Safety tips for young swimmers

BONDI Rescue lifeguard Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins has thrown his weight behind a program teaching water safety to children that is being delivered nationally this month, including at a venue in Bendigo.

The Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre in Kangaroo Flat is participating in the Float to Survive with GOswim initiative, which aims to teach young swimmers how to stay afloat in emergency aquatic situations.

GOswim is a leading swimming school that encourages students of all ages and abilities to learn swimming and water safety skills through experiential and activity-based learning.

The program is run by Belgravia Leisure and Swimming Australia and is offered at 80 venues across the nation, including Gurri Wanyarra.

The campaign comes in response to figures in the 2024 National Drowning Report showing that drownings have increased by 16 per cent in the past year compared to the 10-year average.

Hopkins, president of the Australian Professional and Ocean Lifeguards Association and who appears on the long-running Bondi Rescue television program, will make various appearances at GOswim venues around the country.

Until November 30, 250,000 GOswim lessons will be delivered at almost 80 locations around Australia, including at Gurri Wanyarra.

The lessons will start with five minutes of float training with a focus on reaching the head back to keep the mouth above water, keeping the mouth soft and not clenching, and gently rotating the arms and legs.

“I’m stoked to have partnered with GOswim to reach tens of thousands of students with this lifesaving message, which is relevant to anyone, in any aquatic situation whether it is in the surf, creek, river, lake or swimming pool,” Hopkins said.

“In the leadup to summer, this is a water safety skill that is non-negotiable and I’m excited to get out and about across the country…to help Aussies learn how to stay safe in the water.”

Gurri Wanyarra acting venue manager Shaun Kennon said he was excited that Bendigo could be part of the campaign.

“We have over 1,250 GOswim students here at Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre who will benefit from the Float to Survive with GOswim messaging.

“Beyond our students, we are also hoping to spread the word to all Aussies no matter their age, ability, background or circumstance.

“Anyone can drown, but no one should, and we believe that spreading this message will hands down save lives.”