Learning to swim is one thing, but VICSWIM have made it their mission to ensure children can not only survive in pools and spas, but open water areas as well.
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For three weeks, instructors will been holding Open Water Learn lessons at the Crusoe Reservoir, where they will learn what it's like to stay safe around lakes, rivers and dams and more.
Swim teacher Sam Watkins said teaching children these valuable lessons is more important now than ever.
"Given the last two years restrictions on children being able to access swimming lessons, these classes are very timely and very important to our young swimmers," she said.
"Because of the pandemic, we have seen the level of skilled swimmers decline and it is concerning to see.
"But we want to do what we can to make sure we change that.
"When they come to our classes, we have the expectation that they do have some knowledge and swimming skills and we build on that.
"We know there are pools in regional areas, but we've seen that a lot of country kids will go and choose a channel or river before they head into town on a hot day."
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During Open Water Learn lessons, children are taught how to be safe in and around murky waters.
"Students are being taught how to swim in open water, they are learning the differences between swimming in a lake compared to a swimming pool and they are also being taught the dangers of swimming in open water," Ms Watkins said.
"They experience wearing life jackets and are taught survival skills, should they find themselves in trouble in open water.
"You can't open your eyes in murky water and there are times when you make need to quickly jump in the water fully clothed, so we are able to teach these children how to handle that."
Ms Watkins said there were very few swim instructors around the state that teach these open water classes.
"While we've been holding these classes in Bendigo for about four years now, there are only seven of us in the state that teach these classes," she said.
"It hasn't been a massive thing, but we want to change that and ensure all children know how to be safe around any body of water.
"We are always looking for people who are interested in helping us teach these children valuable lessons."
Lessons at the reservoir began on January 3 and will run until January 21.
There is still two weeks left of the program in Bendigo and spots can still be secured by visiting vicswim.com.au
If you are or know a qualified learn to swim teacher who would like get involved, send through an email to info@vicswim.com.au or call 03 9271 3800.
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