t is important for Parents to understand the benefits and what to expect with their childs pre school Swimming and Water Safety Program. In this articlae we explore what you should expect at a minimum.

Key Features of Pre School Programs

At this stage of the learn to swim journey the Swim School programs should focus on the development of confidence and competence in a range of foundation swimming and water safety skills that will be built upon

in the later stages. Students will become familiar with the water and by the end of this stage have the ability to perform basic skills independently.

• Ages from 3 years to 5 years

• Independent participation

• Learn and develop fundamental movement skills

• Transition level for less confident

What can I expect my child to learn?

This stage provides opportunities for students to explore and learn about moving in and under the

water. The content provides a basis to develop knowledge and skills for students to safely enjoy the water in a supervised environment. It provides opportunities to identify dangers inherent in a range of aquatic environments but specifically the home. In addition, the content enables students to explore the people who are

important to their safety and to develop a basic understanding of the importance of calling for help and self-preservation in an aquatic emergency.

It enables students to develop and practise swimming and water safety skills through structured activities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Pre School a student should be able to recognise and follow basic safety rules in an aquatic environment, perform a range of fundamental skills and recover to safety from a simulated accidental entry. Specifically this includes:

• Identifying and describing where water can be found in locations at or near the home

• Identifying an emergency and actions to help

• Describing and following rules for safe behaviour in aquatic environments at or near the home

• Entering and exiting shallow water unassisted

• Floating and recovering to a standing or secure position

• Submerging the body and moving through an obstacle

• Moving continuously for a distance of 5 metres

• Performing a survival sequence

What Qualifications should my teacher have?

All Swim Teachers who are teaching Pre School children should hold a unit of competency which is nationally recognised from the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training package. Upon successful completion of all assessment requirements, candidates will be issued a Statement of Attainment for the following unit:

• SISCAQU008 Instruct water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills

• SISCAQU009 Instruct water safety and survival skills

• SISCAQU010 Instruct swimming strokes

• SISCAQU002 Perform basic water rescues

Parent and Carer Involvement

Parent and carer involvement is a massive factor for children’s enjoyment and engagement in the learning process as well as their skill progression and achievement. The best way to do this is to be actively involved and get wet!

Preschool age children who have been participating regularly in swimming lessons or who have progressed from infant and toddler lessons, can now participate independently with the teacher.

Preschool age children love showing off their skills throughout lessons so even though parents and carers are not in the water, they have an important role to play in acknowledging small achievements and providing encouragement and emotional support.

You as a Parent should also be receiving a range of safety information to help understand and educate your child. This includes such things as:

• Statistics and Facts of Child Drowning

• Child Drowning Strategies

• Parent / Carer Supervision and Common Distrations

• The important of restricting access in and around the home

• Bath Safety

• How to Perform CPR