If you’re searching for an activity that’s both fun and valuable for your kids, Surf Life Saving Queensland has the perfect program for you! Little Lifesavers is making a splash once again at Orion Lagoon, Springfield.
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This exciting program is designed to boost your child’s confidence in the water while teaching essential lifesaving skills through a variety of engaging activities.
Program Details
- Dates: Sundays 16 and 23 February, and 2, 9, and 16 March
- Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (sign-on starts at 7:45 AM)
- Location: Orion Lagoon, Springfield
- Ages: 5 to 12 years
Key Lessons and Activities
Little Lifesavers offers a comprehensive program filled with practical water safety and rescue techniques. Participants will engage in the following:
- Water Safety Presentation: Covers essential topics such as flags, signs, sun safety, rips, signalling for help, lifesavers, rescue equipment, and inland waterways.
- Water Skills: Includes wading, dolphin diving, floating, underwater skills, and survival techniques.
- Rescues: Teaches various rescue methods like reach, throw, and tubes. Participants also learn the recovery position and gain awareness of CPR.
- Board Paddling: Focuses on board paddling techniques and executing board rescues effectively.
- Flags: Features traditional beach flags alongside a modified version played in the water.
- Beach Activities: Incorporates obstacle courses, beach sprints, relays, and team-building exercises.
Why Choose Little Lifesavers?
Little Lifesavers is an engaging way for kids aged 5 to 12 to build water safety awareness and teamwork while having a blast. It’s the ideal program to ensure your child gains confidence in the water while making new friends and enjoying outdoor activities.
What’s Included in the Program?
Here’s what you can expect:
- Rash Shirt: New participants will need to purchase a long-sleeved Little Lifesavers rash shirt for the program. Returning participants can reuse their existing shirts or opt to buy a new one.
- Little Lifesavers Pack: First-time participants will receive a backpack, water bottle, and activity booklet.
- Completion Certificate: Each child will be awarded a certificate upon completing the program—a proud memento of their hard work.
- BBQ Lunch: On the final day, enjoy a celebratory BBQ featuring sausages on bread and Zooper Doopers for all participants.
Why It Matters
Water safety is a critical skill, especially in a country like Australia, where water activities are a big part of life. Swimming also holds a special place in Australia as the nation’s most successful Olympic sport. With the country’s vast 34,000-kilometer coastline, it’s no surprise that swimming plays a significant role in the lives of many children.
However, the enjoyment of swimming relies on children having the skills to do so safely. Concerns have been raised after the Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s 2022 symposium revealed a decline in participation among children aged 8-10 in swimming programs. This trend could impact not only their safety in the water but also their ability to fully enjoy the benefits of swimming.
Little Lifesavers equips kids with the confidence and know-how they need to stay safe while enjoying the water. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet new friends and create lasting memories.
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How to Get Involved
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! For more information and to register your child, visit Surf Life Saving Queensland’s website. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early.
Published 21-January-2025