Making a Splash with Water Safety

Post Created: 05 December 2024

For the past several months, participants in Onemda's Glenroy Living, Learning and Social Skills (LLS) program have been diving into essential life skills as part of their weekly swimming sessions at Splash Swimming Pool. This initiative is designed to equip participants with vital water safety knowledge and swimming skills in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment.

The Water Safety program focuses on helping participants become confident and self-aware in and around water. Staff and swim instructors teach participants how to recognise and respond to water-related dangers, including how to call for help, assist someone in need, and engage in basic rescue techniques. Practical swimming skills such as floating, kicking, blowing bubbles, and treading water are also taught to ensure participants develop foundational swimming capabilities while building confidence and reducing panic in challenging situations.

Participants have made remarkable progress in familiarising themselves with swimming terms and techniques, overcoming initial hesitations, and learning to stay calm and seek help when needed. The program’s holistic approach combines skill-building with repeated practice to reinforce safety and confidence in the water.

The success of this program has sparked enthusiasm within the campus team, who are eager to make it a regular feature. To achieve this, the team is seeking grant funding to hire a dedicated swim instructor to support staff and participants. With formal training for staff, the program could run throughout the year and expand to other Onemda campuses, spreading its invaluable impact across the community.

Stay tuned as Onemda continues to promote water safety and life skills, empowering participants to thrive in all areas of life!