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Rochester swimmers need to get back in the pool, swim school says
PARENTS in Rochester are concerned for the safety of their children around water, as swim schools remain closed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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After instructors closed and then opened for a month, before shutting the pool gate once more, there are concerns the lives of some children will be at risk coming into the warmer months.
“Swimming lessons are the only after-school activity that will save lives,” Rochester Swim Club president and concerned parent Jodie Lambert said.
“Whether it's private lessons or through local schools or swim clubs, our children will be so behind and we can't expect them to just be able to jump back in the pool and know how to swim.”
Although outdoor schools are open according to the "reopening roadmap" laid out by Premier Daniel Andrews earlier this month, students still have to wait until November 23 before being able to take a dip if they want like to swim inside.
“Under the third step of our roadmap, outdoor pools in regional Victoria can open for up to 50 people per pool, or up to the number of people allowed when the four-square metre rule is applied,” a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said.
“Schools using outdoor pools have an exception to this cap, where they have exclusive use of the pool during their visit.”
Ms Lambert said while there were caps on the amount of children and adults allowed at outdoor pools, there will be more reason for children to find somewhere else to swim.
“These kids have been cooped up inside for so long they will look for water and go anywhere to find it,” she said.
Local swim schools were confused by the roadmap snub.
“We just don't understand why we were allowed to open the first time we started to come out of lockdown, but now there's no mention,” Splash and Learn to Swim owner Maree Macague said.
“There are parents out there who have spent money to provide their young kids with training, but because we they haven't been able to get in the pool for so long, it's all gone down the drain.”
Ms Macague said the school went to great lengths to ensure it was providing the safest environment possible for students and families.
“When we were allowed to open for that short period of time, we were doing everything right,” she said.
“We made sure we had one student or one family in the pool at one time and if the children were old enough, parents didn't stay during the lesson.
“We used our change rooms as little as possible and a lot of parents got the ‘wrap and go’ system down pat.
“We don't understand why we can't open under those provisions.”
Rochester mother Elizabeth Broucek has seen all four of her children develop their swimming skills under the training of the Splash and Learn team.
And while her older son Will, 17, and daughter Hayley, 11, have successfully completed their training, she is still concerned for all members of her family.
“My two younger kids, Shania and Noah, are still learning, but because of all this, they've gone so far backwards,” she said.
“And with both of them on the autism spectrum, they have to work that little bit harder, but to be honest I would be worried about all of my kids around water, it could take them years to get back up to where they were.”
Even her children can see the risks that could come their way.
“We learnt so much from working with Maree, but you never know what's in the water,” Hayley Broucek said.
“I'm lucky to have the opportunities I have had and I know a few of my friends can't swim as well as I can. It scares me to think of what could happen if they were to just jump in the river or channel without checking what was under the water.”
A spokesperson from Life Saving Victoria has said they were worried by recent child drowning statistics.
“We are concerned there have been 13 reported drowning deaths in Victoria between 1 July 2020 and 17 September 2020, which is an increase of nine on the five-year average,” they said.
“Tragically, the deaths of five toddlers in the two months to September reminds us of the importance of active supervision at all times around water at the home and elsewhere when it comes to young children.
“For children under five, this means being within arm’s reach at all times when they are around water.”
Parents have said even they have learnt a thing or two from watching their children in their lessons.
“The kids aren't just learning to swim, Maree and her team are teaching them about safety around water. Although we learnt the same thing when we were younger, there were things we would forget,” Mrs Broucek said.
Despite an unknown re-opening date, Life Saving Victoria said it wanted as many students learning again as soon as possible.
“In line with directions from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Life Saving Victoria is working with the Victorian Government and aquatic industry to provide recommendations and guidance on the re-opening of pools in a way that is first and foremost as safe as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“Water safety skills are still hugely important to maintain and learn — especially for kids at home missing the routine, exercise and social aspects of swimming lessons.”