YOUNG children will take to the water in the coming weeks to learn potentially lifesaving skills with Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Little Lifesavers program.
The program has been running across the state for more than two decades and will be held at Raby Bay from March 2.
The program consists of five Saturday morning sessions from 8am to 10am.
SLSQ’s Little Lifesavers program was launched in 1993 to introduce children aged five to 11 to some of the basic principles of water safety.
The program, run by qualified surf lifesavers, sees young children take part in a range of games and educational activities, designed to increase their confidence in the water and at the beach.
Young people are introduced to surf lifesaving skills including board paddling, wading, dolphin diving, beach sprints and flags.
SLSQ community awareness manager Helen Hallett said it was important for all children to have at least a basic understanding of surf safety.
“At its heart, Little Lifesavers is designed to ensure that kids have fun in the water while, at the same time, introducing them to some of the basics of beach safety through the guidance of qualified and fully-trained surf lifesavers,” Ms Hallett said.
“The kids participating are run through a wide range of games, sports, and educational activities which are all designed to slowly build up their confidence in the water, and educate them about how to stay safe at the beach.
“They also learn about basic rescue techniques, what to do if they find themselves in trouble while swimming, and simple first aid skills.
“If nothing else, these are skills they’ll be able to take with them for the rest of their lives.”
The Little Lifesavers program will be run every Saturday morning between March 2 and March 30 at Raby Bay foreshore park.
To register or obtain further information, visit lifesaving.com.au/littlelifesavers
