As the sun shines brighter and the temperature rises, it's time for fun filled days by the water. While we can't wait to make the most of the summer season, it's important to remember water safety. Young children under 5 years of age are especially at risk of drowning due to their natural curiosity and developing swimming skills. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, always supervise young children in and around water. This includes beaches, pools, rivers, creeks, dams, and lakes.

Water Safety Messages
Educating both families and children about ways to stay safe in and around water is vital. Early childhood educators play an important role in water safety advocacy. By integrating beach and water safety messages into everyday play-based learning experiences, educators can guide children and their families toward safer behaviours in water environments.

Key Beach Safety Messages to share with children and families include:
Surf lifesavers wear red and yellow.
Always swim with a grown-up.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Some beaches are safer than others.
There are different kinds of waves, some are safer than others.
If you need help in the water, stay calm and raise your hand.

Saving Lives through Story
Endorsed by leading water safety organisations Surf Life Saving Australia and Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Louise Lambeth’s water safety children’s books educate and empower young minds to stay safe at the beach, pool and inland waterways. Annie and the Waves is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Swahili, Vietnamese and Arabic languages.

Teaching Water Safety through Play
Educators can download these free Teaching Notes for innovative ways to embed water safety practices all year-round. These book-based programming and planning ideas support principles, practices and learning
outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0 including:

· Learning Outcome 3.3: Children are aware of and develop strategies to support their own mental and physical health, and personal safety.
· Learning Outcome 4.3: Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.
Find out more
Listen to our The Power of Play and Storytelling in Water Safety Education podcast. In this episode, experienced Surf Life Saver and children’s book author, Louise Lambeth, shares ways educators can incorporate vital water safety messages into play-based learning for preschoolers. Discover how her educational programs are making waves in communities and hear real stories that inspire change.
Helpful links
Authored by Linda T Harrison
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