Dandenong Ranges residents are regularly exposed to a range of water environments from dams, rivers and lakes to water tanks, pools and spas.
These places are an opportunity for adventure but a danger for the curious.
The 2008 Royal Life National Drowning Report revealed men were almost three times more likely to drown than women.
Toddlers were also at high risk, with 27 children aged under five drowning in the year to 30 June 2008.
Almost 60 per cent of those children drowned in backyard pools and that rivers, lakes, dams and lagoons were other common locations.
But Monbulk Aquatic Centre has four easy steps to reduce drowning deaths:
1. Never swim alone. Constantly supervise young children within arms reach whenever they are in, on or near water;
2. Ensure fencing and barriers are in place around the water or around the child;
3. Learn resuscitation (CPR) to be able to respond if an incident occurs; and
4. Parents and children should both take swimming lessons, and parents should be aware of their child’s abilities.
Monbulk Aquatic Centre Swimming Program has been providing the community with stroke technique and water safety for more than 40 years.
All its instructors are Austswim qualified and continue their professional development with workshops throughout the year.
Classes cater for beginners through to squad level swimmers aged six months and over.
There are swimming program vacancies across all levels.
Parents can enrol their child in the correct level by dropping in or calling the centre to book an assessment.
Learning to swim is a life skill. It not only brings enjoyment, relaxation and fitness but will save your life.
Monbulk Aquatic Centre will offer a CPR course for people aged 12 and over this August.
Anyone interested can contact the centre for further details.
Monbulk Aquatic Centre is located on Baynes Park Road in Monbulk and can be contacted by calling 9756 6227.
