As we approach the summer holidays, it is important that students know how to keep themselves and others safe around water.

This essential component of the mandatory K-10 PDHPE curriculum is provided within the broader context of safe living, games and sports, and individual and community health.

In primary school, students have the opportunity to learn about:

• safe places to swim
• water safety awareness and survival strategies
• how to recognise an injury and seek help
• how to contact emergency services
• basic first aid procedures including resuscitation procedures.

In high school, students have the opportunity to:

• develop water safety skills
• develop proficiency in a range of swimming strokes or undertake a lifesaving qualification
• emergency assessment including DRSABCD
• strategies to keep themselves and others safe
• priority actions and first aid management and how to seek further assistance when in an emergency.

Schools, particularly secondary schools, may choose to provide extra opportunities for students to build on their first aid knowledge through accreditation programs, like the Royal Lifesaving Awards, St John Ambulance Certificates and Surf Lifesaving Awards.

For more information relating to aquatics, lifesaving and first aid, visit the following websites:

• Royal Lifesaving Society
• Surf Lifesaving Australia
• Austswim
• St Johns Ambulance
• Shoctober
• Swimming Australia
• Beachsafe

For more information, contact:
Karen Ingram
Inspector, PDHPE
Karen.ingram@bostes.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367-8150