Staying safe in and around water
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide and heartbreakingly, many of these tragedies are preventable. At BlueFit Swimming, we’re committed to making a difference by delivering essential water safety skills and building water confidence in our communities.
While our structured learn to swim program develops swimming ability, it also fosters a lifelong respect for the water. Our goal is to ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe.
Why water confidence matters
Confidence in the water opens the door to a lifetime of recreation, connection, and wellbeing. It also empowers swimmers to make quick decisions, help others in need, and avoid danger. From learning how to float and tread water to understanding when and how to seek help, our students are taught practical skills for real-life scenarios.
Our top tips for staying safe around water
1. Supervise Actively
Constant, active adult supervision is the number one way to prevent drowning. Whether you’re at the pool, beach, or a backyard party, avoid distractions like phones and always designate a responsible adult to watch children around water.
2. Understand Different Water Environments
Each setting has unique risks:
- Beaches: Swim between the red and yellow flags and stay alert for rips.
- Rivers & Lakes: Be aware of submerged objects, slippery edges, and changing currents.
- Pools: Follow signage, obey lifeguards, and never prop open pool gates.
3. Learn to Swim Well
Swimming is one of the most effective defences against drowning. BlueFit Swimming offers year-round programs for all ages and skill levels, including adult classes and support for those with Aquaphobia.
4. Practice Survival Techniques
Floating, treading water and safe pool exits are just as important as learning strokes. During Water Safety Weeks, we focus on essential survival skills and emergency preparedness.
5. Encourage Safe Water Play
Play-based exploration helps build confidence. In a safe, supervised environment, children learn how their bodies move in water, how to recover from slips, and how to stay calm in new situations.
Expanding our impact
To ensure more people have access to critical water safety education, we’ve recently introduced specialised training for adults and those experiencing Aquaphobia. By reaching more people, we’re helping to build safer, stronger communities.
"As a leader of our BlueFit Swimming team, it’s important to share the stories that reflect our purpose. From students swimming independently for the first time to those avoiding dangerous situations using the skills they've learned—these moments are why we do what we do. Our mission is to prevent tragedy, build water-safe communities, and inspire confident swimmers who love to explore aquatic environments."
– Michele Eason, General Manager, BlueFit Swimming
With World Drowning Prevention Day approaching on July 25th, now is the perfect time to reflect on the role we all play in water safety. Whether you’re new to swimming or refreshing your skills, there’s never a bad time to prioritise safety in and around water.
We encourage every family to take a moment to prioritise water safety. Stay close. Stay alert. Stay safe. For full details on our supervision policies, please visit the Supervision Policy page on our website.
