Assistant Principal's Report

Playing it safe by the water

As we head into the warmer months of the year, it’s a perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of water safety, especially with so many family activities happening near the water. Whether you're visiting the beach or enjoying rivers, lakes, or pools, taking a few moments to refresh your water safety knowledge can make a huge difference. Understanding the risks in different environments, from spotting rip currents at the beach to being aware of hidden dangers in inland waterways, helps keep everyone safe.

Water safety is just as important at home as it is in outdoor environments. If you have a pool or spa, active supervision is critical. Even in shallow water, it only takes 20 seconds for a child to be at risk of drowning. For younger children, being within arm’s reach, and keeping under 10s within eyesight at all times, is the best way to ensure their safety. Remember to have a clear supervision plan when hosting gatherings around water to avoid lapses in attention.

To support your efforts, there are many excellent resources available online. Life Saving Victoria provides activities, videos, and guides, including their Water Safety @ Home resources and the CPR for Kids @ Home videos. These tools are fantastic for reinforcing water safety skills and ensuring that both parents and children feel confident around water. You can find more information by visiting Life Saving Victoria's website or exploring their Swim City game to help kids learn about water safety in a fun and engaging way.

More resources for supporting water safety

Surf Lifesaving Victoria website: SLSA Beachsafe

Life Saving Victoria’s Water safety tips: Newsletter articles portrait (Newsletter) (axcelerate.com)