Year 7 and 8 students at Kincumber High School have taken part in a Surf Education program which teaches the valuable skills of how to stay safe in and around the ocean.
The program, run by Central Coast Surf Life Saving, is part of the new curriculum for levels seven and eight, focusing on surf education, water safety, first aid and sun protection.
Head Teacher for PDHPE, Matthew Crawford, said the day included several water safety and rescue activities.
“There was a 50-metre swim, a flotation test for around 2-3 minutes, beach flags, beach sprints and student rescues using boards and rescue tubes,” Crawford said.
“The program provides kids with the ability to save themselves when they are in trouble and gives them knowledge on how to identify rips and strong currents.
“It gives students the understanding of when to go, and when not to go, in the water.
“Students also learnt first aid and were informed on sun safety protection.”
Crawford said he was proud to see over 90 per cent of the children in the years getting involved in the day.
“The kids loved it, and even some of the children who aren’t active swimmers were jumping in and having a crack,” he said.
“There were kids who had never been to the beach who picked up some skills on how to be safe.
“It was really nice to see.
“Learning about water safety is an especially important skill, and it will benefit these kids for a long time to come, especially living here on the coast.”
Jacinta Counihan