THE owner of a Jimboomba pool serving company has called on swim schools to offer free lessons as Learn2Swim Week approaches.
Poolwerx Jimboomba owner Jeff Duncker said 36 per cent of parents who registered their child for Learn2Swim Week last year had suffered a near-drowing experience or knew someone who almost drowned.
"It is scary to think so many people have had to face such a terrifying experience with a loved one," Mr Duncker said.
"We know the ability to swim is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of childhood drowning, so we need to introduce more kids to water familiarisation as early as possible."
Mr Duncker said it was vital for everyone to develop basic swimming skills to minimise the risk of near death experiences.
"Learning to swim is one of the top drowning prevention measures. It is a lifesaving skill every child needs to know and we're calling on all local swim schools to get involved with Learn2Swim Week to help us achieve our ultimate goal of having zero drownings in under-fives," he said.
"Children aged 0-4 years are at the highest risk for both fatal and non-fatal drownings and for every five children admitted to hospital following immersion, one will be left with potentially severe or persisting brain impairment."
Learn2Swim Week program ambassador and creator of Kids Alive - Do the Five Laurie Lawrence said Learn2Swim Week had a good track record in promoting pool safety.
"Last year, 66 per cent of parents who participated in the event kept their children in swimming lessons long-term, which shows the message is getting through and parents are understanding how vital learning about water safety is," he said
Swim schools can register to be part of Learn2Swim Week by August 14.
Learn2Swim Week will run from September 30 to October 7 this year.
