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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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Lest We Forget
 
A friendly reminder that PARC will be running on reduced hours today. 

Centre Hours: 1pm – 7pm 
Café Hours: 1pm – 5pm 
PARC Swim: No classes
Group Exercise: Reduced timetable, check Customer Portal for classes. 
 
Please visit our website to see a full list of our opening hours, as well as any alterations to operations over this time. 

#PARCFrankston #ANZACday25 #lestweforget
🚨 Waterslide closure 🚨

Please note that both our Green Constrictor and Blue Python waterslides will be closed until further notice.

Our Aquatic playground will remain open for member and guest use.

We apologies for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding during is period

#PARCFrankston #Centreupdates #Slideclosure
Warm Water pool accessible change rooms closure 🛠
 
As part of our tiling replacement project, the Warm Water pool Accessible Change Rooms will be closed 

Where to go? members can use the family accessible change rooms downstairs or the upstairs accessible change rooms during this period. 

For all the details, check out our blog: https://tinyurl.com/mryd8rk6

We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance your experience at PARC!
Lest We Forget - Anzac Day 2025 
 
Just a friendly reminder that PARC will be running on reduced hours this ANZAC Day. Here's what services we'll be running this ANZAC Day Public Holiday. 

Centre Hours: 1pm – 7pm 
Café Hours: 1pm – 5pm 
Waterslides Hours: 1pm – 6pm 
PARC Swim: No classes 
Group Exercise: Reduced timetable, check Customer Portal for classes. 
 
Please visit our website to see a full list of our opening hours, as well as any alterations to operations over this time. 

#PARCFrankston #ANZACday2025 #Lestweforget #Centreupdates
Small Group Training Come & Try is back! 

Did you know you are more likely to reach your health goals when training with a friend? Having a workout buddy has proven to:

✅ Support each other's goals 
🤝 Help people stay accountable, 
📈 Improve performance, and 
👯‍♀️ most importantly, have fun while exercising. 

Join us on Saturday 3 May at 8.00am and 9.00am and experience a training session with friends. These sessions are open to our Full Access members, and bookings can be made via our Customer Portal or the Xplor app. Link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #SmallGroupTraining #ComeandTry #Trainwithfreinds
Happy Easter to our wonderful PARC Community 🐰

We hope your day filled with treats, chocolate and happiness. 😊

A friendly reminder that we are open today with reduced operating hours. Our centre is open today and tomorrow from 7am-7pm. 

We hope you have a very hoppy day!

#PARCFrankston #EasterSunday #easterlongweekend
A friendly reminder that PARC Is closed today for the Good Friday Public Holiday.

The Centre will reopen from 7am tomorrow 😊

Have a happy and safe easter long weekend 🐰

#PARCFrankston #Centreupdates #Publicholiday
Change the Pace 🏃 
 
It’s time to change up the pace and try something new with PARC! Shake up your routine and explore fresh ways to challenge yourself with our wide variety of group exercise classes 
 
🏆 Achieve a new personal best with Small Group Training 
🏊 Enjoy the benefits of water based exercise 
🧘🏻‍♂️ Reduce stress and recover with our warm water pool, spa and sauna 
 
Your fitness journey is unique to you, and at PARC, we're here to help you shake things up. Push your limits, embrace new challenges, and discover your perfect Pace. 
 
For more information on how you can change your Pace, please visit our website via the link in bio or speak to one of our friendly staff. 

 #PARCFrankston #ChangeyourPace #Trysomthingnew #Shakeupyourroutine #Revolutioniseyourfitness

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