Water-safe children

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 415, 3 December 1991, Page 2

Water-safe children

BYJOHOWEE Children from the Waiouru Junior Department were taught all about water safety last week. The new entrants, and J1 class members had three lessons from the Army Physical Training instructors and school teachers on how to save themselves, or others in and around water. Lance Corporal Marcus Fowler, the PTT and Brenda O'Loughlin a school teacher, compered a programme suitable for this age group in prepration for the summer holidays. "We've tried to teach the children how to use everyday objects that would be accessible to them if they either need to be rescued or are in the position of being the rescuer," Brenda said. The children learnt how to rescue someone in difficulty using a broom, chilli bin, rope, hose, empty orangecask or wine-cask,

flutter boards and a ball. Mr Hill, a parent helper, taught the classes about what to do if a boat capsized, and practised climbing out

of a sinking dinghy in the pool. Brenda said it was important the children gained confidence in the water before the summer

holidays. She said the programme was based on an aquapass approach, which is part of the physical education and social studies syllabus.