News

New research could prove key to preventing drowning deaths among Victorian children

March 14, 2018 | Australian Leisure Management Early results from a world-first research study show that preventing drownings is not as simple as getting more children into intensive school swimming programs. Despite Victoria recording the highest number of reported drownings in over a decade this summer, there has previously been little to no research or formal studies undertaken on how best to teach children to swim. To help address the tragic prevalence of drownings, Frankston-based Peninsula Leisure has joined forces with Deakin University to undertake a comprehensive study at the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) into the most effective teaching method to help kids gain and retain swimming skills. Despite a worryingly low starting point, with two-thirds of students in the pilot study finding it challenging or impossible to swim 50 meters, early indications revealed a significant increase in swimming skills gained from the school swimming program. However, there was a severe lack of retention of these skills. Testing undertaken just nine-months after completion of the school swimming program, showed 63% of students had a lower level of swimming competency compared to the beginning of the program. Additionally, 24% of students returned to the same level of competency. Peninsula Leisure Chief Executive Tim Gledhill said the pioneering research, which is due to be completed in April 2019, will provide critical insights into how best to teach children so they learn and retain life-saving swimming skills. Gledhill stated “this research is the first of its kind to show that one-off, intensive swim classes alone are not enough to address the lack of swimming ability amongst kids, or to reduce the tragic rate of drownings in Victoria and across Australia. “Early results show that students must attend regular swimming classes, or at least swim regularly outside school, in order to retain basic swimming skills and be safe and confident in the water. “While we support calls to increase the accessibility of schools-based programs to ensure all children can swim confidently by the end of primary school, this research also highlights the importance of ensuring the type and frequency of lessons is best suited to help kids retain these life-saving skills.” PARC Swim Manager, Julia Wood, who helped lead the study, said she was especially proud of how the research could help increase water skills and safety in the local Frankston community. Wood added “the Frankston primary school students who participated in the study are not only on the path to gaining valuable swim skills, but helped us gain critical knowledge on which teaching model leads to greater retention of swimming skills.

“This research could help save countless lives, and supports our vision to ensure every child in Frankston can swim.”

Testing is still being conducted at Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre, with Peninsula Leisure and Deakin University aiming to provide final research findings in April 2019.

Source: https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/new-research-could-prove-key-to-preventing-drowning-deaths-among-victorian/

Share this article

Meet Aaron 👋 

Aaron has more than 17 years of Physio experience across a wide variety of clinical settings, including private practice and elite sports, spending 6 seasons at the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club. 
 
Aaron also works part-time as a local distance running coach and loves to assist people in achieving their long-term functional goals. 

You can learn more about Aaron and the Davenport Physiotherapy team, located at PARC Allied Health Suites, through our website - Link in bio
 

#PARCfrankston #DavenportPhysiotherapy
Daylight Savings Reminder ☀️⏰

Daylight savings start tomorrow!

Remember to set your clocks forward and to plan ahead if you've booked a class or plan on attending our centre tomorrow.

We hope to see you in centre soon.

 #PARCFrankston
🚨 Waterslide closure 🚨

Please note that both Raft Waterslides will be closed for important structural works from Thursday 9 October until early December. 

The works will be completed on both waterslides, as well as the waterslide tower. 

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. 

#PARCFrankston #Centreupdates #Slideclosure
Anywhere, anytime with PARC Plus. 📱

We've just added more content to our extensive PARC Plus library, giving you the power to work out when and where you want. Access your favourite new Les Mills classes whether your going away or spending time at home. 

Perfect for keeping pace with your workout routine! 

You can access PARC Plus through the TechnoGym app or via the link in bio

#PARCFrankston
Happy International Coffee Day! ☕️

Here’s to the brews that get us through. Whether it’s an espresso shot at sunrise or a slow pour in the afternoon, today we raise our mugs to our amazing cafe team who keep us all caffeinated

#PARCFrankston #InternationalCoffeeDay #ButFirstCoffee #Latte
Have you registered for PARC Fit Outdoor yet? ☀️

Join us on Mondays & Fridays at 5:45am for a bootcamp style work out and Wednesdays at 6am for an all-abilities PARC Fit Run club. 🏃‍♀️
 
Reserve your spot for 8 weeks of energising sessions with experienced trainers and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Frankston. 
 
See you next week as PARC Fit Outdoors makes its return for Spring. Limited spots available – secure your spot today via the website, link in bio
 
#PARCFrankston #PARCFitOutdoor #PARCFitRun
Todays forecast - 100% chance of fun! 🌧🤣

It's the last week of the PARC County Fair and the it's perfect conditions for Splash Island. Enjoy the best party on the Peninsula, with hours of activities and entertainment kids of all ages will enjoy.

🤩 Our inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island
(bookings essential)
☀️ Rafter waterslides
💦 Aquatic Playground
😎 Scavenger hunt
🎈 Balloon entertainment and face painting
🙌 Prizes and giveaways

Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run until Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun
🎪 1 week left of the PARC County Fair 🎪 

Don't miss the best party on the Peninsula, with hours of activities and entertainment kids of all ages will enjoy. 

🤩 Our inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island (bookings essential) 
☀️ Rafter waterslides 
💦 Aquatic Playground 
😎 Scavenger hunt 
🎈 Balloon entertainment and face painting 
🙌 Prizes and giveaways 

Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run until Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio. 

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun

Recent articles

Connected community

Member Spotlight – Anca

Meet Anca, a dedicated member of PARC and PARC Fit Run club passionate. Anca is a passionate runner with the ambitious goal of completing all

Read More »