Water safety education program expanded through Australian dance schools

Dance schools are set to play a major role in combating drowning rates across Australia. A partnership between Kids Alive and Ready Set Dance will roll out new interactive water safety shows at early education centres across the country from September. The series — targeted to kids under five — aims to expose children to water safety education in ways that are “fun, engaging and memorable”. Content will focus on lessons such as the importance of adult supervision and messages for water safety at the home, pools, farms and beaches. Canning Vale’s Cuddles Daycare became one of the first centres in the State to receive the program from this week. Royal Life Saving Australia’s National Drowning Report revealed drownings under the age of five had decreased last year, with 15 children having drowned, a 10 per cent drop on the 10-year average. The report found those from regional or disadvantaged areas drowned at higher rates, particularly between the ages of five and 14 years old. Kids Alive managing director Emma Lawrence said efforts needed to remain on preventing the drowning of young children, who were still at risk. “The steady decline in drowning rates among young children over recent years highlights the impact of ongoing public awareness, education, and advocacy initiatives,” she said. “Nevertheless, this age group continues to be at significant risk, making it crucial to sustain and build upon these efforts to ensure the positive progress achieved over the past two decades remains on track.” She said the messages in the new water safety initiatives used repetition as a tool to engage children. Ready Set Dance coordinator Jacquie La Roche said she was thrilled to be a part of the initiative. “Through these interactive shows we can make water safety a natural part of children’s lives, blending the joy of dance with lessons that could save lives,” she said.