First Aid Update

Promoting healthy swimming

Swimming is a great way to stay fit and active, and an important skill for life. As our school participates in swimming programs, it’s important we all take steps to stop the spread of germs at the pool. 

This summer, the Victorian Department of Health advises there has been an increase in the number of people infected with cryptosporidiosis (crypto) – a type of gastroenteritis. Some people are attending pools while infectious, which spreads the infection to others. 

To keep pools safe and clean for everyone, please follow these healthy swimming steps before we dive into the pool: 

• do not swim if you have diarrhoea
• shower and wash with soap before swimming
• wash your hands with soap after using the toilet
• avoid swallowing pool water
• change nappies in nappy-change areas only.

Please encourage your child to follow the above steps to support everyone’s safety in pools. Please also keep your child absent from swimming lessons at school if they have had gastroenteritis or diarrhoea in the 14 days before the lesson. 

Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or contact NURSE-ON-CALL by phone: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).

Find out more

For more information on protecting against gastroenteritis, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages:

• Healthy swimming, including a video with transcript
• Swimming – keeping the water clean
• Gastroenteritis in children.

Ms Lynsey Jane

Attendance/First Aid