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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/

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🏊 VICSWIM summer intensive swim lessons are coming to PARC & PINES in 2025. 🏊
 
We will be hosting the VICSWIM Summer Holiday Intensive Swim lesson program in January. 
 
The VICSWIM program is a low cost, intensive program teaching swimming and water safety to children from 4 years of age. Each program consists of daily lessons starting at the same time each day throughout the week. 
 
Dates for the upcoming summer intensive programs are: 
🟢 PINES 
Week 1: 6-10 January, 8.30am-3pm 
Week 2: 13-17 January, 8.30am-3pm 
Week 3: 20-24 January, 8.30am-3pm 
 
🔵 PARC 
Week 2: 13-17 January, 8.30am-3pm 
 
Bookings open today! Visit vicswim.com.au for all bookings and payments. 
 
These lessons will book out fast, so be ready on the day to secure your spot! 

#pinesfrankston #VICSWIM
Celebrate This Girl Can with a little you-time. 🧘‍♀️

Join us for a free community slow flow yoga session on Sunday 17 November at 4pm.

This is the perfect way to see out your weekend with a little piece of mindfulness. This event is free and is open to casual visitors so please bring a special female in your life along to connect and be active. 

Bookings will be open via the Customer Portal - link in bio.

#parcfrankston #thisgirlcan #yogaclass #yogaclasses #fitnessclass #slowflowyoga #slowflowyogaclass
Frankston’s Christmas Festival is back on Saturday 30 November! 🎄🎉

Young and Davey Streets will be transformed into a world of festive celebrations, music, food, activities, entertainment and more. 

The Peninsula Leisure’s PARC and Skate teams will be there with fun Christmas activities to keep the whole family entertained. 

We can’t wait to be part of the local Christmas celebrations and kick off the holiday season with you and your family at Frankston’s much loved Christmas Festival. 

#parcfrankstonc #christmasfestival #frankstonchristmasfestival #frankstonfestivaloflights #christmasseason🎄 @imaginefrankston
Ladies, celebrate This Girl Can week and get active! 🙌

This Girl Can is a VicHealth initiative that sets out to inspire all women to get active without fear of judgement. To celebrate, we are hosting two free events at PARC and PINES. 

🧘‍♀️You Time Yoga 🧘‍♀️
When: Sunday 17 November
Time: 4pm
Where: PARC, Studio 2

💪Girls Only PARC Fit Outdoor (dry land workout) 💪
When: Thursday 14 November
Time: 5.30pm
Where: PINES, Forest Drive Frankston North

Both events are free and are open to casual visitors so please bring a special female in your life along to connect and be active with. 

Bookings are open via our Customer Portal - link in bio.

@thisgirlcanvic 

#parcfrankston #thisgirlcan #yogaclass #yogaclasses #outdoorfitness #frankstoncity #frankstonnorth
Going away this public holiday weekend? 🚗✈️

Then PARC Plus has you covered!

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

Perfect for keeping on track with your workout routine! 
If you haven't checked it out yet, you can access it via our website in the link in our bio. 🔗

 #parcfrankston #frankston #frankstoncity #frankstonsouth #frankstonnorth #frankstonbeach #lesmills #lesmillsbodypump #lesmillsbodycombat #workoutanytime #workoutanywhere
🎉 Last Week to Celebrate Seniors Month at PARC! 🎉

It’s not too late to join in on our special Seniors Month classes! Bring a friend and try out Active Movers or Tai Chi together this week 💪🧘

Let’s wrap up October celebrating our vibrant 60+ community in Frankston

There are still spots available, so secure yours now! Book through our customer portal now by heading to the link in our bio. 👆

 #parcfrankston #seniorsexercise #seniorsexercises #activecommunity #frankston #frankstoncity #frankstonbeach #frankstonnorth #frankstonsouth #celebratingseniors #seniorsmonth #seniorsmonth2024

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