Over 84 per cent of teens aged between 15 to 16 are at risk of drowning by not meeting basic lifesaving requirements, according to Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA).
In response to this skill gap, Belgravia Leisure is offering a $100 Kickstart to Swim Sponsorship to help families with teens to swim 400 metres and tread water for five minutes.
The GOswim Teen Program is being offered across 18 Victorian venues including Whittlesea Swim Centre and Mill Park Leisure Centre.
The program offers a tailored learn to swim program for students aged between 13 and 17 years of age. The course includes water safety and survival skills to reduce incidents in open water environments when teens are with their peers and possibly, without supervision.
At Mill Park Leisure Centre the demand for teen swimming lessons is soaring.
Aquatic Services Manager Carolina Curcic said the program is popular, and since last year, class offerings are up by 21 percent.
“We recognise that teens may feel uncomfortable learning alongside younger children, so we offer lessons with peers of a similar age,” she said.
“This fosters a supportive and confidence-building environment, ensuring students’ progress at their own pace.”
15-year-old student Phoenix Dibarno, a teen beginner at Mill Park Leisure Centre is enjoying the challenge of his weekly learn to swim class. His mother Simonette Dibarno said that Phoenix did not have the opportunity to gain experience with his school.
“I just assumed that learning to swim was a part of the school curriculum, but unfortunately this wasn’t the case,” she said.
“I’m so pleased that Phoenix is now picking up these skills so quickly, and I can see that he’s already so much more confident not only in the pool, but also at the lake and the beach.”
To make the most of this limited time offer register your interest at www.belgravialeisure.com.au/teen-kickstart/.
