Access to water and participation in aquatic activities in, on and around the water plays a significant part in the lives of Australians. Pool, rivers, lakes and beaches provide opportunities to enjoy a variety of sport and recreational activities. It is therefore vitally important that students learn how to be safe in, on and around all aquatic environments.
What part does the DECD Beach Safety Education Program play?
Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) Beach Safety Education program is designed to maximise the benefit of the time available. The program provides a beach safety learning pathway to engage, challenge and support students to:
• become confident and safe in aquatic environments
• develop skills, knowledge and understanding directly related to water safety (survival and rescue skills)
• explore, evaluate and make sound decisions about their own safety and the safety of others in aquatic environments.
• Work effectively with others
The reporting process:
The goal of the program is to support students to reach a level of competency in all identified learning outcomes. A record of development will be issued at the completion of the students’ lessons using the following reporting code (S.A.F.E.):
S – able to demonstrate task when supported by the instructor
A – able to demonstrate task using a flotation aid
F – able to demonstrate the task frequently and independently
E – able to demonstrate the task effectively and with understanding
It should be noted that achievements demonstrated and reported in this program occur in a controlled and supervised environment under a specialist instructor. Students may not be able to demonstrate the same level of competence in other conditions and should be supervised at all times when in and around the water.
The DECD Beach Safety Education Program is only one experience and access to other Learn to Swim and water based activities on a more regular basis can build on what has been taught and enhance skills and confidence.