The Town of Port Hedland will be launching a free aquatics education program for young swimmers next week.
“Tiny Tides Playgroup,” offers instructor-led water play sessions for children under 4 that will provide early exposure to water safety in a welcoming environment for families.
Staring November 13, sessions will run weekly on Thursdays from 9-10:30am at South Hedland Aquatic Centre–Registration is not required, however sessions will be capped at 20 families.
Manager Recreation & Leisure Facilities, Claire MacIntyre, believes that empowering families with practical water safety knowledge and experience will help close the gap and reduce the risk of drowning and other water-related accidents.
“We identified some families couldn’t access programs due to cost or confidence. So, we created the aquatic playgroup to introduce children to water and offer a chance to connect with likeminded families,” Mrs MacIntyre said.
By providing free, regular access to structured waterplay in a supportive setting, children develop essential water familiarity and confidence that reduces barriers to formal swimming education.
Parents also gain a better understanding of the risks for young children around water and how to improve overall safety. This experience is particularly beneficial for families from non-swimming backgrounds who may not be comfortable around water.
Ultimately, the aim is to promote a foundation for lifelong water safety behaviours that will help keep everybody safe–at the pools, at home, and at the beach.
Watch Around Water and our Standard Conditions of Entry [PDF 250 KB] apply at all times.
Ordinary Entry Fees apply to parents/guardians.
For more information, please email swimschool@porthedland.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9158 9772.