Muswellbrook mums and dads are being urged to take time out during the school holidays to make sure their children have the skills to save themselves from drowning.
There has been a worrying jump in aquatic deaths in the post-COVID-19 era, during which lockdowns and social distancing forced the closure of swim schools.
Of the 99 drowning deaths over the summer of 2023-24, 10 per cent were children aged under 14.
One in three occurred in NSW.
Muswellbrook mayor Steve Reynolds said reality TV has shown us the importance of teaching children to swim as early as possible.
“We’ve seen so many things on shows like Bondi rescue that could be preventable,” Cr Reynolds said.
“Whether you’re down at one of the pools in Muswellbrook or in your back yard, it’s vital to learn that.”
Cr Reynolds said enrolments are now open for the intensive Learn to Swim program during the holidays.
“Please … get your kids enrolled and head down to the aquatic centre. It’s a life skill.”
The Learn to Swim program gets underway on Monday and runs until July and finish on July 20.
Bookings can be made by calling 6549 3786.
