Kids+ take to the water

CHILDREN and young adults have pulled on their wetsuits and headed into the surf as part of the Kids+ Surf Ed program.

Running from January 13 until January 16, at Torquay’s Fisherman’s Beach, the aim is to get children and young adults with disabilities into the water and improve their confidence and skills.

Participants spent their time learning about water safety in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.

 

Kids+ physiotherapist Louise Daniels said the days give children and their families a chance to enjoy the beach and the water.

“It gives kids who don’t have the opportunity to go the beach the chance because of all the extra supports.

“It’s help getting in and out of the water, it’s help getting on the boards, catching the waves.”

“It’s about the accessibility of the beach, half of the kids actually live in Torquay but can’t come down without this support.”

 

Held at Torquay’s Fisherman’s beach the program is in its seventh year and is always a favourite with participants, often booking out weeks in advance.

The Surf Ed program is supported by the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club and Torquay Marine Rescue, helping in the water and providing equipment.

Across the four days, kids were able to climb aboard the jet skis, something a number of children thought they would never have the chance to do.

 

20 chilfren from kids + attended the program, with half of those wheelchair users and the others able to walk independently.

Kids+ general manager Kelsey Jamieson said she hopes the program shows families what’s possible when going down to the beach.

 

“Part of it is trying to do it in a way that is safe for families, it’s still taking risks, they’re still on jet ski’s but we’re doing it in the safest way possible, but otherwise they wouldn’t have those opportunities.”

Kids+ thanked the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club and Torquay Marine Rescue for their help and support in running the program.