visited before on holidays - but these may have changed since your last visit.

​We have looked once again to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) for their advice:

• Unfamiliar aquatic locations:
  Conditions can change rapidly in natural environments and often an afternoon swim can be very different to a morning swim - even if you return to the same area. Beaches and rivers which may have been calm at one time during the day can quickly develop strong currents at other times. Before you enter any body of water, take the time to observe the water and check for signs of rips or currents.
  
  
• Beach safety:
  In Australia we are constantly reminded to "swim between the flags" however you may find yourself at a beach overseas (or even here in Australia) which is not patrolled by lifeguards. Where possible, always choose a beach that is patrolled and before entering the water observe for signs of any rips or currents. As near all bodies of water, always actively supervise your children.
  
  
• Water parks and resort pools with water activities:
  Just like in public pools, there are lifeguards on duty at water parks (but not necessarily in resort pools). Whilst lifeguards are an important feature in helping families stay safer in the water, they are never intended to replace active parental supervision. Children can become quickly distracted by the exciting features in both water parks and resort pools, and if not within arms reach of you can wander quickly out of sight (and out of their depth). RLSSA urges parents and guardians to remain within arms reach of children at all times when enjoying these facilities.
  
  
• Inland waterways:
  Rivers, lakes and dams are another popular holiday destination, particularly for campers. It is critical to highlight that conditions in these environments can change hourly and without warning. Currents can develop or change direction and speed; banks that were dry may become slippery; and river beds can shift so that an area that you could previously stand on is no longer possible. Many of these environments are made more dangerous with murky water - there may be objects submerged that you cannot see and unknown depths. Never dive in, and always enter the water slowly with feet first.
  
  
• Ways to keep your family safer:
  RLSSA encourages families to talk to their children about water safety. Discuss with them that they are not to enter the water without a parent present. With children who are more competent swimmers here at Col Jones, it is important to explain that even though they are a great swimmer, their ability to swim can change rapidly in different conditions. As always, actively supervise your children around bodies of water. In larger groups, designate a responsible supervisor!

For more information on how to become safer around water, head to https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/families . The advice they provide is invaluable.

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator) ​

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